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.