Pubdate: Wed, 04 May 2005 Source: New Haven Register (CT) Copyright: 2005, New Haven Register Contact: http://www.zwire.com/site/news.asp?brd=1281 Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/292 Author: Cynthia Baran Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?225 (Students - United States) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing) DON'T RUSH INTO DRUG TESTING, EXPERT SAYS MADISON - The director of the Governor's Prevention Partnership advised school board members Tuesday they should have "a clear idea of what the problem is" before deciding whether to implement a random drug testing policy. "I encourage a thoughtful approach," said John Daviau, who was invited to the board's roundtable discussion of drug testing in schools. The board decided to explore drug testing after arrest of seven Daniel Hand High School student athletes in March on steroid possession charges. The board's roundtable discussions, which do not allow for public comment, drew a very small turnout - fewer than a dozen - residents. As the board explores the issue, Chairman Bob Hale said, there will be ample opportunity for public input. "This is a pretty deliberative board," said Hale. "We not going to rush off and make decisions." Vice Chairwoman Helen Burland said student input also will be important to the board's exploration of the issue. Daviau said he applauds the board for taking on the discussion, but cautioned that before talk of a drug-testing policy, the board would be wise to identify a need for drug testing before proceeding further. "There are student surveys that can be done," he said, noting that such surveys are designed to catch both over- and under-reporting of drug use. Surveys typically are followed up with student focus groups and, with confidentially assured, students are remarkably candid, he said. The board also should explore the question of how random drug testing fits into its educational philosophy, Daviau said. A testing policy should not be implemented "in isolation," but rather to address an identified problem by providing in-school counselors and programs to students who test positive. "I'm not necessarily in favor of or opposed to drug testing," he said. "I'd like to see good data first." However, Daviau added, as a state, Connecticut doesn't have good current data on drug use in schools. "It would be good if the state paid for a statewide survey that would give us a baseline," Hale said. School board member David Youngerman remarked after the conclusion of the roundtable discussion that he'd also like to see the board examine the schools' health curriculum to determine if it needs beefing up. "The jury is still out" on random drug testing in schools, Daviau said. "Proceed with caution." - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake