Meta-Analyses and Systematic Reviews Advancing the Practice of School Psychology: The Imperative of Bringing Science to Practice

Abstract Meta-analyses and structured reviews provide a synthesis of the results of multiple studies, thus offering unique contributions to informing practice and advancing science in the field of school psychology. High-quality meta-analyses and structured reviews include a review and summary of the extant studies and highlight clear directions for future research. Given the ongoing efforts of scholars publishing studies with specific samples, the meta-analyses and structured reviews allow for considering the collective evidence across samples and populations. The contents herein highlight (a) the importance of meta-analyses and systematic reviews, (b) elements of rigorous, high quality meta-analyses and systematic reviews, and (c) contemporary meta-analyses and systematic reviews featured in School Psychology Review. These important meta-analyses and systematic reviews will benefit school psychology practitioners, scholars, and graduate students. Impact Statement This article highlights the contributions of meta-analyses and systematic reviews in bringing science to practice. School psychologists and other education professionals benefit from the synthesis of the extant literature providing knowledge and insights that inform best practices in supporting the healthy development and well-being of children and youth.