National Direct Instruction Conference and Institutes
Join us in Eugene July 26 - July 30, 2027
Scheduling and Registration Information
With over 40 sessions to choose from, we have something for everyone! View the full conference brochure for session descriptions.
Click here to view pricing and registration information.
Please Note: Before registering for program training, we strongly recommend placement testing your students. Learn more about Placement Testing.
2027 Conference Schedule
Monday, July 26
8:30 – 9:00: Registration
9:00 – 12:00: Preconference Sessions and Institutes begin
12:00 – 1:30: Lunch
1:30 – 3:30: Preconference Sessions and Institutes
Tuesday, July 27
7:30 – 8:30: Registration
8:30 – 9:40: Conference Opening and Keynote – Laura Doherty
9:45 – 12:00: Sessions and Institutes
12:00 – 1:00: Lunch
1:00 – 4:00: Sessions and Institutes
5:00 – 7:30: DI Welcoming and Block Party
Wednesday, July 28
8:30 – 9:00: Keynote – Dr. Zach Groshell
9:15 – 12:00: Sessions and Institutes
12:00 – 1:00: Lunch
1:00 – 4:00: Sessions and Institutes
Thursday, July 29
8:30 – 12:00: Sessions and Institutes
12:00 – 1:00: Lunch
1:00 – 4:00: Sessions and Institutes
4:30 – 6:30: Excellence in Education Awards
Friday, July 30
8:30 – 9:15: Closing Keynote – Kurt Engelmann
9:25 – 12:00: Sessions and Institutes
12:00 – 1:00: Lunch
1:00 – 4:00: Sessions and Institutes
Institutes
In addition to the various sessions available at the National Direct Instruction Conference, we also offer the following Institutes. These training sessions take place throughout all five days of the Conference.
Administrator Leadership Institute
Becoming an Effective DI Trainer
Direct Instruction Coaching Institute
Excellence in Education Awards
An important feature of successful Direct Instruction implementations is celebrating the success of students, teachers, and entire schools. Individuals and schools that have made a significant difference in the educational performance of children are recognized at the Conference each year through the following awards:
- Siegfried Engelmann Excellence in Education Award
- The Wesley Becker Excellent School Award
- The Carnine-McRoberts Student Improvement Award
For more information, click here.
2026 Conference Videos
50:24
26:43
29:04
34:13
5:53
4:19
10:24
15:19
52nd National Direct Instruction Conference Opening Keynote
10 Rules for Designing Effective Learning that Work for Every Student
Dr. Carl Hendrick
52nd National Direct Instruction Conference Special Keynote
Direct Instruction: Not Only for Reading, But Also for Building a Better Life
Ernesto Rodriguez
Ernesto Rodriguez, Founder/Director of Kindful Restorations in Riverside, California, describes his life journey after spending 8 years in solitary confinement to leading a non-profit organization working to help incarcerated individuals transition to life outside of prison. During his confinement, he corresponded with Doug Carnine, Direct Instruction program author and University of Oregon professor emeritus, and learned how to present Corrective Reading. He went on to help many inmates learn to read. His presentation highlights the critical need to ensure all students are given the benefit of an effective education.
52nd National Direct Instruction Conference Closing Comments
The Bias Toward Experienced Learners
Dr. Kurt Engelmann
In this presentation, NIFDI President Kurt Engelmann explores a prevalent bias in education: the bias in favor of experienced learners.
“In this keynote, I address an iniquitous and highly prevalent bias in education – the bias in favor of experienced learners. Out of all of the different biases that can be found in our schools and colleges of education, this bias is perhaps the most detrimental to novice learners, many of whom come from at-risk backgrounds. Instruction in so many schools is oriented to those who already have a head start and are at least partially familiar with the content of the lessons they encounter. This practice boosts the confidence and self-concept of these students while the confidence and self-concept of less-experienced learners suffer. Labels attached to novice students’ aptitude, readiness, or other characteristics become self-fulfilling as novices do not receive instruction that matches their needs.” – Dr. Kurt Engelmann
Click here to read Kurt’s LinkedIn article about the presentation.
2026 Direct Instruction Hall of Fame Induction
Geoff Colvin
From NIFDI President Kurt Engelmann:
I HIGHLY recommend watching Geoff Colvin’s acceptance speech for induction into the Direct Instruction Hall of Fame at the 52nd annual National Direct Instruction Conference. Geoff’s receipt of this honor is as unique as it is well deserved. In contrast to virtually all other DI Hall of Fame inductees, Geoff wasn’t involved in authoring the DI programs or implementing the DI approach. Instead, Geoff applied the principles of Direct Instruction design to behavior management and in so doing laid the foundation for what later became Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS).
Click here to read Kurt’s full LinkedIn article about the video.
2026 Carnine-McRoberts Student Improvement Award
Ever Pedersen
2026 Carnine-McRoberts Student Improvement Award
Carlie Crowner
2026 Wesley Becker Excellent School Award
Broadbeach State School, Australia
2026 Siegfried Engelmann Excellence in Education Award
Navine Rizvi
