Index for the D.A.R.E. FAILING OUR KIDS series:

Sun, 27 Feb 2000:

D.A.R.E. Doesn't Work
http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00/n281/a04.html

DARE Wary Of Outside Reviews
http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00/n281/a02.html

Some Schools Opt Out Of Program
http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00/n282/a04.html

Officers Become School Favorites
http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00/n281/a06.html

Officers Hope To Make A Difference
http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00/n292/a02.html

Analysis Tracks Students' Drug Use
http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00/n292/a03.html

Mon, 28 Feb 2000:

DARE's Clout Smothers Other Drug Programs
http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00/n292/a04.html

Raves Thrive As Teen Drug Havens
http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00/n293/a04.html

Parents Struggle When Discussing Drugs With Teens
http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00/n292/a05.html

Tips For Parents
http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00/n293/a03.html

Parents' Anti-Drug Resource Guide [many website links]
http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00/n293/a02.html

Tue, 29 Feb 2000:

Editorial: Drugs: Dare to be Honest
http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00/n293/a05.html

Readers: Cops Key to DARE Success, Failure
http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00/n293/a06.html

OFFICERS BECOME SCHOOL FAVORITES

Program Helps Erase Students' Fears of Police, the System

SOUTHFIELD -- Charmain Jefferson-Ford can’t walk through the halls of Morris
Adler Elementary without several students stopping her to say, “Hi, Officer
Ford.”

Jefferson-Ford, a Southfield police officer, spends eight hours a week
teaching 5th graders the Drug Abuse Resistence Education program, known as
DARE.

If she weren’t wearing her blue police uniform, Jefferson-Ford could pass as
a favorite teacher. It’s a metamorphosis that happens to most DARE officers:
Students begin to see police as people who want to help them stay away from
trouble — not just fearsome authority figures.

Jefferson-Ford knows each student’s name, helps them build DARE floats for
school parades and comes back at the end of the year for 5th grade
graduation. She also invites her former students to projects she organizes,
such as fund-raisers, and watches out for kids who struggle more than
others.

“Don’t forget what we talked about,” Jefferson-Ford calls out to a student
heading to another class. The student, with whom she has been working to
control his temper, let someone get to him earlier in the day. So she spoke
with him about using his skills to not let that happen again. “You ’ve got
the power,” she told the boy.

Jefferson-Ford strides into her classroom and begins one of her last lessons
to this particular class of 21 5th graders.

She tells them she’s pleased with their DARE essays, a requirement for
students to graduate from the program. But a few people still haven’t turned
in the assignment.

“You know who you are,” she says firmly. “I don’t want any failures here.”

It’s a test day, so Jefferson-Ford tells the class to clear their desks. But
instead of a written test, she quizzes the students orally, so they can
refine their verbal skills, interact with each other and practice speaking
in front of a group.

She divides the class into two teams so they can play what she calls “DARE
baseball.” Students may ask for a question worth one point (a single), two
points (a double) and so on.

Charles Carpenter asks for a grand-slam question.

“For 10 points, name eight ways to say no,” Ford said.

Carpenter begins his list: Say, “No thanks.” Change the subject. Give
someone the cold shoulder. Use strength in numbers.

“You’re doing great,” Jefferson-Ford tells Carpenter.

Walk away, sound like a broken record, the young boy continued.

But when he can’t name two other ways and a several minutes pass,
Jefferson-Ford tells him he’s hit a fly ball.

Brandi Madlock, who’s on the other team, takes a stab at the question and
recites all eight answers. Half the class cheers, Jefferson-Ford gives her a
high-five and her team 10 points.

DARE baseball continues for another hour, with Jefferson-Ford asking more
questions covered in her previous lessons. What is a risk? Why do we need to
build a support person? Describe a person who has high self-esteem.

Most people tend to think of DARE as a program that only aims to discourage
students from using cigarettes, alcohol and drugs, Jefferson-Ford said after
class. But it’s more, she said.

Students learn about conflict resolution, consequences of their actions,
resisting peer pressure and respecting others.

“It’s not just about drugs,” Jefferson-Ford said. “The program teaches life
skills.”