Evidence-Based Practice Linda C. Halgunseth, PhD Office of Applied Research

Definition of Evidence-Based Practice = a decision-making process that integrates the best available research evidence with family and professional wisdom and values (Buysee & Wesley, 2006)

Evidence-Based Four General Areas Position Statements/Standards Publications/Conferences Public Policy/QRIS Initiatives Office of Applied Research

#1. POSITION STATEMENTS Over 20 position statements Purpose Process

Two Examples DEC/NAEYC Joint Statement on Inclusion DAP Distance Learning

#2. STANDARDS Accreditation I.Academy 10 Standards (Relationships, Curriculum, Teaching, Assessment of Child Progress, Health, Teachers, Families, Community Relationships, Physical Environment, Leadership and Management) II. Teacher Preparation 5* Standards (Promote Child Development & Learning, Building Family and Community Relationships, Observing, Documenting and Assessing to Support Young Children and Families, Teaching and Learning, Becoming a Professional)

Process for Standards Similar to Position Statements Work Group of Experts References Linked to Each Standard Draft Presented to and Feedback Elicited From Practitioner Field »Online »Conference Session »Invitation Regular Reviews/Revisions

#3. PUBLICATIONS/ CONFERENCES Questions: To Researchers = “What would this look like in the classroom?” To Practitioners = “Is information grounded in developmental theory and research?” Journals »ECRQ, Young Children, Teaching Young Children Books

Wisdom of Field * Voices of Practitioners * NAEYC Annual Conference and Professional Development Institute

#4. PUBLIC POLICY QRIS Initiatives and Support –Support State Decision-makers and Policy makers Understanding and Implementation of QRIS

#4. OFFICE OF APPLIED RESEARCH Wingspread Conference –25 Recommendations Office of Applied Research –Presentations Demonstrate Links Between Research, Policy, and Practice –Research-to-Practice Briefs

Conclusion History of Integrating Empirical Research and Wisdom/Knowledge of Field »Position Statements, Standards, Conferences, Public Policy, and Publications Renewed Commitment to strengthen NAEYC’s dissemination efforts of evidence-based practices »Office of Applied Research, Wingspread

Reference Buysse, V. & Wesley, P.W. (2006). Evidence-based practice in the early childhood field. Washington, DC: ZERO TO THREE Press.

THANK YOU! Linda C. Halgunseth, PhD Coordinator, Office of Applied Research National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) 1313 L Street, NW, Suite 400 Washington, DC