Preliminary development and validation of the Interconnected Systems Framework-Implementation Inventory (ISF-II)

Area of Science:

• Educational Psychology
• School Mental Health
• Implementation Science

Background:

• Schools increasingly adopt multitiered systems of support (MTSS).
• A validated measure is needed to assess the fidelity of the Interconnected Systems Framework (ISF), a model integrating positive behavioral interventions and supports with school mental health strategies.
• The ISF is currently implemented and evaluated in various US schools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate the Interconnected Systems Framework-Implementation Inventory (ISF-II).
• To assess the psychometric properties of the ISF-II for measuring ISF implementation fidelity in schools.

Main Methods:

• A national validation study was conducted.
• 398 educators from 49 schools across 9 states completed the ISF-II.
• Psychometric analyses were performed to evaluate internal consistency and structural validity.

Main Results:

• The ISF-II demonstrated strong internal consistency and structural validity when organized into a three-tiered model.
• Educators found the ISF-II to be feasible, acceptable, and beneficial.
• The study provides evidence supporting the ISF-II's reliability for assessing ISF implementation.

Conclusions:

• The ISF-II is a psychometrically sound measure for assessing the implementation fidelity of the Interconnected Systems Framework.
• Educators and researchers can confidently use the ISF-II to evaluate the quality of ISF implementation in schools.
• Further psychometric testing is recommended to enhance the measure's utility.