Pubdate: Wed, 03 Oct 2001
Source: Quesnel Cariboo Observer (CN BC)
Copyright: 2001 Quesnel Cariboo Observer
Contact:  http://www.quesnelobserver.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1260
Author: Rolf Harrison
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.)

SCHOOLS REVIEW DARE

The Quesnel School District is "monitoring the impact" of controversial 
drug intervention programs like DARE, drug free zones, EBS and 2nd Step. 
The evaluation is listed as one of several actions that the school 
district's plans to carry out this year to meet its goal of creating "a 
safe, positive, learning environment."

Programs like DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) have been widely 
criticized in the U.S. for doing little to prevent drug use among children. 
Superintendent of schools Ed Napier said he is aware of the controversy 
surrounding these programs, but notes that parents and students in Quesnel 
have found them helpful.

Teachers, principals, support staff and parents will be consulted, and a 
report will be prepared for the school board by next August. DARE is a drug 
education program in which police talk to students in schools.

Critics say police harm children with their "Just say no" message by 
failing to distinguish between soft drugs like marijuana and dangerous, 
addictive narcotics like heroin and cocaine.
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MAP posted-by: Beth