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
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart