What the DARE Program Teaches

The D.A.R.E. Program: Unpacking What It Truly Teaches

Have you ever wondered what exactly the D.A.R.E. program teaches students? For decades, Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) has been a familiar presence in schools, with uniformed police officers engaging young people on critical life choices. But beyond the well-known acronym, what core lessons does this program impart? This comprehensive article will delve into the curriculum, its evolution, and the skills it aims to equip students with, helping you understand the full scope of what the D.A.R.E. program teaches.

Understanding the D.A.R.E. Program: A Brief Overview

The D.A.R.E. program, standing for Drug Abuse Resistance Education, was first launched in Los Angeles in 1983 as a joint initiative between the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and the Los Angeles Unified School District. Its foundational goal was to prevent the misuse of controlled drugs, reduce gang involvement, and deter violent behavior among young people.

A distinctive feature of D.A.R.E. is its delivery method: uniformed police officers teach the curriculum directly in school classrooms. This approach aims to foster positive relationships between students and law enforcement while providing a credible source for information on sensitive topics. Initially designed for elementary school students, particularly fifth and sixth graders, the program has since expanded its reach to include students from kindergarten through high school, adapting its lessons to be age-appropriate.

The Original D.A.R.E. Curriculum: Core Teachings

In its early years, what the D.A.R.E. program taught focused heavily on direct drug prevention and resistance skills. The curriculum typically involved 17 weekly lessons, each lasting about 45 minutes to an hour.

Resisting Peer Pressure and Saying No

A cornerstone of the early D.A.R.E. program was equipping students with strategies to resist peer pressure. Students were taught how to identify different types of pressure and learn refusal techniques to combat invitations to use drugs or engage in risky behaviors. The program emphasized that popularity could be found in positive behavior and that belonging didn't require abandoning personal values.

Understanding the Consequences of Substance Use

The curriculum provided information on the harmful effects of misusing drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. Lessons covered the potential physical, personal, and social consequences of substance abuse, aiming to make drug use unappealing by highlighting its negative impacts.

Building Self-Esteem and Positive Alternatives

Beyond just "saying no," what the D.A.R.E. program teaches also extended to building self-esteem and exploring positive alternatives to drug use. Students were encouraged to identify positive qualities in themselves and others, learn how to manage stress without resorting to drugs, and find constructive activities to engage in. The program also touched on topics like assertiveness and developing strong support systems.

The Evolution of D.A.R.E.: Introducing "Keepin' It REAL"

Over time, D.A.R.E. recognized the need to adapt its curriculum based on new research and evolving societal challenges. Following evaluations that raised questions about the long-term effectiveness of its original approach in reducing drug use, the program underwent significant revisions in the early 2000s, leading to the adoption of the "Keepin' It REAL" curriculum in 2009. This updated curriculum represents a notable shift in what the D.A.R.E. program teaches.

Emphasizing Decision-Making and Communication Skills

The "Keepin' It REAL" curriculum moves beyond a sole focus on drug prevention to a broader emphasis on teaching good decision-making skills and improving communication. It encourages critical thinking and provides students with general personal and social skills needed to navigate various life situations, not just those involving drugs. Lessons are now more interactive, incorporating real-life, problem-based activities and role-playing scenarios.

Addressing Modern Challenges: Cyberbullying and Internet Safety

Recognizing the complexities of the digital age, the updated D.A.R.E. program has expanded its topics to include contemporary issues such as cyberbullying and internet safety. This ensures that what the D.A.R.E. program teaches remains relevant to the challenges young people face today.

The "REAL" Strategies for Life

A core component of the "Keepin' It REAL" curriculum is the introduction of the "REAL" strategies for resisting drug offers and making healthy choices:

• Refuse: Learning direct and assertive ways to say no.
• Explain: Being able to provide a reason for their refusal.
• Avoid: Recognizing and steering clear of high-risk situations.
• Leave: Knowing when and how to remove themselves from uncomfortable or dangerous situations.

These strategies empower youth to value their own perceptions and feelings and make choices that support drug-free values.

Beyond the Classroom: The Role of Law Enforcement and Community

The D.A.R.E. program is not just about the lessons taught; it's also a cooperative effort involving police, schools, parents, and the community. The presence of trained, uniformed police officers in the classroom helps to build positive relationships between students and law enforcement, fostering trust and open communication. Officers undergo extensive training in areas like child development and teaching techniques to effectively deliver the curriculum.

Assessing Effectiveness: What the Research Says

The effectiveness of the D.A.R.E. program has been a subject of extensive research. While early evaluations of the original curriculum suggested limited impact on reducing drug use, they often noted positive effects on students' attitudes, social skills, and knowledge about drugs.

However, the updated "Keepin' It REAL" curriculum, which is evidence-based and focuses more on decision-making and communication, has shown more promising results. Recent research, including a 2023 study, suggests that the revised elementary curriculum has had a positive impact in deterring the onset of alcohol use and vaping among students. This highlights the program's commitment to continuous improvement and adapting to new scientific understanding in prevention education.

Conclusion

What the D.A.R.E. program teaches has evolved significantly since its inception. While it began with a strong focus on drug resistance, it has broadened its scope to equip young people with comprehensive life skills, critical thinking, and effective communication strategies. By addressing not only substance abuse but also issues like peer pressure, cyberbullying, and general decision-making, D.A.R.E. aims to empower students to lead safe, healthy, and responsible lives.

What are your thoughts on the D.A.R.E. program's evolution? Share your experiences or perspectives in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions

What does D.A.R.E. stand for?

D.A.R.E. stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education.

Who teaches the D.A.R.E. program?

The D.A.R.E. program is taught by trained, uniformed police officers who visit classrooms.

What age groups does the D.A.R.E. program target?

While initially focused on elementary students (5th and 6th graders), the D.A.R.E. curriculum has expanded to cover students from kindergarten through high school.

Has the D.A.R.E. curriculum changed over time?

Yes, the D.A.R.E. curriculum has undergone significant revisions, most notably with the adoption of the "Keepin' It REAL" curriculum in 2009, which emphasizes broader decision-making skills, communication, and addresses modern issues like cyberbullying.