An Analysis of U.S. Student Drug and Alcohol Policies through the Lens of a Professional Ethic for School Leadership

Abstract

This study explored the moral complexity of student drug and alcohol policies that are often disciplinary, punitive, and exclusionary in nature. The Ethic of the Profession and its Model for Students ' Best Interests (Shapiro & Stefkovich, 2016;Stefkovich, 2013), a professional ethical construct for educational leadership and for school workers writ large, was employed as a theoretical framework to evaluate a bounded case of seven school districts' pupil policies. This research utilized textual analysis of school policies from the school communities represented in the study, in addition to interview data employed in a larger systemic study from which this research is drawn. Findings contribute to a fuller understanding of the valuation process of local administrators when they are drafting policy in relation to an ethic of the profession. Practical implications include the impact of such school policies on the immediate and long-range needs of students deemed as at risk.

Understanding Substance Abuse: Conceptual Models, Education and Training

“…One in four Americans will have an alcohol or drug disorder at some point in life, afflicting individuals of every age, gender, race, and social status (Stamm, Frick, & Mackey, 2016). The disorder can destroy the physical and mental health of the abuser, simultaneously deteriorating their families, relationships, and careers (Van Wormer & Davis, 2007).…”

“…Injection drug use can also lead to cardiovascular problems such as collapsed veins and bacterial infections of the blood vessels and heart valves. Substance abuse can lead to a variety of respiratory, gastrointestinal, and musculoskeletal problems and may lead to significant damage to the liver and kidneys (Center for Disease Control, 2015;Stamm et al, 2016). Drug abuse not only weakens the immune system but is also linked to risky behaviors like needle sharing and unsafe sex.…”

“…It is time for AA and its members to encourage those who are willing to come forward, like faces and voices of recovery, to speak about their experience. More openness from those in recovery "from alcohol and drug addiction will help many others confront their problem and help our society understand that this is a disease that millions are in recovery from" (p. 166) Research shows that there is a paradoxical pattern of beliefs that exists among practitioners regarding the concept of substance abuse (AC, 2017;Edelman et al, 2016;Jayne & Valentine, 2016;Stamm et al, 2016). Such attitudinal inconsistencies are demonstrated in the tendency to endorse substance abuse as a disease while at the same time seeing its use as a willful choice or even a moral failing.…”

“…Several studies (Becker, 2013;Cox, Ketner, & Blow, 2013;Edelman et al, 2016;Jayne & Valentine, 2016;Stamm et al, 2016) correlate the level of substance abuse education with the practitioner`s attitude toward substance abuse. Specifically, they found where substance abuse training and education are provided to practitioners, positive attitudes towards substance abusers ensue and practitioners became more optimistic regarding their treatment (Becker, 2013).…”

“…Clearly, substance abuse education plays an insignificant role in the professional preparation of most practitioners. Becker (2013) and Stamm, Frick, & Mackey (2016) stated that the inadequate training provided for clinical and counseling psychology students in these areas is linked to insufficient treatment for substance abuse problems and this reasonably applies today. According to Wechsler and Rochman(1982): Successful identification and treatment of alcohol related problems are contingent on the caregiver's willingness and ability to recognize and respond to problem drinkers.…”