Pubdate: Fri, 11 Aug 2006 Source: Springfield News-Leader (MO) Copyright: 2006 The Springfield News-Leader Contact: http://www.springfieldnews-leader.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1129 Author: Todd McCrackin Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Test) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) TESTS OFFER HELP TO STUDENTS Re: "School drug-testing is misguided," Aug. 1 Our View. I am associated with a high school that drug tests and we will be in our second year of random drug testing. The reason you drug test is to give a student a way to say no to peer pressure. Your example is a good one; however, many policies have stipulations in them that allow for a student to receive drug counseling and receive a lesser suspension from the activity. What about the example of the student at a party that was asked to do a drug and he says no because he may get tested and get suspended from the team? Schools are giving students a way to help them and in real life you don't have that choice. I get tired of schools being blamed for things parents should be doing. Support schools in their attempt to better prepare our young adults - -- many workplaces are drug testing these days. The reason is because they want dependable, trustworthy, honest employees. Todd McCrackin Granby - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman