Testing the Inclusive Skill-building Learning Approach ISLA to Reduce School Exclusion and Prevent Opioid and Substance Misuse in Middle Schools

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the Inclusive Skill-building Learning Approach ISLA, a school-wide intervention aimed at reducing exclusionary discipline, improving teaching practices and student engagement, and decreasing opioid and other substance misuse among middle school students. This study involves a randomized controlled trial conducted in 60 middle schools across six states, focusing on social determinants of health like education access, quality, and social context. The trial aims to assess how ISLA affects student outcomes from the end of 6th grade through 8th grade and to understand factors that influence its effectiveness. The study includes a baseline year followed by implementation phases where school staff in selected schools receive training and support to apply ISLA schoolwide for two consecutive years. Schools are divided into waves with some receiving the intervention immediately and others serving as controls before receiving delayed training. The ISLA program uses positive, preventative classroom strategies and restorative approaches as alternatives to exclusionary discipline, with additional supports for students needing extra help. Participants include educators and students in the selected schools. Data collection occurs at baseline, 1 year, and 2 years, assessing factors such as frequency of discipline referrals and suspensions, student engagement, inclusive teaching practices, school climate, student-teacher relationships, and substance misuse. The study also evaluates how well ISLA is implemented and accepted. Regular surveys and data collection from students and educators will inform the studys outcomes over the course of the trial, which runs until 2027.

Preventing School Exclusion and Opioid Misuse: Effectiveness of the Inclusive Skill-building Learning Approach (ISLA)