Pubdate: Thu, 22 Apr 2004 Source: Auburn Plainsman, The (AL Edu) Copyright: 2004 The Auburn Plainsman Contact: http://www.theplainsman.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1880 Author: Matt Leach Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?225 (Students - United States) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing) SCHOOLS FIGHT DRUG USE WITH TESTS Auburn city schools are trying to implement new techniques in their fight against drugs among middle school and high school students. Auburn city school board officials approved a proposal for voluntary drug tests in its schools at a meeting last Tuesday. The plan calls for parents of students in grades 6-12 to choose whether to have their child tested for drugs. The proposal suggests all parents volunteer their child for testing Those who don't wish for their child to be tested must submit a letter to the school stating they don't want their child to participate. "The main focus of this proposal is on the students," said Joyce Morgan, assistant superintendent for Auburn city schools. "The goal is to provide a safe and healthy school district that is free from drugs." The plan is similar to one already in effect for middle school students since 1997, Morgan said. "The previous plan for seventh and eighth graders was similar in that the drug tests were strictly voluntary for the parents to decide," she said. "This just takes it a step further and adds it to the higher grade levels." Morgan said while the U.S. Supreme Court allows mandatory drug tests for students under certain conditions, Auburn city schools chose not to pursue the same course of action. "This way the parents have a choice as to whether or not their child gets tested," Morgan said. Morgan said students who will volunteer and test negative will be eligible for monetary incentives, including gift certificates and free trips, while students who test positive will undergo drug counseling. "Right now every seventh grader is eligible for testing, while all grades above them will only have a small pool of students who will actually be tested," Morgan said. "All of the seventh graders who agree to be tested will be. However, out of the other students who agree for testing only a certain number will be chosen." Out of the small pools, any students who test negative will be eligible for monetary prizes. In a recent poll of students who will be returning to Auburn City Schools next year, 68 percent are in favor of the drug tests, Morgan said. Jason Wright, principal of Samford Middle School, said he is in favor of the program. "I don't see anything but positives for it," Wright said. "It's a voluntary program where students can have a proactive part in making their schools safe from drugs." Wright said because the tests are voluntary, it gives students the chance to make a decision that could affect extracurricular activities. "This way it makes it so the students most likely won't want to make a choice that could negatively affect their teammates," Wright said. Ultimately the proposal allows students to say `no,' he said. While the program has received great support from the Auburn community, not everyone is in favor of the drug tests, Moegan said. At a meeting of the drug task force -- a group of students, parents, community members and school faculty -- some expressed concern about the need for the school to regulate what they see as a social issue and not an educational issue. "I think the schools should attack the problem rather than the symptom," said David Laband, a professor in the Auburn Forestry and Wildlife Sciences department. Laband, whose daughter is a junior at Auburn High School, doesn't see how drug tests will improve the educational environment at the schools. "Some people say that it will affect the school environment if there's talk of drugs in the bathrooms and halls, Laband said. "If that's the case, then find those who are responsible rather than testing so many people unnecessarily." Laband said if parents are genuinely concerned about their child, they should accept responsibility and have them tested privately. Involuntary drug testing allows parents to avoid their parental responsibilities, Laban said. "It's the camel's nose under the tent scenario," Laband said, "Premarital sex is just as rampant as drug use among teenagers, so does that mean we should seek funding to implement a plan against that because it affects the children's learning environment?" The school board also approved the purchase of a police K-9 unit -- used to detect illegal substances -- for the 2004-2005 school year. Morgan said the board also plans to bolster drug education in classes. "Currently, all eighth graders and high school students receive drug education in their mandatory health class," Morgan said. "We plan to expand that even more in the near future." While opinions on reducing drug use in schools may vary, ultimately the goal is the same. "We want to provide our students with a safe educational environment that is free from drugs," Morgan said. Morgan may get that chance when the board votes on the drug testing policy May 11. "Nothing will eradicate drugs from schools, but hopefully we can make a difference," Morgan said. - ------------------- Drug Testing * Voluntary for grades 6-12 * Sixty eight percent of city school children support tests * Students who don't participate must have letter from parents * Those who test negative will be eligible for gift certificates, trips and monetary prizes * Those who test positive must get drug counseling * School board votes May 11. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin