Pubdate: Thu, 19 Apr 2001 Source: St. Paul Pioneer Press (MN) Copyright: 2001 St. Paul Pioneer Press Contact: http://www.pioneerplanet.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/379 Author: Tom Conlon Note: The writer is a member of the St. Paul School Board. D.A.R.E. NEEDS MORE SUPPORT, ADDITIONAL TIME It was disappointing to see the attack on the Drug Awareness Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program that the St. Paul Public Schools have used since 1989 [editorial, April 11]. St. Paul police have done an excellent job sharing the dangers of violence, drugs, alcohol, tobacco and negative peer pressure in our 17-week fifth-grade program. The problem is that the program has been set up for possible failure by not allowing the appropriate follow-up in the middle and high schools. D.A.R.E.'s attackers use "effectiveness" as a smokescreen for their ideological opposition. Many oppose police officers in schools, as they do military recruiters, JROTC, Boy Scouts and others that have wide community support and are voluntary. If they really want effective programs, give D.A.R.E. the resources it needs -- an effective seventh-grade follow up dealing with peer-pressure issues, and a 10th-grade program focusing on criminal justice issues of drugs. If they claim to support the message but shoot the messenger, let's expose their true ideological agenda. The real issue is working to improve the program so it meets everyone's needs. Much of the funding comes from the state, and St. Paul's charter and private school participation keeps it cost effective. We already have police liaisons in our middle and senior high schools who could partner with us on an expanded program at little or no additional cost. Work with us and offer true suggestions on how to make it a win-win program, and stop using kids as political pawns. Our students deserve it. TOM CONLON ST. PAUL - --- MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart