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Science of Reading: Explicit Fundamental Language Instruction to Improve Reading Comprehension Webinar Recording Available

Science of Reading: Explicit Fundamental Language Instruction to Improve Reading Comprehension Webinar Recording Available

NIFDI President Kurt Engelmann recently hosted the first in a series of free webinars designed to show how Direct Instruction improves reading comprehension, a key component of the Science of Reading. One of the key highlights of the webinar was demonstrating important instructional design elements that ensure all students master essential skills and concepts.

Click here to watch the 77-minute webinar.

Additional resources from the webinar:

Below are the videos we referenced during the session

  1. 1966 Film of Zig Talking and Demonstrating DI Math (Closed Captioned)
  2. Project Follow Through and Its Relevance Today
  3. An Overview of Authentic Direct Instruction Literacy Programs
  4. DI and the Science of Reading

Be sure to keep an eye out for upcoming webinars in our Science of Reading Comprehension series.

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
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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.