1st Edition

Schools as a Lens for Understanding the Opioid Epidemic Impacts on Students and Educators in Crisis

By Kathryn A. Welby Copyright 2025
192 Pages 12 B/W Illustrations
by Routledge

192 Pages 12 B/W Illustrations
by Routledge

192 Pages 12 B/W Illustrations
by Routledge

This book investigates the profound and complex impact of the opioid epidemic on schools in the United States, focusing on diverse aspects such as its history, legislative responses, trends, and implications for students, educators, and schools. Sharing research from multiple case studies in elementary schools located in Northeast opioid-crisis regions, the book explores the ripple effects of... Read more

1. Introduction and Book Structure  Part 1: History, Participants, and Methodology  2. The Educational Impact of the Opioid Epidemic in the United States  3. Beyond the Crisis: Unraveling the Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences and Opioid Exposure on Education  4. Research Methodology: A Comprehensive Multiple-Case-Study Exploration of Elementary Schools in Opioid-Crisis Regions of the Northeast United States  5. From Opioid Crisis to Classroom: The School Districts and Participants  Part 2: Understanding the Research Through Educator's Perspectives  6. Educators Share Stories of Student’s Household and Environmental Opioid Exposures and Experiences  7. Navigating the Ripple Effects: Opioid Epidemic’s Impact on Student Transiency, Homelessness, and Attendance  8. Bearing the Unseen Burden: Educators Struggle Amidst the Opioid Crisis in Schools  9. Navigating the Challenges: School Preparedness and Special Education  10. Unveiling Layers of Support and Need of Schools Located in Opioid Crisis Regions  Part 3: Extended Research, Discussion, and Interventions  11. Schools in Opioid-Crisis Regions: Key Findings  12. Follow-Up Investigations: Post-Pandemic Realities in Schools Located in Opioid-Crisis Regions  13. Discussion of Theoretical Implications and Associated National Trends: Unraveling the Complex Web of Educational Challenges in Opioid-Crisis Regions  14. Conclusion and Further Exploration: Collaborative Interventions for Resilience and Systematic Change Designed for Schools in Opioid-Crisis Regions

Biography

Kathryn A. Welby is Assistant Professor of Education in the Winston School of Education and Social Policy at Merrimack College, the United States.