Implementation Science & Scaling Up

Metz, A., & Bartley, L. (2012). Active implementation frameworks for program success. Zero to three, 32(4), 11-18.

NIRN Associate Director Allison Metz and Implementation Specialist Leah Bartley have co-authored an article for Zero to Three, the journal of Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families. The article outlines how the science of implementation and the use of evidence-based Active Implementation Frameworks can close the research-to-practice gap in early childhood and ensure sustainable program success.

This planning tool can be used by state, region, district or building level Implementation Teams to begin exploring the three Active Implementation Drivers: competency, organizational and leadership. The tool assists teams in determining the function of each Driver as well as identifying who is accountable for each and how each can be improved to better support implementation.

Action planning around the Implementation Drivers is a vital and ongoing responsibility of Implementation Teams. This planning tool is designed to help your teams in the action planning process.

Most skills needed by successful instructional staff can be introduced in training but really are learned on the job with the help of coaching.  Coaching not only expands the knowledge and skills taught in training, but also builds competence and confidence in delivering the innovation.

The Coaching Service Delivery Plan is a proactive approach to purposeful and supportive coaching. It specifies the Coaching Elements that will promote quality service delivery, support for the Practitioner or Instructional Staff, and serve as the basis for further professional development. It details the responsibilities of both the Coach and the Practitioner.

The Implementation Stages Planning tool supports the identification of the current stage of implementation, as well as supports planning and improvement by providing:
1) a flow chart to determine stage of implementation;
2) a list of appropriate stage-based activities; and
3) an outline of expected stage-based outcomes.

Originally published in March 2013 and called Stages of Implementation Analysis: Where are we?, the newest version of this tool was released in September 2020 and is now called the Implementation Stages Planning Tool.