About the Book
Implementation Science: A Playbook for Instructional Leaders offers a practical approach to driving sustainable, impactful change in educational settings. Grounded in research-to-practice methodology, this essential guide is designed for district and school instructional leaders committed to elevating student outcomes through strategic, evidence-informed decisions. Dr. Carlson draws on decades of experience in teaching, leadership, curriculum development, and literacy research to deliver a step-by-step framework that empowers leaders to effectively plan, implement, monitor, and assess initiatives.
In clear, accessible language, Implementation Science demystifies the core principles of implementation and bridges concepts to turnaround. It offers actionable strategies and tools for tackling complex challenges in today's educational landscape. From curriculum selection to fostering an engaged, capable team, this playbook navigates the nuances of change management, helping leaders make data-driven decisions that stick. Each chapter culminates with key takeaways and questions for reflection, supporting instructional leaders in aligning their work with broader district goals.
Perfect for superintendents, principals, curriculum directors, and aspiring leaders, Implementation Science is more than a guide—it's a hands-on resource for building a sustainable, student-centered culture of continuous improvement. The book can also be adopted for a variety of courses such as Educational Leadership and Administration; Curriculum and Instructional Design; Data-Driven Decision Making in Education; Change Management in Education; and many more.
Table of Contents:
List of Tables and 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
About the Author :
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. In addition to her work stateside, she has been a mentor for the global organization Worldwide SHEroes, explicitly working with aspiring female education leaders in Africa.
Dr. Carlson is an active member of professional organizations such as the American Educational Research Association and the International Dyslexia Association. She was a key stakeholder in developing the Massachusetts Dyslexia Guidelines, co-developed by the Departments of Elementary and Secondary Education and Early Education and Care, to implement specific requirements of An Act Relative to Students with Dyslexia, Chapter 272 of the Acts of 2018. In addition to her advocacy and lobbying for early access to education, she has co-authored several publications, including work on structured literacy and educational leadership. She has been invited to present at prestigious conferences nationwide.
Review :
"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 data-informed 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
