MEDICATION USE, MISUSE AND ABUSE IN SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS

WHEREAS, a large number of pupils in the area of special education are receiving medication for behavior modification; and

WHEREAS, the misuse of these drugs may result in harm to the pupil and to the entire school staff; and

WHEREAS, the drugs used may be addictive, depending upon strength, frequency, and duration of use; and

WHEREAS, in many instances pedagogical as well as non-pedagogical personnel are the regular supervisors of pupil drug schedules:

RESOLVED, that the AFT petition boards of education and others involved in setting up and running such special education programs, to design drug prevention programs that are educationally sound and a part of the total education of all pupils; and

RESOLVED, that a complete physical examination be given to every pupil who is to be medicated so that an assessment and evaluation of the effectiveness of the drug to be used can be made before the pupil is in a school setting; and

RESOLVED, that all teachers involved in special education programs be made aware of pupils in their facilities using medically approved drugs and that periodic consultation with teachers as to the effectiveness of the drugs be made; and

RESOLVED, that AFT petition the legislatures of the states to earmark monies for experimentation and research for alternatives to drugs, such as diet and psychiatric counseling.