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