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Adapting Evidence-based Programs: Maintaining Fidelity and Effectiveness

Intended Audience

Prevention professionals, educators, program coordinators, school staff, social workers, community coalition members, and organizational leaders who implement or support evidence-based programs and want to improve fit, relevance, and effectiveness for the populations they serve.

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Home / eCourses / Adapting Evidence-based Programs: Maintaining Fidelity and Effectiveness

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Adapting Evidence-based Programs: Maintaining Fidelity and Effectiveness

Intended Audience

Prevention professionals, educators, program coordinators, school staff, social workers, community coalition members, and organizational leaders who implement or support evidence-based programs and want to improve fit, relevance, and effectiveness for the populations they serve.

Level

Introductory

Estimated length

31-60 Minutes

Implementation Stage(s)

Program and Service Implementation

Level

Introductory

Estimated length

31-60 Minutes

Implementation Stage(s)

Program and Service Implementation

Description

The purpose of this course is to provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of the considerations for adapting evidence-based programs including cultural adaptations.

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the concept of adaptation.
  • Identify core components of evidence-based programs.
  • Recognize reasons for adaptation.
  • Distinguish acceptable, cautionary, and unacceptable adaptations.
  • Plan and implement adaptations.
  • Monitor adaptations and program implementation.

Real-World Application

This course helps learners make thoughtful adaptations to evidence-based programs and services so they better fit the needs of their community or target population without weakening the program’s effectiveness. Participants can apply these skills to adjust language, examples, delivery methods, and cultural relevance while preserving core program components, improving engagement, and increasing the likelihood of positive outcomes.

Developers

Kimberley Williams, Prevention Content Development Specialist, Penn State EPIS

Continuing Education

  • Earn a certificate upon completion and submit it to your employer for continuing education credit.
  • Pennsylvania educators earn Act 48 credits by completing this course.
  • The PLP team is currently exploring additional opportunities to expand continuing education credit eligibility within Pennsylvania and to other states in the future.

What Learners are Saying

Learners reported that this course strengthened their understanding of how to adapt evidence-based programs while maintaining fidelity to core components. Many shared that they plan to apply the “red, yellow, and green light” adaptation framework, improve collaboration with program developers and stakeholders, and make more intentional, culturally responsive adjustments to programs in schools, healthcare, and community settings.

Level Up Your Expertise

Level Up Your Expertise

  • eCourse

    Program Readiness: Preparing for Program Launch

    Program Readiness: Preparing for Program Launch

  • Practical Tools

    Adapting Evidence-Based Programs

    Adapting Evidence-Based Programs

  • Publications and Briefs

    Fidelity: What It Is & Why It Matters

    Fidelity: What It Is & Why It Matters