Implementation Science

“Education leaders don’t need more theory: we need shortcuts, cheat codes, and tools that make our work more effective and sustainable. Dr. Julia Carlson has written a playbook to meet that need. Having witnessed Dr. Carlson’s transformative leadership firsthand (where she was conducting empathy interviews and shadowing students long before it was trendy), I can confirm that her approach creates the kind of authentic buy-in that sustains real change. This isn’t about implementing another signature program to build your leadership resume. Dr. Carlson knows from personal experience as a frontline leader that initiative fatigue is a culture and passion killer. What sets this work apart is its commitment to sustainable transformation through shared leadership—not just with educators, but with students, families, and the communities schools serve. Each practical strategy builds systematically on the last, supported by multiple processes and tools that work across contexts. Whether you’re starting from scratch or enhancing an existing process, Dr. Carlson guides you through implementation from beginning to end with the flexibility to grab what works for your unique situation. This deeply resonates with my work in rural and Indigenous education communities, where leaders need frameworks that honor their context while driving measurable change. Julia has created something rare: a leadership guide that actually works in the real world.”

Jonathan Santos Silva, The Liber Institute

“Dr. Carlson’s companion workbook is more than a toolkit; it’s a roadmap that empowers school leaders to move from ideas to action. What stands out is how approachable and usable it is in the day-to-day work of leading schools. The tools and protocols make it possible to gather a team, engage with data transparently, and chart a clear course forward without relying on outside consultants. For principals and district leaders navigating constant change, this workbook is like having a trusted coach at your side, practical, direct, and focused on what matters most: building schools where students and teachers thrive.”

Daniel Kelley, Associate Teaching Professor, Educational Leadership & Policy, University of Rhode Island

“Implementation Science: A Playbook for Instructional Leaders Companion Workbook is exactly the resource today’s school and district leaders need. Dr. Julia Carlson translates complex research and practices into a clear, practical guide that empowers educators to lead meaningful instructional change. With step-by-step strategies, real-world insights, and a focus on the impact of the integrity of any implementation, this playbook is a much-needed playbook to bridge the gap between theory and practice. It is an essential companion for anyone committed to ensuring that evidence-based practices are not only adopted but sustained—so that all students can succeed.”

Dr. Siobhan Dennis, Structured Literacy Education Leader

Julia James Carlson

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.