Improving school discipline to prevent opioid misuse among youth
Official title: Preventing School Exclusion and Opioid Misuse: Effectiveness of the Inclusive Skill-building Learning Approach (ISLA)
Funded at University of Oregon · NIH-10936525 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to help middle schools be more supportive and fair, aiming to reduce unfair discipline practices that can hurt students' learning and well-being, and it's for schools looking to create a better environment for all students.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oregon NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Eugene, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $729,290 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA059401-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10936525 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are middle school students, particularly those at risk of exclusionary discipline and substance misuse.
✕Less likely to help
Students who are not enrolled in the participating middle schools or those not facing issues related to exclusionary discipline may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new approach called the Inclusive Skill-building Learning Approach (ISLA) aimed at reducing exclusionary discipline in schools, which has been linked to negative outcomes like lower academic achievement and increased substance misuse. By implementing ISLA in 60 middle schools across six states, the project seeks to create a more supportive educational environment that promotes equity and reduces biased interactions between educators and students. The effectiveness of this approach will be evaluated through a randomized controlled trial, focusing on student outcomes from the end of 6th grade to the end of 8th grade.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved academic performance and reduced substance misuse among middle school students.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that interventions aimed at reducing exclusionary discipline can lead to positive outcomes, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Oregon
Eugene, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nese, Rhonda — University of Oregon
- Study coordinator: Nese, Rhonda
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.