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Authentic Direct Instruction

Authentic Direct Instruction

Research-Based, Field-Tested, Proven

Authentic Direct Instruction is a complete instructional system designed by Siegfried Engelmann to ensure student mastery across the widest range of learners. Through the video playlist below, explore how DI’s field-tested design differs from “little di” approaches and why those differences are essential for delivering consistent, effective instruction across content areas.

These presentations examine the origins and critical elements of Authentic Direct Instruction, including the features that make it unique: carefully field-tested programs, faultless communication through teacher scripts, coordinated student materials, precise placement procedures, and built-in assessments that verify mastery. Viewers will also gain practical guidance on Direct Instruction literacy and mathematics programs, including program sequencing, implementation considerations, and selecting the right programs to meet student needs. By the end of these sessions, you will have a deeper understanding of what makes Authentic Direct Instruction effective and how its design accelerates learning, closes achievement gaps, and improves outcomes for all students.

Authentic DI

5 Videos
About This Video
About This Video

Origins and Critical Elements of Authentic Direct Instruction

This hour-long webinar details how Siegfried Engelmann developed and refined Authentic Direct Instruction, the most comprehensive and effective system for teaching the widest range of learners.

The features and purpose of the component parts of Authentic DI are explored in detail. Viewers will gain insight into how these features are the basis for Barak Rosenshine’s 10 Principles of Instruction, as well as their distinct differences. Some of these differences include:

  • field-tested programs, revised on the basis of field-test results
  • faultless communication via scripts
  • student materials that match teacher scripts
  • procedures for placing students at their skill level
  • in-program assessments to confirm mastery of skills

Original broadcast December 9, 2020

You can download the PDF handout version of the PowerPoint presentation for your reference.

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
Teachers
Parents
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.