D.A.R.E.

DARE HISTORY

In 1983, it was apparent that stopping the supply and abuse of illegal drugs was a nearly impossible task. Children were becoming involved in the drug culture at earlier ages and in greater numbers than ever before. In order to educate elementary school age children to the consequences of drug abuse, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) combined forces to develop a drug abuse prevention program entitled Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE).

The pilot program began with ten LAPD officers assigned as substance abuse instructors in the LAUSD. Each of these officers/instructors participated in an eighty-hour training course. The DARE program equips 6th grade students with the life skills for resisting peer pressure to experiment with drugs and alcohol.

Since DARE's inception, it has served as a model for agencies throughout the country. The City of Fond du Lac Police Department, in cooperation with the Fond du Lac Public and Parochial schools, implemented the program in the 1990 - 1991 school year. Twelve schools were initially involved in the DARE program.

As of 1994, DARE curriculum has been updated to enhance the program to meet the changing needs of children.

DARE TEACHES...

Understanding the Effects of Mind-Altering Drugs

To help students develop knowledge of basic drug facts and the harmful effects of mind-altering drugs if misused.

Drug Use and Misuse

Students learn the harmful effects of drug use.

Consequences

Students will be able to identify consequences of using and choosing not to use tobacco, alcohol and marijuana.

Peer Pressure

To make students aware of the actual extent of drug abuse among adolescents and the kinds of peer pressure they may face to take drugs.

Resisting Pressure

Students learn the many ways of refusing drugs. Ways to say NO!

Building Self-Esteem

Students learn about their own positive qualities and how to compliment others.

Assertiveness

DARE teaches students to assert their rights confidently without interfering with other's rights.

Managing Stress

Students will recognize stress encountered in their daily living and to suggest ways to deal with it other than taking drugs.

Reducing Violence

Help students recognize that destructive acts of violence are inappropriate ways to deal with anger and to resolve disagreements.

Media Influence

DARE officers review techniques used in the media to encourage tobacco and alcohol use.

Making Decisions

Students will be able to apply decision making skills in evaluating the risks in situations involving using drugs, tagging and using weapons.

Drug Abuse Alternatives

Students can be accepted by peers or have fun without the use of drugs.

Role Modeling

A DARE officer selects high school students to visit the class, teaching that drug users are the minority.

Gang Pressure

Students discuss the kinds of pressures they may encounter from gang members.

DARE Summary

Students assess and summarize what they have learned.

Taking a Stand

Students compose and read aloud essays on how they can respond when they are pressured to use drugs. This essay becomes each student's "DARE Pledge."

Culmination

In a school-wide assembly planned in cooperation with the school administration, all students who have participated in project DARE receive certificates of achievement.

CORE CURRICULUM...

The DARE core curriculum, which targets sixth-grade elementary school students who will be graduating into junior high, consists of seventeen 45/60 minute lessons. These lessons will be conducted by a DARE Officer on a weekly basis. These lessons are structured, sequential and cumulative. A wide range of teaching strategies are used which emphasizes student participation, including group discussion, question and answer and role-play activities. Only DARE certified officers will be instructing the lessons.

One unique aspect of dare is that the officer not only teaches the DARE lessons, but stays in that particular school for the entire day. The DARE officer is there before school, joins in classes, eats lunch, joins in at recess and is available after school. The officer becomes a friend and resource person to each student. Documented national studies of a sample of students who have completed the DARE curriculum shows:

• Significantly less substance abuse, including cigarettes and alcohol.
• A sharp decrease in school vandalism and truancy.
• Improved student work habits.
• Reduced tensions between ethnic groups.
• Reduced gang activity.
• A more positive attitude toward police.