Nuovi orizzonti di ricerca in educazione speciale: le sintesi di sintesi

Overviews of reviews are methods used to conduct a review to integrate results from multiple synthesis. The aims of these methods are to inform, on the basis of evidence, professional practice and the development of the scientific research. Their relevance in the international research is proved by a growing publication of "secondary studies" (systematic reviews, meta-analysis, etc.) that are the essential core of the overviews. Furthermore, there is a growing application and a theoretical reflection on these methods in all the fields of educational research, while the debate in Italy appears less mature. In this contribution, therefore, the theoretical and methodological bases are introduced, the implications for educational professionals and the main critical issues discussed, within the framework of international debate on evidence-based education and special education.