Kiamichi Technology Centers Division of Practical Nursing

 What Educational Professionals Need to Know about Reasonable Suspicion is an essential training for all education professionals to have in order to take the subjectivity, myth, and liability out of reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing.

 Today you will learn how you can abide by your substance abuse policy when you have concerns or suspicions regarding a student’s substance abuse.  This training will help you recognize signs and symptoms of substance abuse, and equip you on how to appropriately approach a student for the purpose of helping them with a RS testing.

 Our host, Mr. Bill Judge, is a nationally known drug testing attorney and an accomplished communicator. He was the chairman of the Random Student Drug Testing Summits under the Bush administration and has served as legal consultant for the Drug and Alcohol Testing Industry Association (DATIA).

 When a student is impaired by drug and/or alcohol abuse, they threaten their safety and potentially the safety of others, as well. Not only is their learning capacity greatly diminished, but they could also become a distraction or influence to others making it more difficult for everyone to learn.

 This learning session will address the following objectives: Develop awareness about the impact of substance abuse in schools. Understand the difference between random and RS testing. Understand when to test based on reasonable suspicion. Recognize the signs and symptoms of drug use. Learn how to approach the student when suspicion arises and document. Understand the different testing methodologies and the testing process. Knowing and implementing your school’s action plan. Document. Document. Document.

 This segment reflects on the course case in Washington State in 1985 that made reasonable suspicion testing legal on our nation’s K-12 campuses. Attorney, Bill Judge, states how reasonable suspicion testing is defined…as something more than a hunch.

 This segment clearly demonstrates where RS falls in the United States legal system’s “burden of proof”.  Learn what the difference is between the following burdens of proof: Beyond Reasonable Doubt (90% certain of a person’s guilt) Clear and Convincing Evidence (70%) Preponderance of the Evidence (51%) Probable Cause (30%) Reasonable Suspicion (only 4-10% certain of a person’s

 This segment will give you examples of signs and symptoms to suggest possible substance abuse with physical and performance indicators.  These signs and symptoms correspond with the observation form handout.

 Presence of Drugs Plastic bags of marijuana Small containers of pills Vials or envelopes of powder Empty liquor bottles

 Presence of Drug Paraphernalia Balloons Aluminum foil Wrappers Cocaine sniffing tools Small spoons Pipes and holders for smoking

 Signs and Symptoms Commonly Associated with Substance Abuse Odor of alcohol or marijuana smoke Swaying or staggering Slow, slurred or incoherent speech Hand tremors or bad coordination Watery or blood shot eyes Unusually large or small pupils Runny nose or sores around nostrils

 Signs and Symptoms Commonly Associated with Substance Abuse Blood stains on shirt sleeves Deteriorating appearance or hygiene  Weight loss  Shallow appearance in the face  Dirty or rumpled clothes Inappropriate pupil reaction to light

 Repeated forgetfulness  Indecision or erratic judgment  Lackadaisical or I don’t care attitude  Impulsive or temperamental behavior  Secretive behavior (i.e. wearing sunglasses indoors)  Frequently being alone  Refusal to accept authority  Depression, anxiety or disorientation

 When you see any of these signs you need to document, don’t diagnose.  Documentation Forms (refer to handouts) Patterns of Academic Performance Deterioration Observation/Incident Documentation Form

 Don’t let your fear of being “wrong” keep you from providing the help your students need. The end result, whether the drug/alcohol test is positive or negative, is not important as far as liability is concerned.

 What is important is that a reasonable thinking human being would have agreed that in that moment you had a real reason to suspect drug or alcohol use (like smell or behavior).  Essentially, your job is to rule out substance abuse as a contributing factor in the life of a student you are concerned about WHEN you have something more than a hunch.

 Review KTC PN Policy 17.1 – Substance Abuse and Drug Testing  Complete the Self Check Quiz and submit to PN Director  Utilize the documentation forms in the handouts as appropriate with students  Notify PN Director, Campus Director, and or Human Resources Manager of reasonable suspicion