1. How…? Implementation Science
CDE MTSS Overview Slides
Fall 2014
How…? Implementation Science
So far, we have addressed the “What is MTSS?” and the “Why MTSS?”. Now let’s look at the How of MTSS?” It’s nice to know that there’s a way to do this. There’s a ‘science’ to it.
We would like you to view the video on “Implementation Science.” This video is also on our MTSS resource page. When viewing the video think about what this information implies for your potential implementation or for your readiness to implement MTSS.
Remember to pause this slide show and click on the link “Implementation Science” in the video section below. When you have viewed the video, return to this slide show.

2. Formula for Success
So in summary, our goal in education is to improve student outcomes with efficiency and effectiveness. This graphic highlights explicitly the “how” to do this. If we utilize effective interventions (the what) and implement them using effective implementation methods (the how), in enabling contexts (the where), we will accomplish socially significant outcomes . (the why)
Education isn’t about exploration; We need to utilize an organized and intentional approach to plan and provide the learning for students.
Extra note if needed: An important note is Creating and sustaining an hospitable environment is necessary to “grow” whatever we hope will flourish; in this case, we’re talking about MTSS implementation. So, our culture, climate, and collaboration need to facilitate the process of implementation, not take away from it…and not be a barrier to progress.

3. “Making Sense” (NIRN website)
CDE MTSS Overview Slides
Fall 2014
“Making Sense” (NIRN website)
So to continue our systems discussion, this is an elaboration of some detailed information provided on the National Research Implementation Network or NIRN website. Within the video, you saw Karen, who helped author this work. Karen and her colleagues there helped design a theoretical framework for describing how to effectively implement and sustain what they call “an innovation” – or anything…not just in education. You can see that there are “Active Implementation Drivers” that are categorized in this graphic that drive the development, implementation and sustainability of an innovation. You can learn more about this work by visiting the NIRN site, but we’re just offering a “taste” here of what is offered.

4. Stages of Implementation (Goodman—Adapted from Fixsen)
Focus
Stage
Description
Exploration/Adoption
Decision regarding commitment to adopting the program/practices and supporting successful implementation.
Installation
Set up infrastructure so that successful implementation can take place and be supported. Establish team and data systems, conduct audit, develop plan.
Initial Implementation
Try out the practices, work out details, learn and improve before expanding to other contexts.
Elaboration
Expand the program/practices to other locations, individuals, times- adjust from learning in initial implementation.
Continuous Improvement/ Regeneration
Make it easier, more efficient. Embed within current practices.
Should we do it!
Work to do it right!
Implementation of an innovation or in our case an MTSS system, is not an event, it’s a process (!) involving multiple levels of decisions, actions, and corrections. And it takes time, thoughtful planning and action and continuous evaluation. This graphic illustrates the stages of implementation that any organization will go through in developing and implementing MTSS.
Look at these stages and think about where your system might be now in relation to MTSS implementation.
Work to do it better!

5. CDE MTSS Overview Slides
Fall 2014
Lessons Learned
You don’t get to skip any stages
Do the “right work” for the stage
Exploration and installation stages are (often) neglected
Always in “exploration” stage with somebody, somewhere
Stages are not necessarily linear; they can be iterative and overlapping
To provide perspective, in consideration of developing an MTSS system, note some of the lessons learned :
You don’t get to skip stages and should do the right work for that stage;
Be aware we sometimes move “too quickly” past exploration and installation stages that may lead to a false-start or poor implementation
We are always in exploration with somebody/somewhere: as new stakeholders come on – we must keep them up-to-date.
Stages aren’t necessarily linear, they are iterative and overlapping.
Reflection: Consider how these stages can apply to any innovation Be intentional. Think through data, think about what to choose; think about if it can be implemented and what steps to take to intentionally plan and implement an MTSS system in your settng.

6. Lessons Learned (from Florida)
CDE MTSS Overview Slides
Fall 2014
Lessons Learned (from Florida)
What are some likely reasons that implementation succeeds or fails at either district or school levels?
Failure to achieve consensus
School culture is ignored (practices, values, beliefs must be integrated in implementation plan)
Lack of training and support
Lack of feedback to implementers to support continued implementation
Unrealistic expectation of initial success
Failure to measure and analyze progress
Participants are not valued in planning
From the work done in Florida, here are some lessons to think about in relation to implementation.

7. Results Matter
“All organizations and systems are designed, intentionally or unwittingly, to achieve precisely the results they get.”
-R. Spencer Darling
Takeaway thought

8. CDE MTSS Overview Slides
Fall 2014
Contact Information: Office of Learning Supports
Visit the MTSS homepage and click on the “Contact Us” link on the left-hand navigation for contact information
We appreciate your participation and look forward to working with you. Feel free to contact us with clarifying questions. Please use this information from this presentation to anchor your learning this week.