Drug Testing: An Issue for School, Sports, and Work (Issues in Focus)

Examines differing opinions on the topic of drug testing by employers, in schools, and in sports as a means of curbing drug abuse.

Grade 6-10-Newton looks at the where, when, why, and how of drug testing, beginning with an explanation of the various types of substances (Schedule I and Schedule II) that might be detected. The legal and ethical considerations involved in drug-testing programs, such as accuracy of tests, privacy issues, and public safety are also discussed. The writing is clear, succinct, and objective. The text is well organized and looks at drugs in sports, school, and in the workplace, and includes information on the cost vs. benefit of these programs. Internet resources and an extensive list for further reading are appended. A fair and complete overview of a contemporary problem.
Christine A. Moesch, Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, NY
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Gr. 6^-12. The question of whether testing for illegal drug use violates an individual's personal rights or necessarily protects society at large underlies every section of this new Issues in Focus volume. In each chapter, Newton provides examples illustrating the extremes of both positions, then describes political and judicial decisions that show where society stands in regard to testing employees, students, and athletes. Read in its entirety, the book's obvious repetition of some ideas and inclusion of often irrelevant photographs deter from the overall quality of the work. However, as a research tool (which is how it will generally be used), the text will prove useful, thanks to clear writing, thoroughly documented examples, and systematically balanced arguments. Copious chapter notes; further reading list; Internet references; resources. Roger Leslie