The purpose of this study was to examine the policies and practices of school districts with random drug testing policies in Pennsylvania. Specifically, this study intended to help administrators understand the phenomenon of drug testing as one available means of substance use prevention. In response to the rising drug use in our schools, random drug testing has increasingly become one of the many possible solutions being used to prevent student drug use. Currently, drug testing programs have been examined in the workplace and in intercollegiate athletics. However, very little evaluative research has been conducted on whether school districts are satisfied with their random drug testing policies and practices. The researcher anticipates making a significant contribution for school administrators as they strive to generate drug-free schools. The literature review presented in this research study examined the historical perspective of drug use in our nation and the events and perceptions that led up to the job-related drug testing that began in the military and workplace. The role values play in the policymaking process is discussed as well as any conflicts that arise due to diversity in those values. The costs and benefits of a random drug testing policy are also presented. For this study, random drug testing was examined in the context of a range of school districts within Pennsylvania that have implemented similar policies. Statistical data was utilized in order to collect and analyze superintendents' perspectives and satisfaction with random drug testing programs in order to increase the overall understanding of drug testing as a strategy for prevention. Parents, teachers, coaches, administrators and communities may benefit from this detailed study by way of the recommendations that will be provided for future school leaders and various stakeholders considering the adoption of a random drug testing policy. / Educational Administration

There were two purposes to this study. First, the study was designed to determine which Virginia public school districts have articulated policies that govern random drug testing of students and if school districts' policies aligned with U.S. Supreme Court standards and Virginia statutes. The second purpose was to ascertain the patterns of practice in selected Virginia school districts that currently conduct random drug testing of students. This included identifying which student groups were being tested and for which drugs. It was also of interest to learn how school districts monitor the testing program and if drug testing practices were aligned with the policies that govern them. Data were gathered by examining student handbooks and district policies in order to determine which school districts had drug testing policies. These policies then were analyzed using a legal framework constructed from U.S. Supreme Court standards that have emerged from case law governing search and seizure in schools. Finally, data on patterns of practice were collected through in-depth interviewing and observation of those individuals responsible for implementing student drug testing in those districts that have such programs. The analyses revealed that the current policies and patterns of practice in random drug testing programs in Virginia public schools comply with Supreme Court standards and state statutes. Student groups subject to testing in Virginia public schools include student athletes and students in extracurricular activities in grades eight through twelve. Monitoring systems in the school districts implementing random drug testing were not consistent. There is evidence that the school districts implementing random drug testing programs have strong community support for the program. / Ed. D.