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How effective are school-based anxiety prevention programs?

Findings from our review suggest anxiety prevention programs are likely to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms on average, but the effect is small.

Our findings

Our latest evidence summaries: 

Effective approaches to suicide prevention in schools

Five ways to support LGBTQ+ students in schools

What research exists on the four-day school week?

Explore all our work on our Evidence Hub

Our Mission

To provide K-12 education and policy leaders in the United States with relevant, accessible, valid, and reliable information about the latest research so they can implement evidence-informed practices and policies that promote the physical, mental, and social well-being of students, schools, and communities.

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The HEDCO Institute for Evidence-Based Educational Practice aims to impact future generations by supporting today’s educators.

Dedicated to strengthening connections between research and practice in K-12 education, the HEDCO Institute for Evidence-Based Educational Practice aims to impact future generations by supporting today’s educators. Part of the University of Oregon’s College of Education, the institute provides K-12 education leaders in the United States with relevant, accessible, and reliable information about the latest research so they can implement evidence-informed practices and policies.

A team of researchers and educators

“The HEDCO Institute aims to provide the public with timely, trusted information about best practices for promoting healthy students and schools. Our work is made possible by the stellar team of educators, communicators, and researchers who partner with us to support evidence-informed educational practice.” 

- Dr. Emily Tanner-Smith, Executive Director

Meet Our Team

Sculpture "Unity and Harmony: An Environmental Artwork" by Masayuki Nagase, HEDCO Education Building & Lorry I. Lokey Education Building adjoining Kendall Plaza

A legacy of education

The HEDCO Institute is proud to be part of the College of Education at the University of Oregon, which has a decades-long record of national and international research and development in special education, counseling psychology, educational leadership, and school psychology. The College of Education has a highly influential research culture, because our faculty have a long tradition of translating research into effective models, methods, and measures that improve lives.

UO College of Education

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Latest Ask HEDCO articles  

Woman holding a yellow ribbon

 

What is comprehensive school suicide prevention?
Despite schools being positioned as a crucial setting for youth suicide prevention, there remains confusion over what key prevention activities are effective and how these efforts should be organized.
teachers discussing in a group

 

Where can I find evidence syntheses resources?
This month the HEDCO Institute is pleased to launch an evidence synthesis resources page, designed to help connect you with different types of resources. If you're looking to use evidence in your school or looking to conduct evidence synthesis, we've got you covered.
student sitting at desk with hands on head

 

What did we learn about the effectiveness of school-based anxiety prevention programs? 

In May, the HEDCO institute released findings from our review on school-based anxiety prevention programs for K-12 students, underscoring the importance of addressing anxiety in childhood, as anxiety disorders are twice as prevalent in adolescent populations compared to depression.