Measuring Implementation Fidelity: Lessons From the Field

• In Event: Impact, Implementation, and Evaluation of Literacy Programs for Adolescents

Abstract

This study describes a fidelity of implementation (FOI) framework used by researchers that includes an Innovation Configuration Map, agglomerative cluster analysis, and student data linked with teachers’ FOI results. Findings from the cluster analysis indicate that the process was useful for creating fidelity groups characterized by distinct differences in teachers’ use of six practices. While literacy coaches’ global ratings of FOI were especially reliable for identifying low-fidelity implementers, the analysis of student data provided no evidence to suggest the fidelity of implementing practices is related to reading outcomes. Researchers hope to generate further discussion about the challenges of measuring FOI in school-based settings using an applied example to advance efforts in the field.

Authors

• Jill M. Feldman, Westat

• Kelly Feighan, Research for Better Schools

• Elizabeth Heeren, Memphis City Schools

• Elena Kirtcheva, Research for Better Schools

• Ning Rui, Westat