Starting a Random Student Drug Testing Program
Random student drug testing is a promising strategy to keep young people from using drugs. And, as the numbers show, more schools than ever are beginning to incorporate testing as part of their larger drug prevention programs. Still, for many schools, random drug testing remains uncharted territory, and often even those eager to implement a program find themselves wondering how to begin.
To start off on the right track, here are some key issues that should be considered when beginning a random student drug testing program.
Gain Support and Consensus. An important first step is to form a committee to help decide how and under what circumstances testing will take place. This committee will consider, among other points, the type of test, who will administer it, the test panel, and the consequences of a positive test.
Map Out Key Components. Once the logistics of testing have been worked out, a drug testing policy can be put into place. There are four main components to a random drug testing policy:
- A statement of need provides a clear rationale for testing. It describes the drugs that are being abused and which should be included in the testing program.
- An introduction or position statement builds on the statement of need and outlines what the school hopes to accomplish through the drug testing program.
- A list of key components of the random testing program outlines which students or student groups will be tested, what drugs will be targeted, how consent for testing will be obtained, how student confidentiality will be maintained, and what the consequences will be for a positive drug test.
- A list of students’ rights.
Determine Responses to a Positive Test. Unfortunately, some students may test positive for drugs. The school’s response to a positive test should be swift and unambiguous. For example, as a condition for returning to extra-curricular activities, some schools ask students who test positive to submit to ongoing drug testing, take drug awareness classes, join a drug awareness support group, or seek treatment for drug dependency.
Prevention Efforts Do Not End with the Test Results. Schools should strongly consider implementing a school-sponsored student assistance program to support students and their families in finding appropriate community resources and accessing existing school-based support services. These programs also play an important role in helping students who have completed treatment to stay in recovery once they return to school. Studies have found that students who were referred through a student assistance program to behavioral health specialists had improved attendance, fewer discipline problems, and better performance in school.
Obtain Funding. Funding a random student drug testing program does not have to be an expensive undertaking, and resources are available from Federal, State, local, and private sources. For more information, see the article Funding a Random Student Drug Testing Program.
Obtain the Advice of Local Legal Counsel. It is important to ensure that the program activities will not violate established principles of Federal, State, or local requirements related to implementing a random student drug testing program. Local legal counsel should review the proposed program for this purpose.