Implementation Science In Schools

Implementation science is an area that seeks to bridge the gap between research and practice (Forman et al., 2013). Within the system of a school, there are many areas that have been researched, such as academic problems and externalizing and internalizing behaviors (Forman et al., 2013; Owens et al., 2008; Moceri et al, 2012). This research has yielded evidence based intervention techniques, interventions that have been scientifically tested and shown to have an impact (Forman et al., 2013). While a specific intervention might have been proven to be the best course of action for addressing an issue, it might not be reaching the students who need it because it is not being implemented in the schools.
The definition of implementation science
The key terms that have developed in this area refer to the process and have specialized meaning. Diffusion describes the stage where information about the program is shared, dissemination describes to the component of communication between the people who want to implement it and the people who will implement it, and implementation is the institutions support while enacting the program (Forman et al., 2013). Implementation science was originally based in systems theory, social learning theory, and behaviorism, but now has its own theory and framework (Forman et al., 2013; Cappella, Reinke, & Hoagwood, 2011). The APA Division 16 Working Group that a successful model for implementation would include: an organization with an expert at the intervention, clear instructions for the intervention, proper training to enact the intervention, institutional support, and differentiation of guidance based on the stage of intervention (Forman et al.,
Equally important is understanding the context of the situation and choosing an appropriate intervention (Forman et al., 2013; Cappella, Reinke, & Hoagwood, 2011). This is an especially prevalent issue for school psychologists because of the need to choose appropriate intervention and encouraging schools to use evidence-based interventions.
Evidence-based treatment is the basis for the services that school psychologists provide. These are interventions and treatment that have been scientifically tested and shown to be effective. The fidelity of the intervention, along with the development of the student, depend on proper implementation. Unfortunately, the rates at which evidence-based interventions are successfully implemented in schools are low (Forman et al.,