Preparation for implementation of evidence-based practices in urban schools: A shared process with implementing partners

Abstract

Background

Shifting organizational priorities can negatively affect the sustainment of innovations in community settings. Shifting priorities can present barriers to conducting clinical research in schools if a misalignment occurs between school district priorities and the aims of the study. Often this misalignment occurs due to a shift during the period between when the study is submitted for funding and when research activities begin. Participatory research approaches can be employed to restore alignment between study processes and school district priorities. The purpose of the study is to describe data from a shared process with district partners. The shared process resulted in modifications to the main study's implementation processes and strategies in order to restore alignment with evolving school priorities while remaining faithful to the aims of the study.

Method

Data originated from qualitative interviews conducted with 20 school district and school personnel in a large urban school district. Qualitative themes were organized into categories based on a social-ecological school implementation framework. Data from team meetings, meetings with school district administrators, and emails served to supplement and verify findings from interview analyses.

Results

Themes included barriers and facilitators at the macro-, school-, individual-, team-, and implementation quality levels. Adaptations were made to address barriers and facilitators and restore alignment with school district priorities. Most adaptations to study processes and implementation strategies focused on re-training and providing more information to school district coaches and school-based staff. New procedures were created, and resources were re-allocated for the larger study.

Conclusions

Findings were discussed in relation to the implementation literature in schools. Recommendations for sustaining strong collaboration among researchers and school partners are provided.

Plain Language Summary Title

Preparation for Implementation of Evidence-Based Practices in Urban Schools: A Shared Process with Implementing Partners

Plain Language Summary

School-based implementation research requires a strong partnership between schools and researchers to ensure that the processes and implementation strategies of the study align with evolving school district priorities and processes. The article describes a stakeholder engagement process conducted during the preparation phase of implementation. The process resulted in the re-alignment of study processes and implementation strategies, and goals and priorities of the school district.