THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, December 5, 1994 TAG: 9412020011
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A10 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Medium: 68 lines
Regarding ``Does D.A.R.E. do?'' (editorial, Nov. 15) concerning recent media reports regarding the efficacy of the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program, a prevention program instructed by specially trained police officers in more than 50 percent of schools nationwide:
The editorial contained several points from the Research Triangle Institute study commissioned by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The purpose of this study was to evaluate Project D.A.R.E. and report findings. Your editorial addressed the points made in the report and stressed the importance of parental involvement in any prevention effort.
However, most media reports concerning this issue have omitted important information regarding the report.
First, the Research Triangle Institute submitted its report to BJA in February 1994. As is customary, BJA submitted this report to other independent researchers to conduct a ``peer review'' of the research methods used to determine results. The report failed this peer review on the basis of the manner in which the study was conducted, the sample used for reference and the method of analysis.
Then, as an extra precaution, BJA submitted the rejected study to a second peer review. This review also rejected the study. To report these findings without a proviso concerning the problems encountered in determining the validity of the results misrepresents the facts.
Unfortunately, many publications were not made aware of these difficulties or did not choose to add this information to their reporting of an article certain to generate controversy and attention.
Second, if one were to accept the study as written, it is important to note that many of the criticisms described in the study have already been addressed by Project D.A.R.E. in a new, revised, core curriculum implemented in September.
One strong example is the addition of cooperative-learning/officer-facilitation instruction rather than traditional didactic methodologies. Unfortunately, this study did not evaluate the new D.A.R.E. curriculum. In essence, it evaluated an obsolete curriculum and may therefore be obsolete in itself.
Third, the study states that effects are negligible if follow-up programs are not conducted in later grades. If one accepts these findings in disregard of the questions concerning the validity of the study, then it should be reassuring to parents to know that throughout most of Hampton Roads, D.A.R.E. programs are taught at elementary, middle, junior and high-school levels as well as in a parent program.
It is also important to note that D.A.R.E. is not the single answer to the plague of drugs and violence that infects our society. It is but one piece of a much larger puzzle. As your editorial pointed out so eloquently, parents have a key role in this effort, as does the community, other school-based programs, churches and other support groups.
Critics of Project D.A.R.E. are far outnumbered by the parents, teachers and students who have experienced this program or have seen its positive effects.
Contrary to your editorial, D.A.R.E. is firmly rooted in the 1990s and is striving to assist young people and their parents to face the issues of today. It is a pleasure and a privilege to serve our communities and citizens in this rewarding and effective manner.
KARLA K. HARRIS, president
Southside Hampton Roads
D.A.R.E. Association
Norfolk, Nov. 18, 1994 by CNB