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A Systematic Review of Studies Addressing the Implementation of the Evidence-Based Whole-School Reform “Success for All” - Mechteld van Kuijk, Marijke Mullender-Wijnsma, Roel Bosker, 2021 (sagepub.com)
Article Information
Article first published online: January 25, 2021; Issue published: March 1, 2021
Received: March 19, 2020; Accepted: August 16, 2020
Author
Mechteld van Kuijk
Research Group Learning in Professional Learning Communities, Hanze University of Applied Sciences
Marijke Mullender-Wijnsma
GION Education/Research, University of Groningen
Roel Bosker
GION Education/Research, University of Groningen
Abstract
Purpose: The effectiveness of the 14-component evidence-based whole-school reform Success for All (SfA) has been well established, but research on its implementation is limited although fidelity of implementation is vital for the effectiveness of such a program. This review sheds light on this issue.
Design/Approach/Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted to acquire an overview of qualitative and quantitative aspects of SfA’s implementation in primary schools as well as to identify stimulating and hindering factors when implementing SfA. Sixteen studies, conducted in the United States and the United Kingdom, were included in this review.
Findings: Results indicate that 48% of schools implemented SfA at the minimal level, 45% at a more advanced level, and 7% at an insufficient level. Information on the implementation for each of the 14 components was rare. Most of the factors that affected implementation were hindering factors rather than stimulating ones. For successful implementation of this evidence-based program, the crucial factors appear to be leadership, fulfilling organizational conditions, staff development, and relentlessly implementing all 14 components together.
Originality/Value: This review shows that for an evidence-based program to be effective, implementation fidelity is a very serious concern, which needs to be addressed systematically.
Keywords
Evidence-based education, implementation, Success for All, whole-school reform