Understanding how school class grouping affects substance use and health in young people
Evaluating the impact of academic tracking and de-tracking on substance use and health during adolescence and the transition to adulthood
This project looks at how grouping students by academic performance in high school might influence their social connections, substance use, and overall health as they grow into adulthood.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11088139 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are exploring how the common practice of academic tracking, where students are placed into classes based on their past grades, shapes their social circles and health choices. For students in lower-performing groups, this might lead to less engagement with school and a higher chance of risky behaviors like substance use. We are also examining a program called AVID, which helps students in the academic middle access challenging college-prep courses and provides support, to see if it can positively change these health outcomes. Our goal is to understand if modifying academic tracking practices can lead to healthier lives for adolescents and young adults.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for adolescents and young adults, particularly those in public high schools, who are navigating academic environments and making health-related decisions.
Not a fit: Individuals who are not in the adolescent or young adult age range or are not part of a school system being studied would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help schools design programs that reduce substance use and promote better health among young people by rethinking how students are grouped in classes.
How similar studies have performed: A pilot study showed that the AVID program led to more positive peer connections and lower rates of substance use and delinquency among a small group of students.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dudovitz, Rebecca N — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Dudovitz, Rebecca N
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 below.