Definitional Tools
Definitional tools are important because they explicitly define what the initiative, program or intervention is and what is isn't. They:
- Describe the problem, concern, or issue that is to be addressed, solved, or ameliorated.
- Explain why the concern or issue is important and to whom it is important.
- Provide relevant background information.
- Provide underlying theories and logic used in taking a particular approach or path.
- Describe essential meanings, concepts, and philosophies.
- Articulate the benefits for children, youth, and families.
The definitional tools that you create to construct your implementation toolkit may be tailored to your county, geographic location, or organizational needs. Definitional tools may include narratives, fact sheets, talking points, important statistics, and other valuable information that show why the initiative, program, or intervention is important and why something needs to be done to improve practice and ultimately outcomes. Here are a few examples of what some people have used as definitional tools:
1. The American Indian Enhancement (AIE) Project
2. Team Decision Making (TDM)
3. To get started, use this blank template as a guide:
4. Logic models are graphic depictions of implementation. They provide a bird's eye view of the process of implementation. Here are a few examples:
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