The Effectiveness of Direct Instruction Curricula: A Meta-Analysis of a Half Century of Research

Stockard, J.; Wood, T.; Coughlin, C.; Khoury, C. Rasplica

Abstract:

This updated meta-analysis synthesized the results of 328 studies on the effectiveness of Direct Instruction, spanning 50 years (1966-2016). Results were consistent with conclusions of previous meta-analyses and reviews of the literature regarding DI (e.g., Adams & Engelmann, 1996, White, 1988) providing overwhelming support that Direct Instruction continues to be effective in improving skills in multiple academic areas, including reading, math, language, and spelling. Other outcomes were also examined, including affective measures, ability measures, and teacher and parent perceptions. Moderation analyses indicated that characteristics of the publications, methodology, and sample were not systematically related to effect estimates. Effects showed little decline during maintenance, and effects for academic subjects were greater when students had more exposure to the programs. Effect size estimates were educationally significant, moderate to large when using traditional psychological and educational benchmarks, and similar in magnitude to effect sizes that reflect performance gaps between more and less advantaged students.

Research areas:

• Elementary Reading
• Elementary Mathematics
• Secondary Reading
• Secondary Math
• Writing
• Language
• Elementary Multiple Subjects
• Secondary Multiple Subjects
• Spelling
• Affective Outcomes
• Teacher/Parent Perceptions

Year:

2018

Main publication type:

Program Effectiveness

Subtype:

Article

Keywords:

DISTAR; Reading Mastery; Corrective Reading; Horizons; Connecting Math Concepts; Language for Learning; Expressive Writing; Reasoning and Writing; Spelling Mastery; Corrective Mathematics

Source:

Review of Educational Research

Design type:

Meta-analysis

Fidelity monitored:

Yes

Students included:

Elementary, Secondary, Kindergarten, Pre-School, General Education, Special Education, English Language Learners, At-Risk Students, Minority Students

Location/Setting:

Urban, Suburban, Rural, United States, International