Indeed, misinformation is rampant concerning the topic of random student drug testing. As Board of Education President Janine Gracy points out, research on the topic should be reviewed carefully and decisions made in the best interests of children.
Here are the facts, which unfortunately Ms. Gracy may have miscommunicated. 1. Random drug testing, in concert with educational and student assistance programs ARE very effective. The intergration of these three components is required to help assure heathly, safe schools in today's environment. 2. A careful review of “Reseach” that contradicts #1 above, reveals that it did not compare schools that provided comprehensive random school drug testing to those that did not. All studies, though limited in number, that do in fact make this comparision demonstrate a direct positive correlation relative to random student drug testing. Far more research however is available in the private and public workplace sectors, as well as the DOD, where random drug testing has been shown to decrese substance abuse dramatically, as well as lower accidents by over 50%, and lower incidence rates of workplace theft, violence, etc. 3. Marijuana is NOT, nor should it be the primary concern of parents and schools. Other than drugged driving, marijuana doesn't kill, nor does it typically produce other socially negative behaviors above and beyond those similar to alcohol use. The abuse of prescription medications, such as Oxycontin, Lortab, Vicodin, etc, is on the other hand addictive, fatal and critical problem facing our society. The abuse of prescription medications exceeds that of marijuana use in most schools, and is forecast to become a worldwide problem by international research organizations.
In summary, let's speak openly and honestly…. Random student drug testing is a political issue. This is the REAL problem.
While surverys show that most students and parents are in favor of implementation, school administrators elect to delay based upon a vocal minority lobbyinng against a pro-active solution. Drug testing is NOT a violation of the 4th Admendment, nor an invasion of privacy, as the Supreme Court and other court systems have repeatly stated. It is however, an important part of any solution to address substance abuse.
School adminstrations are political beasts that shy away from any form of change, unless pressure is applied. The policy question facing schools today is whether or to implement comprehensive non-punitive student drug testing, in conjunction with education and counselling to deters illegal drug use… or not. It's that simple.
4 January 2008
at 8:35 a.m.
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pcholakis (Anonymous) says…
Indeed, misinformation is rampant concerning the topic of random student drug testing.
As Board of Education President Janine Gracy points out, research on the topic should be reviewed carefully and decisions made in the best interests of children.
Here are the facts, which unfortunately Ms. Gracy may have miscommunicated.
1. Random drug testing, in concert with educational and student assistance programs ARE very effective. The intergration of these three components is required to help assure heathly, safe schools in today's environment.
2. A careful review of “Reseach” that contradicts #1 above, reveals that it did not compare schools that provided comprehensive random school drug testing to those that did not. All studies, though limited in number, that do in fact make this comparision demonstrate a direct positive correlation relative to random student drug testing.
Far more research however is available in the private and public workplace sectors, as well as the DOD, where random drug testing has been shown to decrese substance abuse dramatically, as well as lower accidents by over 50%, and lower incidence rates of workplace theft, violence, etc.
3. Marijuana is NOT, nor should it be the primary concern of parents and schools. Other than drugged driving, marijuana doesn't kill, nor does it typically produce other socially negative behaviors above and beyond those similar to alcohol use.
The abuse of prescription medications, such as Oxycontin, Lortab, Vicodin, etc, is on the other hand addictive, fatal and critical problem facing our society. The abuse of prescription medications exceeds that of marijuana use in most schools, and is forecast to become a worldwide problem by international research organizations.
In summary, let's speak openly and honestly…. Random student drug testing is a political issue. This is the REAL problem.
While surverys show that most students and parents are in favor of implementation, school administrators elect to delay based upon a vocal minority lobbyinng against a pro-active solution.
Drug testing is NOT a violation of the 4th Admendment, nor an invasion of privacy, as the Supreme Court and other court systems have repeatly stated. It is however, an important part of any solution to address substance abuse.
School adminstrations are political beasts that shy away from any form of change, unless pressure is applied. The policy question facing schools today is whether or to implement comprehensive non-punitive student drug testing, in conjunction with education and counselling to deters illegal drug use… or not.
It's that simple.