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Academic Core Level A

Academic Core Level A

$129.00

5 in stock

Free Downloads:

Teacher’s Guide
Sample Unit: #4 Phases of Matter
Display Booklet

Academic Core is a highly structured four-level program (A through D) developed by the National Institute for Direct Instruction (NIFDI) to teach students important science facts and information. The program ensures mastery of sophisticated information and includes a built-in reward system to motivate and reinforce students. Measurement, time, the solar system, rocks, body systems, and United States geography are just a few of the units included. It is intended for students in grades 2 and above. Each lesson is designed to be presented to the entire class but can also be presented to small groups and should take approximately 20 minutes to teach.

Academic Core is primarily a verbal program directed by the teacher. The teacher presents lessons from a script, and students respond verbally. Once brought to verbal mastery, students respond to questions in writing. Many units include reference charts, maps, or displays. This material is included as a PDF download. Most units stand alone; however, some units depend upon information from earlier ones. This overlap of information requires the teacher to either follow the exact sequence of each level or ensure students know the prerequisite information. The program includes evaluation materials to ensure students have mastered the material and rewards as they progress.

Level A includes 11 units, each comprising 4 to 24 lessons. The following topics are covered:

  • Measurement of Length
  • Vertebrates
  • Temperature
  • Phases of Matter: Solid, Liquid, Gas
  • Life Cycles
  • Time: Calendar
  • Measurement of Length: Conversions
  • Arthropods
  • Measurement of Weight
  • Solar System
  • Body: Skeleton

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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.