Overview
Many schools are familiar with implementing a new idea or practice, only to see it fail or fizzle out. There are lots of reasons these efforts lack the desired results or staying power. Usually the issues include a lack of proper training, adopting practices before staff is ready, or only using parts of a practice because of depleted resources. In short, schools attempt implementation without fidelity.
The Technical Assistance programs focus on implementation with fidelity, which is a key element of an MTSS framework. Proper implementation ensures that resources and supports are in place so that practices can have their intended impact. Proper implementation also helps sustain the practices as the standard operating procedures. Each ISD, district, and school goes through five stages of implementation.
Stages of Implementation
ExplorationExamine your readiness to commit to implementing MTSS. |
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ISDLeadership decides if it should apply to partner with a TA Center program. |
DistrictLeadership decides if supports from its ISD are needed to partner with a TA Center program. |
SchoolLeadership prepares to partner with its district. |
InstallationSet up your infrastructure with teams, data systems, and an implementation plan. |
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ISDISDs establish implementation teams and prepare to support districts. |
DistrictDistricts establish implementation teams and prepare to support schools. |
SchoolSchools establish leadership and grade level teams and prepare to support students. |
Initial ImplementationAfter you have built capacity, try out the practices, learn, and improve. |
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ISDISDs use data to select the districts to support. ISDs help the districts through their installation. |
DistrictDistricts use data to select the schools to support. Districts help the schools through their installation. |
SchoolSchools provide universal (Tier 1) supports to students and begin examining school and student data. |
ElaborationAfter successful implementation, repeat the process with more partners, programs, and practices. |
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ISDISDs partner with more districts and support them through installation and initial implementation. |
DistrictDistricts partner with more schools and support them through installation and initial implementation. |
SchoolSchools expand their MTSS to include targeted (Tier 2) and intensive (Tier 3) supports for all focus areas (behavior and reading). |
Continuous RegenerationAfter full implementation, keep refining the practices to be more effective and efficient. |
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ISDISDs continually review their ISD and district data and support any area showing slippage. |
DistrictDistricts continually review their district and school data and support any area showing slippage. |
SchoolSchools continually review their school data and create action plans to support any weaknesses. |