Conceptualizing “Evidence” in Out-of-School Time (Poster 30)

• In Event: Sunday Poster Session 9:35 am
  In Poster Session: Out-of-School-Time SIG Posters

Abstract

In recent years, the out of school time (OST) field has seen increased calls for the use of “evidence” and “evidence-based practice” in programming, particularly in the context of obtaining funding. While the term “evidence” appears frequently, usage of the term varies by source. In this qualitative study, we conducted interviews with OST professionals to understand how the field conceptualizes the term “evidence” and if understandings of the term align or diverge across practitioners, capacity builders, and funders. We additionally explore the value professionals place on evidence, and the challenges of using evidence in practice.

Author

• Arielle Lentz, University of Delaware