This study examined the factors that are important to successful implementation and sustainability of evidence-based interventions in school settings. Developers of interventions that have been designated as ''evidence-based'' in multiple vetted lists and registries available to schools participated in a structured interview. The interview focused on potential facilitators and barriers to implementation and sustainability of their intervention. The interviews were transcribed and coded to identify similarities and differences among the responses as well as themes that cut across participants. Results indicated that those concerned with effective implementation and sustainability need to address several areas: (a) development of principal and other administrator support; (b) development of teacher support; (c) development of financial resources to sustain practice; (d) provision of high-quality training and consultation to ensure fidelity; (e) alignment of the intervention with school philosophy, goals, policies, and programs; (f) ensuring that program outcomes and impact are visible to key stakeholders; and (g) development of methods for addressing turnover in school staff and administrators.

The APA Division 16 Working Group on Translating Science to Practice contends that implementation science is essential to the process of translating evidence-based interventions (EBIs) into the unique context of the schools, and that increasing attention to implementation will lead to the improvement of school psychological services and school learning environments. Key elements of implementation and implementation science are described. Four critical issues for implementation science in school psychology are presented: barriers to implementation, improving intervention fidelity and identifying core intervention components, implementation with diverse client populations, and implementation in diverse settings. What is known and what researchers need to investigate for each set of issues is addressed. A discussion of implementation science methods and measures is included. Finally, implications for research, training and practice are presented.

In recent years, a large number of schools around the country have implemented schoolwide positive behavior support (SWPBS; Sugai & Horner, 2006). Because of the increasing use of this model of support, research examining the factors associated with implementation is needed. The purpose of this investigation was to document and contextualize technical assistance providers' observations and perspectives about what factors influenced or explained school personnel's resistance toward implementing the universal level of SWPBS. Qualitative research methods were used to investigate the barrier conditions considered by technical assistance providers as influential on school personnel's resistance to adopting SWPBS at a universal level of intervention and the complementary strategies used to promote cooperation and commitment. Multiple interviews from 14 technical assistance providers suggest five barrier conditions that contribute to resistance and the complementary strategies used to promote cooperation and commitment. A detailed description of the five conditions and strategies is provided. Additionally, implications for practice and areas of future research are addressed.

A number of evidence-based, cognitive-behavioral interventions have been developed that are appropriate for use with children and adolescents in school settings. Despite the potential for these interventions to prevent or ameliorate a number of child and adolescent mental health problems, their use in schools remains low. Literature related to implementation of new programs indicates that personal, social, and organizational factors influence implementation success. What is known in general about implementation of new programs and practices, and what is known specifically about implementation of cognitive-behavioral interventions in schools, is reviewed. An examination of existing studies on implementation of cognitive-behavioral interventions in schools indicates that five factors have been found most frequently to influence implementation success: school organizational structure; program characteristics; fit with school goals, policies, and programs; training/technical assistance; and administrator support. C 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

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