NCJ Number
215581
Journal
Journal of Drug Education Volume: 36 Issue: 1 Dated: 2006 Pages: 33-45
Date Published
2006
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This study examined the prescription drug-related content and learning objectives found in Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) materials for upper elementary and middle school students.
Abstract
Results indicated that the D.A.R.E. program offered limited content and few learning objectives related to prescription drug abuse. Additionally, all prescription drug-related information was presented in an implicit manner that failed to directly identify prescription drugs as potential drugs of abuse. The findings suggest that students, teachers, and school administrators who rely solely on the D.A.R.E. program for drug information may be under-informed about the potential dangers of prescription drug abuse. The research methodology involved a content analysis of two D.A.R.E. modules: one designed for fifth and sixth grade students and one designed for seventh and eighth grade students. D.A.R.E. materials under analysis included lesson plans, student handbooks with worksheets and information sheets, and assignments. Researchers coded the materials for specific prescription drug-related content and learning objectives. The coding system included 126 topics within 14 categories and employed a 2-dimensional structure that identified Use versus Abuse and Explicit versus Implicit references to prescription drugs. Future research should continue to evaluate newer versions of the D.A.R.E. curricula for changes in its discussion of prescription drug abuse. Figures, references