I can't file this entry under On The Soapbox, because I don't intend to solve the world's problems with my thoughts. Actually, my thoughts are more than a bit scrambled on this issue, so I'm just putting forth information I've learned recently, and we'll see what YOU think about it.
St. Viator, a private school in the Chicago suburbs, which has more than 1,000 students, has announced that this coming fall, EVERY student will be tested for drugs. A student who refuses the test will need to get their education elsewhere. In the past, random testing has been done at school dances, and the boys hockey and football teams have been tested.
Each test will cost $45.00. The Daily Herald states: "Hair samples will be tested for cocaine, opiates, PCP, marijuana, amphetamines and Ecstasy, whose use within 90 days of the test can be detected. It does not detect steroids or alcohol."
I think testing is a great idea toward helping students get an early start on managing drug problems, and perhaps avoiding addiction. It's possible that the school's follow-through on the testing needs to be stronger. Just making the problem known is not going to be enough to end it.
I think it's appalling the amount of information the school will have on the student, which may possibly follow them in their school record for life.
This is a private school. They have the option to make the rules for their student body, and anyone wishing to attend this school needs to abide by their rules.
It's possible this will make a safer environment. But, the school says it doesn't have a drug problem. Are they being pro-active and trying to make sure a problem doesn't develop. Is the School Board aware of a problem in the community that they want to head off?
Is it fair to test the students and not test the faculty and staff?
I'm not sure where I stand. On one hand, I'm concerned about the loss of rights, and the danger of personal information being stored where it could fall into the wrong hands. On the other, a step toward showing kids that we are serious about the dangers of drugs, and creating a safe environment for the kids, is very appealing.
Any thoughts on this? I'd love to hear more pros or cons on the situation.
Comments (5)
I'm a little confused on the subject too and wouldn't like to make a comment either way. Just to say though that a law (regulation?) has just been passed over here giving teachers the authority to search school pupils at school gates for weapons, like knives.
I don't know what I think of that either.
Posted by Adele | June 1, 2007 1:01 PM
Posted on June 1, 2007 13:01
I'm guessing there won't be many kids at that school.
Serious problem for sure but doubt it's the answer. Lawyers will have a hay day with this.
Posted by janet | June 1, 2007 3:22 PM
Posted on June 1, 2007 15:22
Adele, in some of our larger communties, kids have to walk through metal detectors to get into their schools. I personally don't see anything wrong with preventing them from bringing weapons into the classroom. This testing is a little more personal, and the data found could be deleterious for a lifetime. Yes, the testing is preventative, like the metal detector, but it simply has further implications. I'd like to say that I'm willing to give up a small bit of my freedom to stay safe, but I'm not sure where I care to draw the line.
Posted by buffy | June 2, 2007 2:49 PM
Posted on June 2, 2007 14:49
Janet, it will be interesting to see what they have to report when school resumes. Since this is a religious sponsored school, I bet you see a lot of the kids returning to class. Something to consider: this test might turn students away who need help. It saves the school the responsibility of a student with a problem, but it doesn't do anything to help the student. Where does the school's responsibility start and end?
I'll post what I hear when school resumes.
Posted by buffy | June 2, 2007 2:52 PM
Posted on June 2, 2007 14:52
You probably recall that we drug test and have for many years at our Alternative School. Public Schools must allow the option of the test - in other words, if a student wants to be in an extracurricular event or club then they agree to be randomly tested. If their number comes up, they submit a sample. Coming to our school is by choice; it is by recommendation and interview. They don't have to be there. What we find is that many students find relief in the ability to say, "Sorry, I can't. I'm being tested for drugs". These kids say peer pressure is difficult and the test gives them an out. For those who test positive, they sign a waiver to stay and go through counseling at school. If they continue to use, they are placed in a 2 hour academic program away from their peers and they are not allowed to return to the day program until the next semester. Most want to return. Most realized they've screwed up an important opportunity and are motivated to straighten themselves out. I think testing helps to keep kids drug free. I think it sends the message that it is not okay to do drugs. I believe that our administrator's are very careful with their records. Because these kids are minors, it would be illegal to provide this information to anyone outside the school. Frequently, it is even kept from the teachers. We will know that the student has tested positive, but won't know what drug or how much unless the student shares that information.
Posted by Nan | June 5, 2007 10:09 AM
Posted on June 5, 2007 10:09