Interviews and Webinars
Here, you will find playlists for interviews with members of the Direct Instruction community, as well as recordings of recent NIFDI webinars.
Interviews
These interviews provide valuable insights from experienced educators, researchers, program developers, and leaders in the Direct Instruction community. Viewers will gain a deeper understanding of the history, research, implementation, and lasting impact of DI through conversations with those who helped shape and support the model over the years. From practical implementation guidance and coaching strategies to reflections on landmark programs like Corrective Reading and Expressive Writing, these videos offer both inspiration and actionable knowledge for educators at every level. Whether you are new to DI or looking to strengthen your current implementation, these interviews highlight proven practices that help schools and students succeed.
You’ll find the following interviews in the playlist below:
- Jessica Colleu Terradas Interviews Kurt Engelmann About DI
- Jessica Colleu Terradas Interviews Tamara Bressi
- Celebrating 40 Years of Expressive Writing
- Celebrating 50 Years of Corrective Reading Decoding
- Pioneers in Direct Instruction: Conversations with Jean Osborn and Elaine “Cookie” Bruner
- Supporting Dixons Manningham Primary: An Interview with Kris Althoff
Interviews
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Celebrating 40 Years of Expressive Writing with Jerry Silbert
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Expressive Writing, NIFDI Partnership Liaison Alisa Kerr interviewed Expressive Writing co-author Jerry Silbert. In this exclusive conversation, Jerry shares insights into the key features that make Expressive Writing so impactful, his journey co-authoring the program, and what he wants every educator to know about its power in supporting student success.
This video includes visuals from the program, behind-the-scenes context, and classroom examples.
Did you know? Expressive Writing laid the foundation for the writing instruction used in the intermediate levels of Reading Mastery Signature Edition and Reading Mastery Transformations.
Celebrating 50 Years of Corrective Reading Decoding with Linda Carnine
Join us in celebrating the 50th anniversary of Corrective Reading Decoding with this special video featuring Linda Carnine, co-author of Corrective Reading Decoding. In this exclusive interview, Linda shares her reflections on the program’s development, her experience as a co-author, and the powerful features that continue to make Corrective Reading Decoding an effective solution for helping struggling students become successful readers. As we mark five decades of impact, this video highlights not only the history and purpose behind the program but also its lasting legacy in classrooms across the country. Whether you’re an educator, administrator, or advocate for evidence-based literacy instruction, Linda’s insights offer valuable context and inspiration.
Pioneers in Direct Instruction: Conversations with Jean Osborn and Elaine “Cookie” Bruner
In July of 2013, NIFDI had the opportunity to interview two of the pioneers in Direct Instruction – Elaine “Cookie” Bruner and Jean Osborn. Jean and Cookie worked with senior developer Siegfried “Zig” Engelmann and Carl Bereiter at the Berieter-Engelmann preschool at the University of Illinois. Their experiences teaching children at the preschool contributed greatly to the development of the instructional model that has become known as Direct Instruction.
Supporting Dixons Manningham Primary: An Interview with Kris Althoff
Kris Althoff provided training and support to Dixons Manningham Primary School as it implemented Direct Instruction (DI) for core literacy instruction for all of its students. In this interview, Kris talks with Bryan Wickman, Outreach Director for the National Institute for Direct Instruction (NIFDI), about the steps that led to a dramatic increase in student performance during the COVID pandemic in the primary grades at the school.
Webinars
NIFDI offers free webinars throughout the year. Our most recent webinars include:
- Science of Reading Series #1: Explicit Fundamental Language Instruction to Improve Reading Comprehension
- How Direct Instruction Embodies the Science of Learning
- An Overview of Authentic DI Math Programs
- An Overview of Authentic DI Literacy Programs
- Direct Instruction and the Science of Reading
- Direct Instruction: A Research-Based Path to Successful Students and Teachers
- Project Follow Through and Its Relevance Today
Want to hear about upcoming webinars? Sign up for NIFDI News!
Webinars
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Science of Reading Series #1: Explicit Fundamental Language Instruction to Improve Reading Comprehension
Join Dr. Kurt Engelmann for the first webinar in our Science of Reading Series. Discover how Direct Instruction (DI) builds reading comprehension, not just rote skills! Learn how DI helps preschool, Kindergarten, ESL/EAL/MLL, and early elementary students develop key language and reading skills.
This webinar was co-sponsored by the following organizations:
Reading Science Academy
Evidence Advocacy Center
System Impact Consulting
Original broadcast March 26, 2026
How Direct Instruction Embodies the Science of Learning
In this webinar, renowned education consultant Dr. Zach Groshell explores how Direct Instruction (DI) programs align with the research in cognitive science and educational psychology. Through concrete examples, Dr. Groshell illustrates how features such as carefully sequenced instruction, scripted lessons, and frequent mastery checks enhance student learning and retention. He also emphasizes the vital roles of strong leadership and sustained professional development in ensuring the successful implementation of DI.
Original broadcast February 26, 2026
An Overview of Authentic Direct Instruction Math Programs
Join NIFDI Consultant Jaritza Alecon for an engaging and informative session on Direct Instruction (DI) numeracy programs. Perfect for newcomers or seasoned educators, this webinar covers the basics of authentic DI programs, including their audiences, uses in general and special education, program sequencing, and implementation schedules.
Questions answered will include:
- How does one decide whether to use Corrective Math or Connecting Math Concepts?
- When to use DISTAR Arithmetic I vs. Connecting Math Concepts Level A.
- When should one begin using Essentials for Algebra?
- Is there a fast-track for any of the programs?
And much more!
Click here to download the accompanying session materials.
Original broadcast February 13, 2026
Direct Instruction and the Science of Reading
During this one-hour presentation, Randi Saulter and Rochelle Davisson will examine how the Reading Mastery and Corrective Reading programs correlate with the Science of Reading. This engaging webinar shows how components of the DI programs efficiently facilitate the acquisition of critical literacy skills. View accompanying materials here.
Read the Science of Reading Webinar Q&A series from NIFDI President Kurt Engelmann:
Question 1 on sounding out irregular words by 2nd graders in RMSE K
Question 2 on prerequisites for teaching phoneme awareness
Question 3 on whether some skills are easier or more difficult to learn
Original broadcast May 20, 2025
Direct Instruction: A Research-Based Path to Successful Students and Teachers
This webinar was presented by Jean Stockard to a group of teacher preparation instructors affiliated with the Reading Science Academy.
Original broadcast: April 2023
Project Follow Through and Its Relevance Today
In 1967, the United States Department of Education launched the largest and most ambitious educational experiment in history: Project Follow Through. Its stated purpose was to discover which approach was best for teaching at-risk children from kindergarten through grade 3.
Veteran Direct Instruction author, researcher, and implementer Bonnie Grossen presented this webinar and provided insight into the outcomes of the project and the response to the findings.
Topics covered include:
- Goals and Origins of Project Follow Through
- Scope and Structure
- Results and Implications
- Critique and Lack of Dissemination
- Significance Today
Download participant materials here.
Original broadcast April 21, 2021