D.A.R.E. stands for "Drug Abuse Resistance Education". This 11 week program is taught by specially trained Police Officers. Sixth grade students, with the cooperation of their Schools, teachers and parents, learn to identify and resist the social pressures to use dangerous drugs. To become D.A.R.E. instructors, officers receive intensive training to provide them with effective teaching skills. Their selection is based upon human relations and communication skills. D.A.R.E. was originally developed by the Los Angeles Police Department in cooperation with the Unified School District in 1983. Conceived on the premise that prevention is the only long-term answer to our drug problem. This innovative program is proving to be effective and is now taught in schools in all 50 states and several foreign countries. The DA.R.E. program is positive and substantive. It avoids scare tactics and relies on accurate information and a straight-forward approach. To increase the student's identification with older students, role models from the high school participate in D.A.R.E. activities. Group discussions and role playing are used as tools in the D.A.R.E. program. D.A.R.E. lessons focus on: Providing accurate information about drugs and alcohol Teaching students decision-making skills Showing them how to resist negative peer pressure Suggesting healthy alternatives to drug use, and Building self-esteem. No matter how well designed a program is, it is not a success unless it is accepted by those for who it is designed. This is why the D.A.R..E. program is a success. Students love D.A.R.E.!! They are mature enough to deal with the issue of making decisions about using drugs, and they are younger than the age when statistics show most drug experimentation begins. D.A.R.E. may be our best opportunity to make a difference.