Measure FIRST (Fidelity of Implementation in Reading Skills Teaching) supports data-based decision-making by providing school administrators and instructional coaches a way to measure fidelity of intervention. 

Measure FIRST includes a free eLearning module on fidelity, helping educators develop the knowledge and skills needed to create fidelity checklists, monitor fidelity in classrooms, and analyze the fidelity data to guide instructional decisions. 

Educators can access a free Measure FIRST application, allowing them to create custom fidelity checklists to monitor instruction. For a preview of the fidelity monitoring tools available through the Measure FIRST, check out MOTR-Cycle.

What Is Fidelity and Why Does It Matter?

Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), a school-wide framework designed to support student learning outcomes, depends upon implementation of high-quality instructional materials with fidelity. Fidelity refers to the extent to which an intervention is implemented as intended (Gillespie Rouse, 2024). Measuring fidelity involves collecting data around how an intervention, instructional practice, or curriculum is implemented. Paired with student performance data, fidelity data can shed light on whether a curriculum, instructional practice, or intervention is meeting the needs of the students and supporting their learning goals.