Implementation Options
The National Institute for Direct Instruction (NIFDI) offers many options for implementing Direct Instruction (DI). These options include:
Direct Instruction in Preschool
NIFDI supports several schools that employ DI in their preschool classrooms. The children usually start a DI language program (Español to English or level K of Reading Mastery Signature Edition Language) after a few weeks of school. Children initially participate in only about 10 minutes of language per day. They start with the action track in language. Once they are accustomed to following directions (about the first 10 lessons), the teacher goes back to lesson 1 and teaches the entire lesson, which may take 20 minutes or more. The children may need a break, so they are only experiencing DI for 15 minutes at a time. The goal in preschool is for students to complete at least the first 80 language lessons at mastery by the end of the year. Once children complete lesson 40 in language at mastery in preschool, they can begin reading lessons immediately, without waiting until they enter kindergarten.
Read more: Using DI in Preschool
Early Literacy Model (Grades K-3)
The early literacy model provides children in the primary grades with reading and language instruction that sets the stage for success in a wide range of academic and personal activities. Language and conceptual skills are fundamental to this model, serving as precursors to reading success. Reading Mastery is the primary program utilized in this model. The goal of the model is to accelerate student learning, advancing students by one full grade level ahead of the national average by the third grade for continuing students.
Elementary Remedial Literacy Model (Grades 4-5)
Designed for students in the upper elementary grades, the elementary remedial literacy model improves the reading skills of students who have demonstrated needs in writing, decoding, or comprehending written texts. Programs include Corrective Reading Decoding and Comprehension tracks, Expressive Writing, and Reading Mastery. The goal of the model is to increase students’ confidence in reading and writing and to provide them with fundamental skills that will enable them to function in middle school content courses.
Full Immersion Model (Grades K-5)
The full immersion model extends the early literacy model to all elementary school grades and includes spelling and mathematics. The model builds on the conceptual and literacy success of the primary grades to foster academic acceleration in the intermediate grades. Programs include Reading Mastery, Expressive Writing, Spelling Mastery, and Connecting Math Concepts. The goal of the model is to accelerate student learning, advancing students by one and a half grade levels beyond the national average by the sixth grade for those who begin the program in Kindergarten.
Middle School Remedial Literacy and Numeracy Models (Grades 6-8)
The middle school remedial literacy model is designed for students who have demonstrated needs in decoding and comprehending written texts. Programs include Corrective Reading, Decoding and Comprehension tracks, and Expressive Writing. The goal of the model is to increase students’ confidence in reading and writing and to provide them with fundamental skills that will enable them to function in middle school content courses.
A numeracy version of the model addresses fundamental mathematics skills at the middle school level using Corrective Mathematics, a program available in seven separate modules that address specific mathematics deficits: Addition; Subtraction; Multiplication; Division; Basic Fractions; Fractions, Decimals, and Percents; Ratios and Equations. Advanced students will receive instruction in Essentials for Algebra.
Custom Implementation
Every school and organization has its own goals and challenges, which is why NIFDI provides customized Direct Instruction implementation solutions designed to fit your specific needs. We work with schools and programs of every size and support implementations across all grade levels, regardless of location. Whether you’re introducing Direct Instruction for the first time or refining an existing model, our team partners with you to develop a plan that aligns with your objectives while preserving the integrity and effectiveness of Direct Instruction programs. Contact us to meet with our team and discuss which implementation model or customized approach best fits your students’ needs.
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