Implementation Science in Education

Turning research into real improvements for schools at all levels

What is Implementation Science in Education?

Implementation science refers to effective methods used to enhance the adoption and use of evidence‑based programs, practices, and policies. While research tells us what works, implementation science in education helps us understand how to make it work in state and local education agencies and education non-profits.

Why Implementation Science in Education Matters

Education agencies regularly make decisions about adopting new initiatives such as curricula, student support programs, safety protocols, technology tools, and more. A strong implementation approach increases the chances that these investments lead to real improvements in student outcomes.

Key benefits of implementation science include:

Improved student experiences and outcomes
Confident and skilled staff and leaders
Better return on investments
More predictable, sustainable change

Our Approach to Implementation Science in Education

Graphic shows RTI's six-part approach to implementation science in education.

RTI’s Education Implementation Work in Action

RTI can tailor our approach to meet the needs of your local area. See below for projects working directly with local, regional, and state education agencies, technical assistance providers, and education vendors.

Oak Hill School District –Science of Reading Implementation

In partnership with Oak Hills Local School District (OH), we supported district and school leaders in implementing Science of Reading practices within a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS). Through professional learning and ongoing coaching for the district implementation team and principals, we helped leaders strengthen implementation routines, align district supports, and use data to guide improvement. The partnership strengthened district capacity to sustain high-quality literacy instruction and accelerate progress toward improved reading outcomes for students.

Sacramento and Placer County Offices of Education - School Improvement

We partner with Sacramento and Placer County Offices of Education (CA) to strengthen regional capacity for implementing evidence-based school improvement strategies. Through training and coaching in implementation science, we support county, district, and school leaders in effectively adopting practices such as Universal Design for Learning, structured literacy curricula, and attendance interventions. The work helps schools implement improvement strategies with fidelity, leading to stronger student outcomes and progress toward exiting school improvement designation.

National - Scaling Curriculum Based Professional Learning

RTI’s Scaling Curriculum Based Professional Learning project aims to increase the availability and access to high quality instructional materials with aligned professional learning within our districts and schools to improve outcomes for students. To address this aim, we are investing in the development of partnerships between creators and providers of high-quality content, materials and aligned professional learning.