In this episode of Steps Forward, I speak with Dr. Michelle Duda and Deborah Lynam. Dr. Michelle Duda, founder and president of Implementation Scientists LLC, is a globally recognized expert in implementation science and MTSS. With over 20 years of experience and a track record of driving systemic change in schools and organizations, she’s known for turning research into practice with proven, sustainable results. Dr. Duda has led national and international initiatives, making her a trusted authority in the field. Deborah Lynam is a doctoral student in Childhood Studies at Rutgers University-Camden and a graduate assistant for the NJ Tiered System of Supports for Early Reading initiative. With over a decade of experience in the non-profit sector, she focuses on literacy, learning disabilities, and education policy. Deborah serves on the Family Engagement Advisory Board for the National Center on Improving Literacy. She has been appointed to various advisory roles, including the US Department of Education’s Regional Advisory Committee. She is a certified Orton-Gillingham teacher, founding member of Decoding Dyslexia - New Jersey, and board member of the International Multisensory Structured Language Education Council and The Reading Reading League-New Jersey. 

Join us as we explore the critical role of Tier 1 core instruction in advancing early literacy instruction. We explore the importance of defining effective practices within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) for early reading. We delve into the challenges of implementing evidence-based literacy programs at scale, including the need for comprehensive system-level change and how implementation science can guide schools in sustaining these practices. We discuss the role of implementation teams, improvement cycles, and the importance of building resilient systems that can adapt to changes in staff and resources. Join us for an insightful discussion on leveraging implementation science to enhance literacy outcomes in schools.

Resources:

• New Jersey Tiered System of Supports for Early Reading https://www.njtss-earlyreading.org/
• Active Implementation Frameworks at a Glance: A reference or reminder of the 5 Active Implementation Frameworks that can be applied to any organization and any system level (e.g., local, district, state/provincial).
• Implementation Science 101: A Brief Overview: Provides a foundational understanding of implementation science, explaining how it supports the adoption of evidence-based practices in education, including the necessary systems, teams, and processes for achieving sustainable outcomes.