Pubdate: Thu, 03 Jun 2004
Source: Charlotte Sun Herald (FL)
Copyright: 2004 Sun Coast Media Group Inc.
Contact:  http://www.sun-herald.com/newsch.htm
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1708
Author:  Sharon Cox
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

DRUG TESTING IN SCHOOLS OKAY

Editor,

As a retired educator, I firmly believe that random drug testing in the 
schools would greatly improve the education process and reduce drug abuse.

Why should any caring parent not want this testing done? Having raised 
three children during the '70s and '80s, I for one, would not have objected 
to knowing whether or not my children were on drugs.

Many people may not be aware of how much drug abuse is a problem in our 
schools, it is horrendous. A teacher cannot teach a child whose mind is not 
clear and alert.

For many companies today, drug testing is required. The company does not 
want to hire anyone who uses drugs because this would affect the company 
and it's product.

In the education system, all personnel are required to take a drug test, 
however, the product they are working with (students) is not subjected to 
this testing. Yet, teachers are expected to teach students who may or may 
not be using drugs.

In my opinion, our test scores would improve immensely if our students were 
drug-free.

Sharon Cox, Port Charlotte
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D