BY AMANDA KOONCE AMERICAN PRESS August 20, 2001

A survey released this summer says Louisiana DARE programs are working.

The DARE Evaluation Project surveyed 4,052 students from 40 schools.

"This included representation across urban, suburban and rural areas as well as all racial and economic groups," writes Dr. Robert J. Landry of Research and Educational Services, which complied the report.

Staff surveyed ninth-graders to study outcomes of Louisiana's DARE programs. The survey was to determine differences between students who had received DARE and those who had not. It also was to see "what is gained" by having the D.A.R.E. junior high program.

Dr. Landry said DARE is achieving its goal.

"DARE participants reported significantly lower rates of drug use alone, use of paraphernalia, binge behavior, and use of readily available over-the-counter drugs," Dr. Landry wrote.

Landry's report said DARE students were more likely to talk with parents and teachers about drugs and alcohol, intervene on a friend's behalf, and have a positive attitude about police. They were less likely to have friends who used marijuana.

DARE students reported less violence, truancy and academic failure.

Families also seemed to benefit from DARE. The survey showed that parents of students in the program were more involved in school functions and more likely to know "what's going on at school."

In some communities, DARE's junior high program reinforces its elementary school curriculum.

The study said fewer DARE students who participated in the junior high program reported using marijuana before school, on the way to school, during school, at school events, or at night with friends.

Fewer DARE students who attended during junior high reported trying downers, Ritalin, legal stimulants, steroids, amphetamines, cocaine, crack, heroin, ecstasy, smokeless tobacco and cigars.

In his study, Landry concludes that DARE has been challenged by the perception that a "single strategy” can significantly reduce drugs in a community.

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