NCJ Number
165291
Date Published
1994
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This report presents the methodology and findings of the evaluation of the Arizona Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) Program for the 1992-93 school year.
Abstract
D.A.R.E. completed its seventh year of instruction in Arizona in June 1993. The focus of the program is the presentation of a 17-lesson, formal curriculum by uniformed law enforcement officers to elementary fifth and sixth graders. D.A.R.E. instructors are also involved in school staff inservice sessions, parent meetings, and periodic visits to classrooms that do not participate in the D.A.R.E. curriculum. The 1992-93 school year saw the introduction of the new revised D.A.R.E. Junior High program. During the 1992-93 school year, more than 40,000 core D.A.R.E. students were tested in Arizona. The test consisted of 19 multiple-choice questions about drugs, behavior, personal safety, and substance abuse. The students were given a pretest prior to D.A.R.E. instruction and a posttest with the same questions. A teacher evaluation form was sent to the core teachers in 487 schools where the program was being presented. A total of 1,053 responses were received from 360 schools. An administrator evaluation form was sent to each administrator at 487 schools where the D.A.R.E. core program was being presented. A total of 355 responses were received. Overall, the evaluation results show that the D.A.R.E. program is doing very well in the State. Student evaluations indicate they are receiving the information and learning the skills necessary to help them when they are faced with decisionmaking situations that involve drug use. The evaluation from both teachers and administrators shows that the program is an important part of the school curriculum and that the D.A.R.E. instructor is a significant part of the school faculty. The key to the program's success is the commitment and quality of the officers presenting the program. 3 tables