Introduction to Special Issue on Implementation Science

Abstract

Despite federal support for evidence-based practices, practitioners have often used practices that lacked research support. In addition, when research-based practices were selected, they were often not implemented with fidelity. Designing the bridge between research and practice continues to be complex now that the research to practice gap is discerned as an implementation gap, not just as a marketing challenge. We have the architectural plans to build the bridge between research and practice, but we must be willing to follow those plans and thoughtfully support them with our resources—not an inexpensive or easy endeavor. However, wasting time and resources on efforts that do not have a meaningful impact and are not sustained is an expense that can no longer be supported. This introduction to the special issue provides the foundation for exploring the use of implementation science to improve outcomes for students with disabilities.