From Fragmentation to Co-creation: Rethinking Technical Assistance for Evidence-Based Interventions in Ireland’s Education Support Service
摘要
The implementation of evidence-based interventions in educational contexts requires structured support. This study examines the current training and technical assistance model within Ireland’s School Completion Programme, education support service which delivers evidence-based interventions through an externally provided Continuous Professional Development framework.
MethodsA cross-sectional national survey (n = 203) was conducted among practitioners to explore the utilization of evidence-based interventions in practice, implementation support for these interventions, and staff perspectives on the current model of professional learning and support.
FindingsResults reveal a fragmented, highly variable support system, largely built on transmissive learning provided by external actors. While some interventions receive implementation support, others receive no ongoing assistance. Despite the current gaps in support, a notable one-third of respondents reported that additional external support was unnecessary, citing workload pressures. Staff overwhelmingly expressed a desire for more flexible, internally located support, based on collaborative professional inquiry.
ConclusionThe fragmented nature of the current model highlights the need for a reimagined, co-created implementation support model that is differentiated, collegial, and responsive to local context. At present, the training and technical assistance model focuses primarily on building individual skills rather than strengthening system-level implementation capacity. To address this gap, it is important to recognise practitioners as co-creators of implementation knowledge, leverage their expertise through mentoring and develop practitioner-led professional learning communities. The study highlights the challenges of providing training and technical assistance within complex and context-specific service environments which utilize a wide range of interventions.