Systems

Implementation Stages:

Implementation of reading and behavior MTSS is a process that takes place over time (2-4 years, or more!). It is important to remember that we should not expect to see changes in student outcomes until effective practices have been implemented with fidelity. The National Implementation Research Network (NIRN) provides a variety of resources related to this. The graphic to the right shows the various implementation stages and the arrows indicate that there can be movement in either direction throughout implementation efforts. Each stage is defined below, and a link to a planning tool (outlining activites and outcomes by stage) is included as well.

Moving through the stages:

How fast you move through these stages will depend on the constant tension of three factors regarding implementation illustrated in the figure below. If you want quality implementation, then you may need either more time to engage implementation work or you may need more resources allocated to get the work done.

Developing Effective Systems to Support Implementation

Support for developing local MTSS implementation capacity focuses on three implementation drivers:

• Leadership Drivers are mechanisms to provide direction/vision for practices and allocation of resources to enable the capacity and competency drivers to be in place. The term leadership refers to the function of leadership rather than an individual’s position within the organization.

• Organizational Drivers are mechanisms to create and sustain hospitable organizational and systems environments for effective educational services. The focus is on creating an organizational “host” environment that supports best practice of MTSS implementation.

• Competency Drivers are mechanisms that help to develop, improve, and sustain one’s ability to implement a practice to benefit students.