The following is a summary from the Drug Free Schools Coalition, Inc. "Developing Drug-Free School Policies and Procedures" that outlines steps and provides the tools schools need in order to develop sound policies regarding reasonable suspicion drug testing programs.

Testing Requirements

• Students are at school or at a school-related function.

• School staff must make decisions as to whether a reasonable suspicion exists for a student to be tested.

• School staff must be trained to recognize the signs of impairment and recent drug use.

Testing Procedures

Explain to the student that there is reasonable suspicion to suspect that the student is affected by substance use and request that the student accompany you or be escorted to a site for specimen collection.

Denial of substance use by the student is an expected reaction.

• The incident and the test results will be handled with strict confidentiality.
• Ask the student to explain the suspected behavior and describe events that took place from his/her perspective.
• Ask if there is any medication or physical condition that would explain the behavior.
• If you have reasonable belief that substance abuse is a factor, a request for testing should be made.
• Tell the students you are glad to hear their explanations, in light of circumstances you would like them to take the drug test to verify their story.
• Inform the student of consequences of a refusal to comply.
• Be sure that there is at least two staff members are present and that both consider the basis for the test to be sound.

If the student challenges you

• Inform the student of the consequences for refusing to comply.
• State you neither believe nor disbelieve the student was using substances; by testing, you are putting any suspicion of drugs to rest.

If the student seems to be "under the influence", there exists reasonable suspicion and the student may be required to take a drug test. School staff should immediately notify parent(s) or guardian(s) of the student's conduct and arrange for an immediate medical examination, including a drug test. If available, a parent or guardian should be present at the medical examination or tests.

Always have the student escorted safely to the collection site. Potentially intoxicated students could have a medical crisis as a result of intoxication. The student could turn violent and be a danger to self or others. Accompanying the student also ensures that there is no opportunity to ingest anything that could affect the test result or acquire "clean" urine from another person.

Document all observations as the basis for the test. Report these observations in written form.

Making Decisions

In making decisions about whether or not to test a student under reasonable suspicion, school policy should indicate procedural requirements. Some sample requirements are:

• Physical signs and symptoms that are consistent with drug use

• Sleeping in class

• Unsatisfactory school performance with no other reason existing except for substance impairment

• Evidence of sale, illegal substance use, or delivery of illegal substances while at school or at school activities

• A potential or dangerous accident that may have been caused by illegal substance use

• Fighting (physical contact) and assaults, or erratic, aggressive or violent behavior

• Significant changes in personality (example: repeated abusive behavior, insubordination, etc) that appears to be substance abuse related

Follow-up

If a student tests positive for substance abuse or illegal drugs, consequences for the student should be carried out. School policy should indicate what those consequences are and how the student will be monitored after the fact.

The student may be evaluated by a Student Assistance Professional (SAP) or the counselor, and evaluated to determine the extent of the student's involvement with substance abuse. The student may require counseling. The SAP may refer the student to a treatment professional.

For more information, please read "Developing Drug-Free School Policies and Procedures" by the Drug Free Schools Coalition.