Empowering School-Based Therapists with Evidence-Based Practice

School practice is one of the largest employers of pediatric clinicians and evidence-based practice is essential in this area of practice. Evidence-based practice in the school setting is not only essential to best practice but is alsorequired by law. Research shows clinicians do not discuss evidence when instructing students and struggle to justify their choices for assessment choices and treatment techniques (Grajo, Candler, and; Sarafian, 2020; Lauderdale-Littin and Brennan 2018; Nichols, 2017). Participation in a short course on evidence-based practice improves clinicians' understanding, confidence, and use of high-quality clinical reasoning, decision-making, and use ofevidence in their work settings (Lynch et al., 2023 andNichols, 2017).

This course will review evidence-based practice for therapists and the laws governing the use of evidence-based practice in the school setting. This will support practitioners' improvement in understanding and utilizing evidence-based practice when choosing assessments and planning treatments. There will be a question-and-answer session thatallows the learner to integrate the material into their practice discipline. There will also be a small group multidisciplinary lab allowing therapy practitioners the opportunity to collaborate and practice evidence-based strategies for a case studyscenario. This will improve one's comfort and ability to obtain, discuss, and use evidence-based strategies for the diverse students they serve. At the end of this course, clinicians will be able to discern the value of evidence through a proven 5 -step method. Attendees will demonstrate confidence in the evidence-based evaluations and treatments they arechoosing and endorsing to their school districts.

The content of this program is germane to children, students and clients 3-21 years old.

Highlights

• Examine the link between evidence-based practice and best practices in the school setting
• Utilize a 5-step model for implementing evidence-basedpractice, along with time-saving strategies to access evidence efficiently
• Engage in small multidisciplinary teams to apply evidence-based practice in a case study scenario
• Return to your school equipped with the knowledge and confidence to use evidence-based practice effectively withinyour discipline

Target Audience: Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Speech-Language Pathologists