Act It Out! Using Simulations for Professional Development to Build Cultural Responsivity

Abstract

Purpose: This tutorial aims to outline a simulation-based professional development (PD) model that can be used to help support speech-language pathologists and educators to better support their students whose cultural and linguistic background differs from their own. Method: In this tutorial, readers will learn the components of an effective PD and the value of using simulations for a PD centered on cultural and linguistic diversity, and they will be given a model of a simulation PD. Sample scripts, goals, and excerpts from educators that participated in the model PD are also included for reference. Implications: This tutorial has clinical utility for aiding professionals, school districts, and other relevant stakeholders to incorporate a framework based on an integration of evidence-based research and anecdotal evidence. Following the model outlined in this tutorial may be useful for supporting therapists to better support the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse students.