The National Direct Instruction Conference was founded in 1974 by the Engelmann-Becker Corporation. Siegfried "Zig" Engelmann, Wes Becker, and other Direct Instruction authors wanted to create an event that would provide access to quality training for educators who otherwise might not receive training at all. That first year, 90 educators from mostly the Northwest gathered at Sheldon High School in Eugene. For the next several years, the conference continued to be housed in various high school buildings around Eugene. Attendance grew to about 200.
In 1981, two key events took place. The Association for Direct Instruction was founded, and the city of Eugene built a conference center adjacent to the Hilton Hotel in the downtown area. By moving the conference to a professional facility, the conference expanded from four to five days, and a greater variety of sessions were incorporated. Over the decades, attendance has reached as many as 750 participants literally from around the world.
In 2013, the Association for Direct Instructions ceased operations, and the 2014 National Direct Instruction Conference marked the first year of management by the National Institute for Direct Instruction (NIFDI). While this was a change in the sponsoring organization's name, the conference remained the same in many ways. Many of the presenters and sessions you have come to expect are featured every year.
The National Direct Instruction Conference and Institutes is the largest and longest-running DI-specific training and remains true to its traditions—the most comprehensive offering of Direct Instruction training and information available—anywhere!
Click here to see the highlights of the conference and what participants have to say.
We look forward to seeing you in Eugene in July!
Eugene Conference & Institutes Brochure and Registration
View the
pdf
conference brochure
for full session and institute descriptions, then register online here.
Note for 2024 pricing: lunch is now included in the conference fee, along with all training materials, continental breakfast each day, morning and afternoon snacks, and the Block Party on Tuesday.
Pricing:
Conference only $950
Conference and Pre-conference $1,025
Conference Institute $1,050
Members Conference only $900
Conference and Pre-conference $950
Conference Institute $975
Student Members
Conference only $775
Conference and Pre-conference $825
Conference Institute $850
To register groups of 11+, please contact Bryan Wickman at 877-485-1973 or
bwickman@nifdi.org. Venue Information:
Graduate Eugene's discount room rate is $154.00 plus tax (13%).
Reservations can be made through our reservations line
844-888-4723 and by referring to booking code
2834607
The cutoff date to book rooms at the discounted group rate is June 22nd.
Make your reservation early. If the Graduate property fills, other lodging options may be added.
2024 Conference Schedule
Monday, July 15
8:00–8:30 Registration
9:00–12:00 Pre-Conference Sessions and Institutes begin
12:00–1:30 Lunch
1:30–4:00 Institutes meet and Pre-Conference Sessions Conclude
Tuesday, July 16
7:30–8:30 Registration
8:30–9:40 Conference Opening & Keynote - Casey Sovo
9:45–11:45 Sessions & Institutes
11:45–1:00 Lunch
1:00–4:00 Sessions & Institutes
4:30–7:00 DI Welcoming and Block Party
Wednesday, July 17
8:30–11:45 Sessions & Institutes
11:45–1:00 Lunch
1:00–4:00 Sessions & Institutes
Thursday, July 18
8:30–11:45 Sessions & Institutes
11:45–1:00 Lunch
1:00–4:00 Sessions & Institutes
4:30–6:00 50th Anniversary Celebration
Friday, July 19
8:30–9:00 Closing Comments
9:00–11:45 Sessions & Institutes
11:45–1:00 Lunch
1:00–4:00 Sessions & Institutes conclude
Placement Testing Your Students in Preparation for Training
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING IF YOU ARE REGISTERING FOR PROGRAM TRAINING: We strongly recommend that you administer DI placement tests to your students before registering for program training. For placement tests and instructions, click here.
Excellence in Education Awards
An important feature of successful Direct Instruction implementations is celebrating success—the success of students, teachers, and entire schools. Individuals and schools that have made a significant difference in the educational performance of children are recognized each year at the National Direct Instruction Conference through the following awards:
- Siegfried Engelmann Excellence in Education Award
- The Wesley Becker Excellent School Award
- The Wayne Carnine Student Improvement Award
For more information,
click here.
Direct Instruction Coaching Institute
Whether you're an instructional coach, peer coach, or administrator responsible for improving student performance, one of the most critical roles in a successful Direct Instruction implementation is the coach. With good, careful coaching, teachers will become more skilled and proficient in teaching the DI programs, and students will excel with improved instruction. For more information, click here.
Administrator's Institute: Effective Implementation of DI for All Students
A successful Direct Instruction (DI) implementation requires the active participation of a fully engaged administrative team. The role of these individuals is to ensure student achievement by setting up the implementation for success, providing ongoing support to teachers and paraprofessionals, monitoring the effectiveness of instruction, and solving implementation problems as they arise. This intensive five-day session offers a deeper understanding of the rationale for the comprehensive DI schoolwide model as it guides administrators through the practical and proven steps that promote student learning. For more information, click here.
Institute on Becoming a DI Trainer
Has your district received training and on-site coaching support for implementing Direct Instruction (DI) and is now looking for ways of maintaining the implementation with a high level of fidelity? The Institute on "Becoming an Effective DI Trainer" can help your school or district expand its capacity for providing training and support to the DI implementation by developing on-site trainers. For more information, click here.
Cancellation Policy
A 100% refund will be issued if a written request is postmarked by June 21, 2024, or if NIFDI has to cancel the event. Cancellations after that date will not be refunded; however, we do allow substitutions. A written request must be received in our office before any refunds are made.
2023 Conference Opening and Keynote
| The Venue |
Visitor Information |
Graduate Eugene
66 East 6th Avenue
Eugene, OR 97401
541.342.2000
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