Adaptations to the Fidelity Model

The Too Good prevention programs are evidence-based universal interventions that have undergone rigorous evaluation to establish their effectiveness. Once a program has established effectiveness, the quality of program implementation will determine how likely the intended outcomes will be achieved. In an intervention delivered with high Fidelity of Implementation, the facilitators remain faithful to the program design adhering closely to the program’s model for delivery methods and activities, intensity and dosage, and core components throughout the implementation.

Adaptations or modifications to the program design are sometimes necessary for implementation in real-world settings.

Determining Appropriate Adaptations

Proper and minor adaptations that can enhance effectiveness often include:

Minor adjustments to lesson scenarios to adjust the wording, terms, or setting to be more reflective of the student population
Adjusting the delivery of activities to accommodate the learning needs of the students

Improper adaptations that can reduce or weaken effectiveness or have a counter effect include:

Changing the session order, length, or sequence of activities
Adding activities that dilute the core message, create time constraints, use ineffective teaching strategies, or create retention problems
Replacing or supplementing program materials or activities with non-prescribed alternatives including anecdotes, statistics, and other personal stories or observations

Adaptations should only be made to enhance effectiveness. Adaptations should not be made for convenience or to suit the implementation style of the facilitator. Any significant adaptations made to the program at the delivery site level should be subject to empirical validation through systematic testing to examine efficacy.

It is our strong recommendation that facilitators not make adaptation decisions in isolation. Adaptation decisions should be made collaboratively with the site Implementation Coordinator or other responsible party and a Mendez Foundation Implementation Advisor.

Too Good Adaptations Protocol

Adaptation decisions should not be made in isolation or on a whim, especially during lesson delivery.

An adaptation is an intentional, predetermined decision made collaboratively with your site’s Implementation Coordinator and a Too Good Implementation Advisor. Adaptations designed, reviewed, and approved during the Installation Phase with the emphasis and expectation that any adjustments are made to meet the expected outcomes of the program.

Adaptations are made in a case-by-case manner. Your Implementation Coordinator should follow the Too Good Adaptation Protocol before making any adaptations to the program.

1. Contact an Implementation Advisor for Consultation

Your Implementation Advisor will work with you to achieve 100% Fidelity of Implementation. If an adaptation is necessary, the advisor will assess the viability of your proposed adaptation and recommend a course of action.

2. Document the Adaptation

Approved adaptations should be documented prior to lesson delivery and before you collect any data in order to monitor the effectiveness of the adaptation.

3. Collect Data

Collect student outcome indicators and process outcome indicators to monitor the effects of your approved adaptation.

4. Analyze the Data

Analyze the student outcome and process indicators to evaluate the effectiveness of the adaptation.

5. Schedule a Follow-up Consultation

Schedule a follow up consultation with your Implementation Advisor to review and assess your outcomes to confirm the success of your adaptation or to re-evaluate your program delivery strategies to enhance fidelity of implementation at your site for future Too Good program delivery.

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