MIDDLE/JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL D.A.R.E. PROGRAM

                                                                        


                                                            Keepin' it REAL

The multicultural keepin’ it REAL curriculum has proven effective in reducing adolescent alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco use in 7th and 8th grade students by:

  • Preparing students to act decisively in refusing offers to use drugs
  • Helping students recognize risks and avoid drug-related situations
  • Building strong decision-making, communication, planning and assertive refusal skills
  • Empowering youth to value their own perceptions and feelings and make choices that support drug-free values

keepin’ it REAL is based on research begun in 1989 which examines how youth are offered and competently resist drug offers as well as how they assess risks and make good decisions. Applying a narrative prevention approach developed by Michelle Miller-Day and Michael Hecht, stories from youth were collected and transformed into ten interactive lessons using videotapes and other highly involving teaching techniques.

The core of the program is the REAL strategies for resisting drug offers: Refuse, Explain, Avoid, and Leave. By highlighting these four methods of communicating, the program helps kids understand the risks of drugs, teaches them to make good decisions and resist the temptation to use drugs.

Features of the curriculum:

  • 10 lessons delivered over a 10 week period
  • Lessons all run 40-45 minutes
  • Lessons promote interaction between students and teachers
  • Lessons feature fun activities that involve students in their own learning
  • Lessons offer students the opportunity act out the REAL Strategies of Refuse, Explain, Avoid, and Leave
  • Curriculum uses a series of five videos produced by youth and based on students’ real stories as a key learning tool.