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. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth