A series from The Lund Report, UO Catalyst Journalism Project & Oregon Public Broadcasting
As Oregon kids face a world with increasingly dangerous drugs and unparalleled external pressures, a six-month investigation shows the state’s education establishment has failed to adapt. The resulting series serves as a snapshot of prevention education in Oregon at a time when experts say the state could, and should, be doing a lot more to keep young people safe.
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Linn County Alcohol and Drug Prevention Specialist Shannon Snair leads a LifeSkills Training class at Scio Middle School in Scio, Ore., Nov. 16, 2023. The class is one of the most research-supported substance use prevention curricula in the country.
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KRISTYNA WENTZ-GRAFF/OREGON PUBLIC BROADCASTING/FOR THE LUND REPORT
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LUND REPORT ILLUSTRATION/SHUTTERSTOCK
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Sixth-grade student Keira Eaton, left, raises her hand to answer a question during a LifeSkills Training class at Scio Middle School in Scio, Ore., Nov. 16, 2023. The class is one of the most research-supported substance use prevention curricula in the country.
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KRISTYNA WENTZ-GRAFF/OPB/THE LUND REPORT
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Sixth-grade student Ariana Parker during a LifeSkills Training class at Scio Middle School in Scio, Ore., Nov. 16, 2023. The class is one of the most research-supported substance use prevention curricula in the country.
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KRISTYNA WENTZ-GRAFF/OPB/THE LUND REPORT
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Clockwise from front left: Sophomores Madison Cailteux, Kaden Davis Young, Samuel Stanley, Jack Von Ammon and Pearl Carter participate in cooperative learning during science class at South Eugene High School on Dec. 11, 2023.
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EMILY GREEN/THE LUND REPORT
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Mila Priest, 8, right, focuses on her computer work while playing the PAX Good Behavior Game during class at Fern Hill Elementary School in Forest Grove, Ore., Nov. 9, 2023.
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KRISTYNA WENTZ-GRAFF/OPB FOR THE LUND REPORT
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Lucas Coghill, 9, plays the PAX Good Behavior Game during class at Fern Hill Elementary School in Forest Grove, Ore., Nov. 9, 2023. The game focuses on helping students identify and encourage positive “PAX” behaviors and avoid “spleems” as part of daily classroom management.
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KRISTYNA WENTZ-GRAFF/OPB/THE LUND REPORT
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SHUTTERSTOCK