Curriculum Decision Makers
For leaders responsible for evaluating and selecting instructional programs for their schools or districts.
Selecting a curriculum is an important decision that can have a lasting impact on teachers and students. Curriculum decision-makers need to consider the research behind an approach, how effectively it addresses student needs, what makes it different from other options, and what is required for successful implementation. Direct Instruction offers a research-based approach to teaching that provides educators with carefully designed lessons, explicit instructional routines, and a comprehensive system for building student achievement for all students.
Why Direct Instruction?
Direct Instruction is a highly structured, explicit approach to teaching that is designed to help all students learn. DI lessons are carefully sequenced so that new skills build on previously learned knowledge, while teachers provide clear explanations, guided practice, frequent opportunities for students to respond, and immediate corrective feedback. The goal is to make instruction efficient, understandable, and successful for students from the beginning.
The Research Behind DI
Direct Instruction has been studied extensively for more than five decades, with research demonstrating positive effects on student achievement. Studies have examined DI across grade levels, subject areas, and student populations, including students who have struggled with traditional instruction. The research base provides an important foundation for schools and districts evaluating whether an instructional approach is likely to produce meaningful results for their students.
Science of Learning & Reading
Direct Instruction is grounded in principles about how students learn most effectively. Instruction moves from simple to complex, introduces new information in manageable steps, provides extensive practice, and continually reviews previously taught skills. In reading, DI programs provide explicit instruction in foundational skills, language, comprehension, and strategies so students have the knowledge and skills needed to become successful readers.
What Makes DI Different?
Direct Instruction is more than a collection of instructional materials. The curriculum, lesson design, teaching routines, practice opportunities, and assessment components work together as an integrated instructional system. Content is carefully designed and sequenced, teachers are provided with a script for delivering lessons, and student responses are built into instruction. This level of design helps reduce guesswork for teachers and increases the consistency and effectiveness of instruction.
Evaluating Curriculum Effectiveness
When selecting a curriculum, schools and districts should look beyond whether materials appear engaging or align with a particular set of standards. Important considerations include the quality and depth of the research, evidence of student outcomes, how skills are sequenced and taught, the level of teacher guidance provided, opportunities for practice and mastery, and how student progress is monitored. It is also important to consider whether the curriculum can be implemented with fidelity and whether adequate training and support are available.
Choosing the Right DI Program
Direct Instruction includes programs for different grade levels, subject areas, and instructional needs. Choosing the appropriate program begins with understanding the students being served, the skills that need to be addressed, and the role the program will play within the school’s overall instructional system. NIFDI can help schools and districts consider their goals and needs and identify DI programs that provide an appropriate instructional match.
Planning for Successful Implementation
A successful curriculum adoption requires more than selecting materials and putting them in teachers’ hands. Schools and districts need a thoughtful implementation plan that addresses leadership, scheduling, staffing, materials, assessment, data use, training, and ongoing support. Establishing clear expectations and systems from the beginning helps schools implement DI consistently and gives teachers the support they need to develop confidence and skill.
Training, Coaching & Ongoing Support
Initial program training is an important starting point, but lasting implementation success requires continued professional learning and support. NIFDI provides training and ongoing coaching to help district level leadership, campus leaders and teachers understand both the program and the instructional practices necessary for effective implementation. Coaching Academies and Leader Institutes provide additional opportunities for those responsible for supporting implementation to develop the knowledge and skills needed to monitor progress, address challenges, and sustain high-quality DI instruction. These experiences go beyond basic program training by focusing on the systems and practices needed for successful implementation.
Talk With NIFDI
Choosing an instructional program is a significant decision, and every school or district has different goals and needs. NIFDI can help curriculum decision-makers understand the Direct Instruction approach, consider which programs may be appropriate, and determine what training, coaching, and implementation support would be needed. Connect with NIFDI to discuss your students, instructional priorities, and questions about implementing Direct Instruction.