DARE is taught to the 5th graders at my school by one of the local police officers. A few years ago, when I began teaching 6th grade, my students were in the program. The officer had a stuffed animal, the "DARE bear", and all of the kids were invited to stroke it as each class concluded. This took place during the flu season, and I couldn't fathom how many germs were being passed from student to student. I insisted that  my students wash their hands prior to returning to our classroom. And I, too, have read the reports that DARE doesn't work. Furthermore, the 5th grade teachers complain as it interferes with the academics (kids are pulled out for about twenty-45 minute sessions). It all concludes with DARE graduation and tee-shirts. I imagine DARE will continue until the next "feel good" program arrives. On the positive side, I hear the DARE bear has left the program!

Peter T.