NCJ Number
211729
Date Published
January 2005
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This Communications Manual contains information and suggestions useful in informing State and Federal officials, key policymakers, and the public about the University of Akron's evaluation of the New D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program and the effectiveness of the New D.A.R.E. program and its delivery network.
Abstract
The manual first states the communications mission, which is "to promote awareness of the evaluation research of the New D.A.R.E. program by the University of Akron and to protect the integrity of the D.A.R.E. delivery system." This is followed by an outline of communications objectives. The manual then provides information on the evaluation and its current status, including a summarized and detailed progress report. Information on the evaluation indicates that its purpose is to develop and evaluate an evidence-based substance abuse prevention program with curricula for the seventh and ninth grades, which is to be delivered by D.A.R.E. officers. The evaluation will follow a cohort of students from the 7th through the 11th grades. The 5-year study is currently in its fourth year. The study remains on track, with the New D.A.R.E. curricula having a positive impact on participants' normative beliefs and refusal skills regarding drug use. A section of the manual entitled, "Communication Messages" outlines the information items that should be included in communications with target audiences. Among these items is the indication that the positive results from the first year of the study have carried over into the second and third years. This includes improved scores on normative beliefs and refusal skills and on consequences related to substance use compared to students in the "control" schools. Remaining sections contain tips for dealing with the media and key questions and answers about the New D.A.R.E.