Why the “How” May Be as Important as the “What” When It Comes to Implementation

As educators, we all want to see our students thrive, especially in the wake of challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent research indicates that academic progress has stagnated, prompting us to reevaluate our approaches to teaching and learning. One thing we have learned is that how we implement educational practices may be as crucial as what we implement. 

The Importance of Implementation Fidelity 

Implementation science is a field dedicated to understanding how evidence-based practices can be effectively integrated into educational settings. It emphasizes not just whether a program works, but for whom it works and under what conditions. This shift in perspective allows us to identify barriers that may prevent students from benefiting fully from instructional programs. 

Implementation fidelity, or integrity, refers to delivering programs as designed. Just like following a recipe is essential for creating a delicious dish, adhering to the intended use of educational programs is critical for student success. If students engage with instructional materials inconsistently, we cannot guarantee that students will achieve the desired learning outcomes. 

Recent studies have shown that many districts struggle with maintaining implementation fidelity due to various challenges such as time constraints and resource allocation. However, when educational institutions collaborate with service providers and focus on overcoming these barriers, they can enhance implementation efforts and ultimately improve student outcomes. 

Identifying Pockets of Progress 

Despite the overall stagnation in academic growth post-pandemic, some schools have reported pockets of progress. These successes often align with areas where significant recovery efforts were made. For instance, when analyzing data from students using i-Ready Personalized Instruction (i.e., i-Ready PI) with fidelity, we found that those who consistently engaged with the program demonstrated growth comparable to pre-pandemic levels. This reinforces the idea that how we implement programs can lead to meaningful academic gains. 

The key takeaway here is that implementation truly matters. By prioritizing how we execute educational strategies rather than solely what strategies we choose, we can create more effective learning environments for our students. This means:

• Engaging in collaborative planning: Educators should work together with administrators and service providers to identify best practices and address potential barriers. 
• Providing ongoing training and support: Ensuring that teachers have access to professional learning opportunities can help them implement programs more effectively. 
• Collecting and analyzing data: Regularly assessing implementation fidelity and student outcomes can inform adjustments and improvements in practice. 

Next Steps for Educators 

As Grades K–8 teachers, you play a vital role in shaping your students' educational experiences. Here are some actionable steps you can take based on these insights: 

1. Reflect on your practices: Consider how you currently implement instructional programs. Are you following them as designed? What adjustments could enhance fidelity?
2. Collaborate with colleagues: Share experiences and strategies with fellow educators. Discuss challenges you face in implementing programs and brainstorm solutions together. 
   
3. Seek professional learning: Look for workshops or training sessions focused on implementation science or specific instructional strategies relevant to your context. 
   
4. Monitor your students’ progress: Use formative assessments to gauge how well your students are responding to implemented programs. Adjust your approach based on their needs. 
   
5. Engage with families: Communicate with parents/caregivers about how they can support their children's learning at home in alignment with school initiatives. 

While it’s essential to choose evidence-based programs for our classrooms, it’s equally important to focus on how we implement them. By improving our understanding of implementation fidelity and collaborating effectively within our educational communities, we can create environments where all students have the opportunity to succeed. 

To find out more, check out this research and efficacy report about promising leadership practices from more than 300 schools that exceeded expectations during the height of the pandemic. Or, check out this resource to discover the difference implementing with fidelity makes.

Want to hear more from Kate? Tune in to her episode of the Extraordinary Educators™ Podcast.