Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, August 7, 1994                   TAG: 9408080014
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-2   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: By JAMES W. FELTS
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

DARE RECEIVES SUPPORT OF MANY; HAS SHOWN SUCCESS

Offering the core program in either the fifth or sixth grade, the final grade of elementary school, helps children build willpower and a belief in themselves before they are confronted by the pressures of middle/junior high school. Research shows most children have not begun to experiment with drugs at the age of 10 or 11.

The 17-week program focuses on consequences of behavior, assertiveness training, stress management without drugs, role models, anger management and conflict resolution, among other issues. An officer who knows how drugs and alcohol can destroy lives teaches decision-making skills, dealing with peer pressure and alternatives to drug use. Officers also talk to kindergarten through fourth-graders and follow up in middle/junior high and high school classrooms.

In Virginia, DARE began in 1986-87 in 15 school divisions. It is now in 131 of the state's 133 divisions. More than 500,000 students have received the core program, and more than 1.3 million students have received visitation lessons in kindergarten through fourth grade.

In three nationwide studies, a sample of students who had completed the DARE curriculum shows significantly less substance abuse, including cigarettes and alcohol; a decrease in school vandalism and truancy; improved student work habits; reduced tension between ethnic groups; reduced gang activity; a more positive attitude toward police; better student rapport with teachers and school officials.

Virginia Commonwealth University examined the impact of the DARE program in Virginia and found that the program increased awareness of drugs and their negative consequences.

The second year of the study showed a significant difference in drug experimentation and drug use between DARE and non-DARE students. The study also found DARE students had more positive attitudes toward people of authority.

Results also are impressive for the middle/junior high and senior high school curricula, where students who participated in the programs showed significantly greater knowledge than the control groups. Students indicated that they had developed new knowledge and skills that would help them make positive lifestyle decisions.

Teachers and administrators are also very positive about DARE programs, which were considered pertinent and were praised for using innovative instruction.

DARE is a cooperative program of the State Police, the state Department of Education, local law enforcement agencies and local school divisions.

DARE has been successful because of the support of law enforcement and education agencies, parents and community groups and the commitment of the students who have received the instruction to lead drug-free lives.

James W. Felts is DARE coordinator for the Virginia Department of Education.