Implementation Science

“Drawing upon her rich experiences as a school leader, Dr. Julia Carlson deftly translates the big ideas of implementation science into a clear, thought-provoking guide. Reflection questions and real-world examples woven into each chapter book invite readers into walking the walk of datainformed improvement. This playbook offers an excellent starting point for leaders ready to make meaningful, lasting change in their schools.”

Vincent Cho, Ph.D., Boston College

“Dr. Julia Carlson brings remarkable authenticity and clarity to the world of implementation science. This book weaves historical context, research, and her rich leadership experiences, in a way that is both deeply personal and highly practical. This isn’t a book you read once and shelve—it’s a playbook leaders will return to again and again for professional development, strategic planning, and instructional support. With digestible insights and implementable strategies, it’s poised to transform not only how schools function, but how students thrive.”

Alison Divino Driscoll, Curriculum and Instruction Manager specializing in learning design and instructional leadership

“In Implementation Science: A Playbook for Instructional Leaders, Dr. Julia Carlson masterfully blends the rigor of research with the realities of school leadership. Grounded in the principles of implementation science, this book is a trusted companion for leaders committed to meaningful, measurable change. Through compelling case studies, actionable strategies, and thoughtful reflection questions, Dr. Carlson empowers school and district leaders to move from ideas to impact. This playbook is essential for anyone engaged in the challenging work of school improvement. Dr. Carlson doesn’t just point to the 'what'; she illuminates the 'how' in a way that’s both practical and powerful.”

Lori McEwen, Ph.D., University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

List of Figures

Acknowledgments

Foreword — Dr. Siobhan M. Dennis

Preface

Introduction

Part I: Current State of Education

Chapter 1. Historical Context

Chapter 2. A Contextual Approach: A Look at the Science of Reading

Part II: What Is Implementation Science, and Why Does it Matter in Education?

Chapter 3. Understanding Implementation Science

Chapter 4. Tenets of Implementation Science

Part III: Enabling Context

Chapter 5. Building Teams

Chapter 6. Building Strong Instructional Leaders

Chapter 7. Developing a Clear Vision and Goals

Chapter 8. Case Studies

Part IV: Effective Practices

Chapter 9. Monitoring and Adapting Strategies

Chapter 10. Usable Innovations

Chapter 11. Engaging Stakeholders

Chapter 12. Celebrating Success and Sustaining Momentum

Chapter 13. Case Studies

Part V: Effective Implementation

Chapter 14. Selecting Evidence-Based Practices

Chapter 15. Stages of Implementation

Chapter 16. Implementing Evidence-Based Practices

Chapter 17. Case Studies

Conclusion

Bibliography

About the Author

Index

Julia James Carlson

Dr. Julia James Carlson is an accomplished educational leader with over two decades of experience in school turnaround, curriculum development/management, and instructional leadership. With a career spanning urban and suburban districts, private sectors, and nonprofit organizations, Dr. Carlson has become a trusted voice in educational reform and implementation science. She holds an EdD in Educational Administration from Boston College, where she received the prestigious AASA Educational Administrative Scholarship Award.

Dr. Carlson’s career is marked by a deep commitment to improving student outcomes through evidence-based practices and collaborative leadership. She has served in various roles, including Product Management Director: Implementation Science at Imagine Learning, Vice President of Research at Wilson Language Training, Invention Education Administrator at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Assistant Superintendent of Fall River Public Schools. In these positions, she led initiatives to enhance literacy instruction, developed and implemented innovative educational programs, and district-wide data systems to monitor student progress. Her leadership was pivotal in securing multi-million-dollar grants and raising student achievement rates in underperforming school districts. As a passionate advocate for literacy and equity in education, Dr. Carlson has presented nationally on the role of implementation science in school reform, focusing on creating supportive climates for administrator and teacher development and improving literacy outcomes. She was also a Collaborative Teaching Fellow and Practicum Supervisor at Boston College, mentoring future educators and preparing them to thrive in urban education settings through the Donovan Scholars Program. Dr. Carlson’s extensive experience in K-12 and higher education underscores her holistic understanding of the educational landscape.