GOOD RESULTS

The Surry County school board is considering a drug-testing policy for its
students. Readers may be interested to learn about the pioneer efforts of
the Winston-Salem/ Forsyth County schools. In 1998, STEP ONE helped develop
and implement one of the first five policies in our nation.

Several of the comments made in 1998 have been confirmed through my
experience testing more than 2,500 students a year.

Drug testing is not the answer to the drug problem in schools but is a part
of a comprehensive solution. Students should not be tested unless parents
give permission, know about it, are notified of the results and are involved
in assessment and treatment.

Assessment and treatment should be included. So should alcohol; it is an
illegal drug for young people.

Schools should not be aware of a positive test, and the student should be
allowed to participate in extracurricular activities as long as he or she
participates in assessment and recommended treatment. If the student fails
to complete the program or has another positive test, he or she may be
excluded.

The first use of alcohol and tobacco is at an average age of 12, 13 for
marijuana. If we test only high school students, we have missed the critical
window. We should further expand middle school prevention and awareness.

Students are more likely to postpone first use and reduce subsequent
problems when parents and other role models have candid discussions about
choices and drug use with young people.

BERT WOOD

PRESIDENT

STEP ONE

Winston-Salem.