Building Excellence in Education through Evidence-Based Practice

Abstract

Did you know that only a third of the efforts make it to bring a new educational program into their roll out? In reality, most school based programs are only implemented with some fidelity, meaning less than 25-50% of school based programs are implemented in a way that achieves the intended result with regard to the student or the school (Nagy 2011). This sets the stage for why we need to a more methodical approach in putting these educational innovations into practice.The implementation science framework is exactly such a place where we began. As researchers and educators, we have identified more than 70 implementation strategies in use that will work to adopt evidence based practices in schools. Yet, it’s no quick fix – usually takes 2 to 3 years of continuous work and watching all organizational levels to succeed.We know that getting good intentions to come to fruition in the complex educational system will require more than that. And that is where this article comes in, we will look at some of the ways in which implementation science can help close the research to practice gap in education, take a deeper look at proven frameworks for success, and offer practical strategies for educators and administrators, who yearn to make lasting positive change in their school.