Topic Area 1: The Root Causes and Consequences of School Violence

NIJ is interested in receiving proposals that use rigorous methodologies to identify root causes and consequences of various forms of school violence perpetration and victimization, particularly those stemming from structural inequality and systemic and institutional biases. Proposed studies should demonstrate how they will build on and complement existing knowledge on this topic,2 avoid duplication with ongoing research efforts, and aid in the development of interventions or strategies to prevent school violence. NIJ is particularly interested in identifying malleable factors, mediators, and/or moderators of school violence, and will give preference to proposals that develop new knowledge and have a high likelihood of identifying actionable results for programs, policy, and practice.

Topic Area 2: Evaluation of the Impact and Effectiveness of School Safety Approaches Implemented for Purposes Authorized Under the STOP School Violence Act

Though serious violence at school is uncommon, school-based victimization is a significant concern. Schools across the nation have implemented a wide variety of approaches to keep schools and students safe. The Student, Teachers, and Officers Preventing School Violence Act of 2018 (STOP School Violence Act)5 purpose areas call for projects that would support a variety of school safety activities and resources. This solicitation complements the STOP School Violence Act by seeking applications for rigorous evaluations of the effectiveness of school safety approaches addressing the STOP School Violence Act’s purpose areas.