School Psychologists’ Knowledge and Self-Efficacy in Working with Students with TBI

Approximately 145,000 U.S. children experience lasting effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that manifest in social, behavioural, physical, and cognitive challenges in the school setting. School psychologists have an essential role in identifying students who need support and in determining eligibility under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge and perception of abilities related to TBI in a sample of school psychologists currently working in public schools. We surveyed school psychologists and found persistently low levels of knowledge and of perceived preparedness to work with these students. School psychologists with more experience working with students with TBI rated themselves significantly higher on their perceived ability to perform nearly all key duties of a school psychologist. To meet the academic and behavioural needs of students with TBI, all school psychologists need effective training in working with and evaluating students with TBI

Traumatic Brain Injury: Persistent Misconceptions and Knowledge Gaps Among Educators

Each year approximately 700,000 U.S. children aged 0–19 years sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI) placing them at risk for academic, cognitive, and behavioural challenges. Although TBI has been a special education disability category for 25 years, prevalence studies show that of the 145,000 students each year who sustain long-term injury from TBI, less than 18% are identified for special education services. With few students with TBI identified for special education, TBI is mistakenly viewed as a low-incidence disability, and is covered minimally in educator preparation. We surveyed educators and found that they lacked knowledge, applied skills, and self-efficacy in working with students with TBI. While those with special education credentials and/or additional training scored significantly higher than general educators, all demonstrated inadequate skills in working with students with TBI. This finding suggests that teachers, especially those in general education, have misconceptions and knowledge gaps about TBI and its effects on students. Misconceptions have led to the misidentification and under-identification of students with TBI, leaving this group of students with disabilities potentially underserved. To meet the academic and behavioural needs of students with TBI, all educators need effective training in working with students with TBI

Brain Injury Is Treatable

Children with traumatic brain injury (TBI) are under-identified and under-served by healthcare and educational professionals. Factors such as lack of understanding regarding long-term needs following TBI, limited awareness and training in emerging evidence-based practices and inefficient care coordination (Haarbauer-Krupa et al., 2017) impede effective clinical management. Despite these considerable challenges, childhood brain injury is treatable. Families, schools, and healthcare systems are integral to that treatment. Where a child lives and learns can also greatly influence long-term outcomes. Children from home environments with supportive caregivers have more positive outcomes (Wade et al., 2016). Closer proximity to medical care and providers who streamline postacute care, rehabilitation, and community services also positively affect recovery (Buzza et al., 2011). Schools with educators who are trained to understand the unique needs of students with TBI are better situated to ensure that needed services and accommodations are received upon a child’s return to school (Davies, 2016)

Traumatic Brain Injury and Teacher Training: A Gap in Educator Preparation

This study examines the level of training provided on traumatic brain injury (TBI) in teacher training programs. Research has shown teachers lack knowledge about the consequences of TBI and about the related services students with TBI might require. Participants included faculty members in teacher training programs in the United States. The current study revealed very little formal training on TBI is provided in teacher training programs. If provided, TBI training was more likely to be found in special education classes than in general education settings

Traumatic Brain Injury: Persistent Misconceptions and Knowledge Gaps Among Educators

Each year approximately 700,000 U.S. children aged 0–19 years sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI) placing them at risk for academic, cognitive, and behavioural challenges. Although TBI has been a special education disability category for 25 years, prevalence studies show that of the 145,000 students each year who sustain long-term injury from TBI, less than 18% are identified for special education services. With few students with TBI identified for special education, TBI is mistakenly viewed as a low-incidence disability, and is covered minimally in educator preparation. We surveyed educators and found that they lacked knowledge, applied skills, and self-efficacy in working with students with TBI. While those with special education credentials and/or additional training scored significantly higher than general educators, all demonstrated inadequate skills in working with students with TBI. This finding suggests that teachers, especially those in general education, have misconceptions and knowledge gaps about TBI and its effects on students. Misconceptions have led to the misidentification and under-identification of students with TBI, leaving this group of students with disabilities potentially underserved. To meet the academic and behavioural needs of students with TBI, all educators need effective training in working with students with TBI

School Psychologists’ Knowledge and Self-Efficacy in Working with Students with TBI

Approximately 145,000 U.S. children experience lasting effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that manifest in social, behavioural, physical, and cognitive challenges in the school setting. School psychologists have an essential role in identifying students who need support and in determining eligibility under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge and perception of abilities related to TBI in a sample of school psychologists currently working in public schools. We surveyed school psychologists and found persistently low levels of knowledge and of perceived preparedness to work with these students. School psychologists with more experience working with students with TBI rated themselves significantly higher on their perceived ability to perform nearly all key duties of a school psychologist. To meet the academic and behavioural needs of students with TBI, all school psychologists need effective training in working with and evaluating students with TBI

Educational Issues and Return to School

Publisher\u27s description of the book: This revised and greatly expanded Third Edition of Brain Injury Medicine continues its reputation as the key core textbook in the field, bringing together evidence-based medicine and years of collective author clinical experience in a clear and comprehensive guide for brain injury professionals. Universally praised as the gold standard text and go-to clinical reference, the book covers the entire continuum of care from early diagnosis and assessment through acute management, rehabilitation, associated medical and quality of life issues, and functional outcomes. With 12 new chapters and expanded coverage in key areas of pathobiology and neuro-recovery, special populations, sport concussion, disorders of consciousness, neuropharmacology, and more, this state of the science resource promotes a multi-disciplinary approach to a complex condition with consideration of emerging topics and the latest clinical advances. Written by over 200 experts from all involved disciplines, the text runs the full gamut of practice of brain injury medicine including principles of public health and research, biomechanics and neural recovery, neuroimaging and neurodiagnostic testing, sport and military, prognosis and outcome, acute care, treatment of special populations, neurologic and other medical complications post-injury, motor and musculoskeletal problems, post-trauma pain disorders, cognitive and behavioral problems, functional mobility, neuropharmacology and alternative treatments, community reentry, and medicolegal and ethical issues. Unique in its scope of topics relevant to professionals working with patients with brain injury, this third edition offers the most complete and contemporary review of clinical practice standards in the field.https://ecommons.udayton.edu/books/1104/thumbnail.jp

Systematic Instruction of Assistive Technology for Cognition (ATC) in a Vocational Setting Following Acquired Brain Injury: A Single Case, Experimental Study

BACKGROUND: Assistive technology for cognition (ATC) can be an effective means of compensating for cognitive impairments following acquired brain injury. Systematic instruction is an evidence-based approach to training a variety of skills and strategies, including the use of ATC. OBJECTIVE: This study experimentally evaluated systematic instruction applied to assistive technology for cognition (ATC) in a vocational setting. METHODS: The study used a single-case, multiple-probe design across behaviors design. The participant was a 50-year old female with cognitive impairments following an acquired brain injury (ABI). As a part-time employee, she was systematically instructed on how to operate and routinely use selected applications (apps) on her iPod Touch to support three work-related skills: (a) recording/recalling the details of work assignments, (b) recording/recalling work-related meetings and conversations, and (c) recording/performing multi-step technology tasks. The experimental intervention was systematic instruction applied to ATC. The dependent measures were: (a) the use of ATC at work as measured by an ATC routine task analysis; and (b) recall of work-related tasks and information. RESULTS: Treatment effects were replicated across the three work-related skills and were maintained up to one year following the completion of intensive training across behaviors with periodic review (booster sessions). CONCLUSIONS: Systematic instruction is a critical component to teaching the routine use of ATC to compensate for cognitive impairments following ABI