The DARE program is the most
widely used substance abuse prevention and safety promotion curriculum in the
world. Dare began in Los Angeles in 1983 to combat rising violence, gang
membership and drug use among youth.Since then, Dare has become much more than it was originally intended.
The instructors of the D.A.R.E. curriculum are Tarpon Springs Police Officers who have undergone 80 hours of special training in areas such as child development, classroom management, teaching techniques, and communication skills.
Dare is currently taught to
the 5th grade students at Tarpon Springs Elementary School, Tarpon
Springs Fundamental School, and Sunset Hills Elementary School.Every 5th grader is given the
opportunity to participate in a 10 week long program culminating in a DARE
Essay and Graduation Ceremony.
Beginning with the initial
contact, Tarpon Springs DARE officers help students gain self-confidence and a
positive outlook for their future. The core 5th grade curriculum includes
anti-drug, gang, and violence techniques, as well as peer pressure awareness
and self-worth, this is the foundation of the DARE program. This provides
students with the skills they will need as young adults to avoid gang violence
and to resist the temptations of drug abuse.
There are ten lessons, which
provide information and concentrate on showing students how to manage their
feelings of anger and aggression, and how to resolve conflicts without
resorting to violence or the use of alcohol and drugs.
The DARE Program allows 5th
graders the opportunity to interact with Tarpon Springs Police Officers one on
one in the classroom.This helps to
reinforce a positive view of Law Enforcement and helps break through to at risk
youth prior to entering Middle School.
The institute for Health and
Social Policy at the University of Akron has developed the new (2007)
curriculum based on the latest prevention research. It was funded by a $13.7
million grant from the Robert Wood Foundation.The new curriculum focuses on Law Enforcement acting as a facilitator of
instruction and discussion.
For additional information on
the DARE program, contact Lieutenant Barbara Templeton at (727) 938-2849, or
e-mail at btempleton@tspd.us
You can also visit the official D.A.R.E links below for further information.
Florida DARE Officers Association
Official DARE Website
Tarpon Springs Police Department -- Building a Better Future
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