Promoting Fidelity of Program Implementation in Schools

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The purpose of this project is to develop an online tool that uses text and video messages to promote high quality implementation of school-based prevention programs. The Phase I research design will demonstrate the feasibility of creating an online application for promoting the fidelity of school-based prevention programs. In Phase I the system will be applied to one program, Life Skills Training (1ST). The list will be expanded to include all school-based programs on the SAMHSA model program list in Phase II. The specific aims of this Phase I study are: (1) To develop a matrix that describes the program content covered by LST that identifies key topics, issues and themes; (2) To select topics and themes that are essential for high quality implementation about which written messages and video demonstrations can be developed; (3) To develop 15 text and video messages with teaching demonstrations to instruct and motivate teachers to increase the fidelity with which they teach LST; (4) To consult with the LST program developer to ensure that the topics selected are appropriate, and that the text and video messages have the potential to promote fidelity of implementation; (5) To conduct a pilot study with 20 LST teachers randomly assigned to either implement LST with support from our system or to implement LST without additional support. As part of the pilot study data will be collected through: (a) observations of all teachers as they teach LST coding for adherence, adaptation, and interactivity; (b) interviews with teachers about adherence, adaptation, and interactivity; and (c) interviews with treated teachers about ease of use and perceived value of the system. Data will be analyzed to test the feasibility of using the proposed approach to promote fidelity. The investigators involved in this project have a long history in conducting research on fidelity of implementation generally, and studies of fidelity of implementation with LST in particular. The ultimate goal of this project is to provide program implementers with enhanced understanding and delivery skills in order to promote quality of delivery.