'No Child Left Behind' Threatens DARE March 9, 2004
News Summary
The federal No Child Left Behind Act, which requires states to spend money only on programs that can be proven to be effective, could spell trouble for the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program, the Associated Press reported March 8.For the past 10 years, federal, state, and local governments have spent millions on DARE. Under the program, a police officer visits elementary-school classrooms to encourage students to stay off drugs.
Alabama is among the states considering whether to continue with DARE. "I see a movement away from that unless DARE can modify their curriculum and get a stamp of approval as an evidence-based or science-based program, and it's not there yet," said Kent Hunt, associate commissioner for substance abuse at the Alabama Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation.
Although DARE is revising its curriculum, it has yet to receive federal approval.
The state is considering a strategy that would broaden its drug courts and enhance local treatment and counseling services for youth and families.
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