Effective Implementation
On this page, find resources exploring how to leverage implementation science for effective implementation, smart goals and action planning, identifying evidence-based interventions, and sustainability.
Leveraging Implementation Science
Implementation science is the study of methods and strategies to promote the uptake of evidence-based practices, and it offers a framework for schools to systematically deploy, assess, and refine their comprehensive school-based mental health programs. This approach ensures that interventions are not only evidence-based but also contextually adapted to meet the unique needs of each school community. It includes:
- Strategic Planning: Using clear plans to pick the best methods for mental health programs and make them fit what each school needs.
- Capacity Building: Giving school staff, district admin, and families the training and help they need to feel equipped to lead mental health initiatives and serve as nurturing adults.
- Evaluation and Adaptation: Always checking how well the mental health programs are working and making changes based on what students need, to keep improving them.
(SISEP) Active Implementation Hub
https://implementation.fpg.unc.edu/
This hub is designed to help anyone who is actively implementing evidence-informed programs and practices.
(SISEP) Webinar: Introduction to Implementation Science (75 minutes)
https://implementation.fpg.unc.edu/resource/implementation-improvement-science-overview-webinar/
This webinar is a great place to start for those new to implementation science, as it provides a high-level and easy-to-understand overview of implementation science.
(UNC) Collaborative for Implementation Practice
https://implementationpractice.org/
This organization provides implementation support and extensive resources to support you in implementing evidence-informed programs and practices.
Goal Setting and Building a Strategic Action Plan
Setting goals and having a strategic plan are key to improving school health. Without a direction, efforts can be scattered or reactive. Goal setting allows the school team to focus on what matters most – whether it’s physical activity, mental health, emotional well-being, or school climate.
A strategic plan brings those goals to life by outlining what to do, who’s responsible, when, and how progress will be measured. This structured approach helps the team stay on track and creates a shared understanding of priorities. When done well, goal setting and planning mean school health initiatives are intentional, collaborative, and set up for long-term success.
(SISEP) Active Implementation Framework Action Plan Template
https://implementation.fpg.unc.edu/resource/implementation-stages-action-plan/
This template action plan aligns with the active implementation framework to support implementation science.
Identifying Evidence-Based Policies, Practices, and Programs
Choosing the right evidence-based interventions for comprehensive school-based mental health programs ensures the use of proven, effective methods that benefit students’ mental health and academic success and contribute to an overall positive school environment.
- Research What Works: Start by looking into different mental health programs or strategies that have been studied and shown to help students.
- Match Needs to Programs: Think about the specific needs of your students and school, and choose a program that is supported by the data.
- Plan for Training and Support: Ensure teachers and staff are trained to implement programming with fidelity.
(Institute of Education Sciences) What Works Clearinghouse
An online portal of resources, including systematic reviews of existing research, intervention reports, practice guides, and comparison tools, all designed to improve academic outcomes for students.
(Midwest Comprehensive Center - AIR) Guide to Evidence-Based Clearinghouses
https://www.air.org/sites/default/files/Evidence-Clearinghouse-Guide-508.pdf
An inventory of various databases, a description of what each database provides, and associated resources.
Continuous Quality Improvement and Sustainability
Choosing the right evidence-based interventions for comprehensive school-based mental health programs ensures the use of proven, effective methods that benefit students’ mental health and academic success and contribute to an overall positive school environment.
- Research What Works: Start by looking into different mental health programs or strategies that have been studied and shown to help students.
- Match Needs to Programs: Think about the specific needs of your students and school, and choose a program that is supported by the data.
- Plan for Training and Support: Ensure teachers and staff are trained to implement programming with fidelity.
(Effective School Solutions) Funding Sustainable School-Based Mental Health Initiatives
This funding guide highlights mechanisms for funding school-based mental health programs to ensure continuous and sustainable programming.
(Healthy Schools Campaign) Medicaid for School Health Resources
School Medicaid Database: Text-searchable collection of publicly available documents pertaining to school Medicaid programs (as of 2022) in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. It was developed to assist state education agencies (SEAs) and state Medicaid administrators in creating resources to support school districts with expanding Medicaid reimbursement for school health services.
School Medicaid Expansion: How (and How Many) States Have Taken Action to Increase School Health Access and Funding: This brief provides an overview of actions states have taken to increase access and funding for school health initiatives, along with associated resources and documents.
School Medicaid Programs Map: Searchable map highlighting where each state is in its effort to expand Medicaid programming in schools.
A Guide to Expanding Medicaid-Funded School Health Programs: An in-depth guide exploring strategies for stakeholder success in expanding Medicaid-funded school health programs.
School Medicaid Guidance: Brief answering questions around what policymakers and advocates need to know to ensure school communities are positioned to leverage federal opportunities.
Additional Tools and Resources
(School Safety.gov) Grants Finder Tool: Use this grant finder tool to find available grants for various mental health and school safety-related funding opportunities.
(The Mary E. Walsh Center for Thriving Children at Boston College) Financing Systems of Integrated Student Supports: This brief highlights federal, state, and philanthropic funds that support a variety of student supports, including health and well-being
Contact Us
For questions or more information, connect with us.
Heidi Milby, MPH
Associate Director, Center for Advancing Healthy Communities
hmilby@chronicdisease.org