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."