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Info@NIFDI.org

Science and Social Studies Programs

Science and Social Studies

Direct Instruction provides programs designed to help your students succeed in science and social studies. Not sure which program would work best for your students? See the recommendations below and check out the program pages for more detailed information: 

  • Academic Core – Upper elementary and secondary students building background knowledge and academic vocabulary.
  • REWARDS Plus – Older struggling readers needing literacy support within social studies content.
  • Understanding U.S. History – Upper-elementary through high-school students needing structured U.S. history instruction.

If you have other questions about our programs or implementation, feel free to email us at info@nifdi.org. We’re here to assist you on your DI journey.

Academic Core

REWARDS Plus Science & Social Studies

Understanding U.S. History

Program Downloads

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

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.