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Leadership

Leadership

Are you a leader looking for a research-based approach grounded in the Science of Learning?

Choosing an instructional model is a significant decision. Leaders need to know that the approach they select is supported by research, grounded in how students learn, and practical to implement across classrooms and schools.

Direct Instruction has a research base spanning more than five decades, with hundreds of studies examining its effectiveness across grade levels, subject areas, student populations, and settings. Research has demonstrated positive effects on student achievement, while implementation research highlights the importance of strong training, coaching, administrative support, and fidelity to the model.

NIFDI helps leaders move beyond simply selecting a curriculum. We support schools in building the knowledge, systems, and ongoing practices needed to implement Direct Instruction effectively and help teachers deliver instruction consistently.

Explore What Leaders Need to Know

What Does the Research Say?

Explore the research behind Direct Instruction, including studies, meta-analyses, implementation research, and decades of evidence examining student outcomes. (add research link)

How Does DI Align With the Science of Learning & Reading?

Direct Instruction is grounded in research on how students learn best. It is an explicit, systematic, and carefully sequenced approach that aligns with key principles of the science of learning and reading, helping students build foundational skills, connect new knowledge to what they already know, and develop understanding through clear, scripted instruction.

How Does DI Align with Common Core Standards?

See how Direct Instruction programs address academic standards, including Common Core State Standards and other state standards.

What Does Successful Implementation Require?

Learn what schools should consider before and during implementation, including leadership, training, coaching, scheduling, data use, and ongoing support. Successful implementation requires more than selecting a program, it requires the systems and support that allow teachers to use it effectively. (add getting started link)

Recommended Resource: Direct Instruction: A Practitioner’s Handbook
How Can NIFDI Support Your School?

From initial planning and training to coaching and ongoing implementation support, NIFDI works with leaders to help schools establish and sustain effective Direct Instruction practices. Contact us to get started.

Which best describes your role?

Curriculum Decision Maker
School and District Leader

Interested in learning how to implement Direct Instruction in your district, school, or home? NIFDI can help. Click a button below to learn more. 

Leaders
Coaches
Teachers
Parents
What is a Peer Coach?

Peer coaches play a critical role in sustaining strong implementation of Direct Instruction (DI) at the school level. Selected during the first year of implementation, peer coaches are classroom teachers who demonstrate strong instructional practice, effective communication with colleagues, and a willingness to support others. Because they teach the same programs as their peers, they bring practical expertise and shared experience that help build trust and collaboration across the school.

As implementation progresses, peer coaches extend the impact of NIFDI consultants by providing ongoing, school-based support when consultants are not on-site. Their coaching is non-evaluative and focused on improving student outcomes. Peer coaches reinforce effective teaching practices and guide colleagues to make targeted adjustments that directly impact student performance and behavior.

Peer coaches participate in a structured, multi-year training sequence through NIFDI. Over the course of two to three years, they are trained to analyze student performance data, conduct both brief and extended classroom observations, and support data-driven problem solving. Advanced training prepares them to lead grade-level meetings and contribute to broader instructional planning with school leadership.

By developing peer coaches, schools build internal capacity to maintain and strengthen DI implementation over time—ensuring continuity, supporting new staff, and driving sustained student achievement.