D.A.R.E.
DRUG ABUSE RESISTANCE EDUCATION
Program Background
In January 1983, Chief Daryl F. Gates of the Los
Angeles Police Department (LAPD) approached Dr. Harry Handler, Superintendent
of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), expressing concern about
drug problems facing society. As a result of this meeting, a task force
comprised of LAPD and LAUSD personnel was appointed to develop a drug abuse
prevention program for elementary school children.
During the development of the curriculum, numerous drug abuse
education programs were examined. Task force members agree that a prevention
program was best suited for the targeted age group. Existing prevention
models which emphasized an understanding of peer pressure, self-management
skills (decision-making, values clarification, and problem-solving), positive
lifestyles, and alternatives to drug use appeared to be experiencing the
highest degree of success. As a result of this study, a cooperative LAPD/LAUSD
drug abuse prevention program called D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education)
was developed for presentation to fifth and sixth grade students. D.A.R.E.
curriculum focuses on peer resistance training, self-concept improvement,
and value judgments about respect for the law and personal safety.
Long term goals of the D.A.R.E. program include:
· a reduction in the supply of controlled substances
as a result of reduced demand;
· more positive identification with police officers;
· improved decision-making in all life situations; and
· an overall reduction in criminality.
D.A.R.E. CURRICULUM
Each school (classroom) is visited once a week for 17 weeks by the assigned
D.A.R.E. officer. Lessons last 45-60 minutes and involve students in a
variety of exercises, both written and verbal. D.A.R.E. gives children
skills to recognize and resist the subtle and overt pressures that cause
them to experiment with drugs and alcohol. Among with learning how to react
when offered drugs, children learn about peer pressure, self-concept improvement,
handling stress, value judgments and risks, as well as respect for the
law, personal safety and the glamorization of drugs and alcohol in the
media. At the conclusion of the semester, graduation ceremonies are held
to honor students for their successful completion of the D.A.R.E. instruction.