Pubdate: Fri, 14 Apr 2006
Source: Wichita Eagle (KS)
Copyright: 2006 The Wichita Eagle
Contact: http://www.kansas.com/mld/kansas/news/editorial/4664538.htm
Website: http://www.wichitaeagle.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/680
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?225 (Students - United States)

WHAT TO DO WHEN 'RANDOM' DRUG TESTS AREN'T

Q: Our school gives students random drug tests. However,  the school
tells the students one week in advance and  even provides them with
the testing date. This is  proving to be futile, as many of the drugs
are out of  the body's system within a week. As concerned high  school
parents, what would be the best way to get this  changed?

Our high school does the very same thing. This makes no  sense to the
parents whatsoever. When we ask about it,  school officials tell us it
is the fair thing to do in  a public school system. "Fair for whom?"
is what we are  wondering. Our proposal to have this rule changed is
still probably sitting on the superintendent's desk,  while we are
left in the dark and have yet to receive  one phone call. -- S.T. in
Hewitt, Texas

From Jodie: This is one of the hottest debates taking  place today in homes
with teens and schools everywhere.  On one side, you have experts who vouch
for random drug  testing and say it prevents and discourages students  from
using drugs. On the other side, you have just as  many knowledgeable experts
who say that there are few  drugs that kids cannot get out of their system
in a  four-or five-day period and that school personnel  should be able to
spot kids who are taking drugs  without wasting school funds. Still others
say the  whole thing is a pure and simple violation of one's  privacy.
Another group says the most popular tests  cover the use of five different
drugs, which the school  must identify to the students/parents. This may be
happening in your school, presenting a perfect  opportunity for students to
use different ones that  will not be on the tests. If the testing dates are
being announced, you will have to take it up with the  school board, file a
legal grievance by their  guidelines and follow procedures from there. It
might be a long, drawn-out battle, but if you are in favor of  the testing,
just not the announcements, it might be  worth it.

We went through a similar situation in our high school.  However, the
students found out from others who work in  the office and not from an
announcement. While the  school personnel say they do not release
dates to  anyone, it still goes on. -- P.B. in Fort Wayne, Ind.

Can you help?

To share your tips or ask parenting questions, write  to: Parent to
Parent, 2464 Taylor Road, Suite 131,  Wildwood, MO 63040. Send e-mail
to:   ---
MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin