The theoretical and evidence-based components of whole school approaches: An international scoping review

Abstract

The whole school approach (WSA) is often used in schools as a means of transformative change across many areas and involves many stakeholders. Many of the approaches used in WSAs are underpinned by psychological, social and educational theories. Although many of these approaches focus on vulnerable groups such as bullied and excluded children, relatively few of these approaches aim to support children with special educational needs (SEN). This specific vulnerable group includes children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, autism spectrum disorders, among many others. A rigorous, theory-driven approach to supporting such children in schools is essential in ensuring positive academic and developmental outcomes for such students. Therefore, a scoping review was undertaken to explore the current literature on the use of WSAs, their theoretical and evidence-based components as well as key areas in which they are utilised and how they are evaluated. After searching in seven (EBSCOhost, ERIC, British Education Index, Open Dissertation Search, PsycINFO, Medline Ovid, Child Development and Adolescent Studies) databases and completing a rigorous screening process, 21 papers were included in the review. Recommendations for further research involving the development and implementation of a WSA to support children with special educational needs are made, with emphasis placed on the importance of a clear theoretical underpinning, interdependent components, clear outcome measures and co-production.