Using Implementation Science to

Create Change in Early Learning

and Development Programs

Gary Glasenapp

Teaching Research Institute

Western Oregon University

Who’s Here?

• SDAs

• Other agencies

• Titles/positions

Share with a partner why you chose to attend this session.

Session Topics

• Definition of “implementation” and “implementation science.”

• Core implementation components.

• Stages of implementation.

• Competency drivers.

• Readiness to change.

• Application to ELDPs.

Rate your understanding of Implementation Science on a scale of 1 to 5.

Proposed Session Ground Rules

Activity

In your small group come up with a definition of “implementation.”

Implementation Definition

“A specified set of activities designed to put into practice an activity or program of known dimensions.”

Fixsen, D. L., Naoom, S. F., Blase, K. A., Friedman, R. M. & Wallace, F. (2005). Implementation research: A synthesis of the literature. Tampa, FL. University of South Florida, p 5.

Where Does Implementation Fit?

“Implementation exists at the nexus between research and

practice. Successful implementation is the mechanism by which

young children and their families benefit from the practices and

programs that research has identified as effective.”

Metz, Halle, Bartley & Blasberg. (2013). Applying implementation science in early childhood programs and systems. P. 21

Research Implementation Practice

Implementation Context

Effective Innovations “What”

Effective Implementation

“How”

Positive Outcomes for Children and

Families “Why”

Why Does Implementation Matter?

“There is credible and extensive empirical evidence that the level of implementation affects program outcomes.”

Durlak, J.A., & DuPre. E.P. (2008). Implementation matters: A review of research on the influence on implementation on program outcomes and factors affecting implementation. American Journal of Community Psychology, 41, p. 334.

Activity

What do you know about Implementation Science?

In your small group write down 3-5 things that you know or have heard about Implementation Science.

Definitions of Implementation Science • The systematic study of specified activities designed to put into

practice activities or programs of known dimensions.

The National Implementation Research Network, FPG Child Development Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. http://nirn.fpg.unc.edu/learn-implementation/glossary

• The study of how a practice that is evidence-based or evidence-informed gets translated to different contexts in the real world. It investigates factors that contribute to successful implementation.

Halle, T., Metz, A. & Martinez-Beck, I. (2013). Applying implementation science in early childhood programs and systems. Paul Brookes Publishing.

• The study of methods that influence the integration of evidence-based interventions into practices settings.

Center for Research in Implementation Science and Prevention. University of Colorado. http://www.ucdenver.edu/academics/colleges/medicalschool/programs/crisp/about/Pages/About-Dissemination-and-Implementation-Science.aspx

Why Implementation Science?

Why are we spending time talking about Implementation Science today? In other words, why is it important for you to know about Implementation Science?

Core Implementation Components

to Implement Practices Fixsen, Naoom, Blasé, Friedman, Wallace. (2005). Implementation research: A synthesis of the literature.

Staff Evaluation

Program Evaluation

Facilitative Administrative

Support

System Interventions Selection

Training

Consultation & Coaching

Implementation Stages Fixsen, Naoom, Blasé, Friedman, Wallace. (2005). Implementation research: A synthesis of the literature.

Sustainability

Fully implemented with innovations Continue to implement on ongoing, long-termed basis System for monitoring sustainability

Innovation

Refine, change or adapt based on needs Fully implement with fidelity before attempting to innovate

Full Implementation

Becomes fully operational Implemented with fidelity

Initial Implementation

Initiate new services/practices Manage change Address fear of change Determine improvement cycles

Installation

Acquire resources Make necessary structural changes Develop implementation supports

Exploration and Adoption

Assess needs Examine fit and feasibility Make decision Develop plans with

tasks and timelines Garner support

Competency Drivers Halle, T., Metz, A. & Martinez-Beck, I. (2013). Applying implementation science in early childhood programs and systems.

Selection Training

Coaching & Supervision

Performance Assessment

Activity

Research tells us in order to get implementation the person/agency must be ready/open to change.

In your small group, write down 2-3 responses to these questions:

1)What makes change difficult?

2)What can you do to make change easier?

Activity

So what? How can what you now know about implementation science help create change in ELDPs?

• Core implementation components

• Implementation stages

• Competency drivers

• Readiness to change

Print Your Own Copy

• Fixsen, D. L., Naoom, S. F., Blase, K. A., Friedman, R. M. & Wallace, F. (2005). Implementation research: A synthesis of the literature. Tampa, FL. University of South Florida.

• http://nirn.fpg.unc.edu/sites/nirn.fpg.unc.edu/files/resources/NIRN-MonographFull-01- 2005.pdf

Questions?