When random student drug testing policies are implemented, here are questions to ask to become more informed:

• How will the drug test be administered? The test should be administered in a timely fashion, no more than 5-10 minutes if conducted on school grounds. The student's privacy should be taken into account when the test is administered.

• Where will the test be administered? On-site testing should be conducted in a private setting such as a restroom or nurse's office. Off-site testing is usually carried out at a laboratory facility.

• When will my child be tested? Your child should be tested at a reasonable and acceptable time. For example, not during scholastic examinations.

• Who will know the results of the drug test? Only personnel on a "need-to-know" basis should be aware of the results, IF positive. For example, parent(s), the student and a counselor would be essential personnel. Confidentiality should be kept at all times.

• Will I know what days my child will be tested? No. Part of the deterrence mechanism for a random drug testing program is that no one will know when he or she may be tested.

• What happens if my child can not produce a sample for the test? This depends on the student drug policy of your school.

• How will I be notified of the results? This depends on the policy of your school.

• Who will administer the drug test? Trained staff will conduct the test. Generally, laboratory personnel will conduct the test or if a school administrator is collecting the sample, that person will be trained by laboratory staff.

• Will positive results be confirmed? Positive results should always be confirmed by a medical review officer in order to identify whether the results are truly positive for illegal drugs.

• What will happen to my child's record when he/she leaves the school? These records are to be destroyed. In fact, records for random student drug testing are kept in a separate file from all other school records.

These questions should be answered by the administrator and the consent form for the student drug testing policy. If they are not, ask. Administrators should be able to give you clear answers to ALL of these simple questions.

TIPS:

• Educate yourself on student drug testing before deciding to enroll or not enroll your child in a student drug program.

• Make certain that your child is not removed from important classes for drug testing.

• Confirm that the test takes no longer than 5-10 minutes to minimize missed class time.

• Ensure that the results of your child's test will be kept confidential.

• Verify that the test is performed in a private setting (example: nurse's office, restroom, laboratory facility).

• Check the qualifications of the person administering the drug test. Testers should be trained by a certified laboratory.

"Without a doubt, mandatory drug testing, when put in place for the right reasons, and with careful consideration to its implementation, is an extremely positive and effective deterrent to the use of drugs."
Mike Motherall, Superintendent of Schools, Sundown (Teaxas) ISD