Pubdate: Fri, 05 Oct 2001
Source: Ogdensburg Journal/Advance News (NY)
Copyright: 2001 St. Lawrence County Newspapers Corp
Contact: Accepts LTEs by mail only!
Website: http://www.ogd.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/689
Author:  Mary Esch  (Associated Press)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.)

ALBANY SCHOOLS REPLACE DARE WITH LITERACY-BASED PROGRAM

A program designed to boost literacy, self-esteem, and self-confidence has 
been woven into the curriculum at Albany's 12 elementary schools as a 
replacement tor the much debated national Drug Abuse Resistance and 
Education program.

The Albany program, called "An Apple a Day," delivers its message primarily 
through the use of mainstream books that present stories of courage, 
personal empowerment and the ability to triumph over adversity.

"Its's a very intensive program which includes reading exercises and 
journal writing," said Catherine Doherty, the program's developer and 
executive director of the Albany Citizens Council on Alcoholism and Other 
Chemical Dependencies.  "Its' integrated right into the curriculum starting 
in first grade."

Unlike D.A.R.E. which is an intensive 17 week anti-substance abuse program 
presented to fifth and sixth graders by police officers, the "Apple a Day" 
program is for grades 1 through 4. It is taught by classroom teachers as 
well as police officers who receive special training.

The anti-substance abuse message is continued in grades 5 through 12 as 
part of the "Know Your Body" health curriculum developed in the Albany City 
School District four years ago, district superintendent Lonnie Palmer said.

D.A.R.E. has served us very well over the years," Albany Mayor Gerald 
Jennings said at a news conference Thursday at Albany's Arbor Hill 
Elementary School.  But with the development of the "Apple a Day' program 
in 1993 and the new health curriculum more recently, the D.A.R.E. program 
became redundant.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth