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John Stossel reports on the failure of Whole Reading instruction in schools, the success of Direct Instruction implementations and some of the reasons that the reading program has inexplicably not been widely adopted. Interviews with Zig Engelmann, examples of implementation and student performance.
Part 1/2
Part 2/2
Thanks to Kurt Engelmann for pointing this out.
Thanks to Mary Damer, DI-listserv, for pointing these out!
Direct Instruction: What Parents and Students have to say about DI. 14min.
This video was filmed in May 2007 at various elementary sites (Fairfield/Suisun School District, CA)
that use Direct Instruction as an intervention. It highlights classroom practices, and it contains
interviews with both parents as well individual students.
We asked parents, "How has Direct Instruction worked to benefit your child?"
We ask students, "How has Direct Instruction helped you in schools?"
The responses are worth seeing and hearing.
What does "Direct Instruction" look like in the classroom?
We visited three of our elementary schools in October 2006 to show you
this intervention program in action. 9min30sec Dec 2006
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
9:00 a.m.-noon
39 & 47. USING DIRECT INSTRUCTION TO TEACH LANGUAGE AND READING
(BEGINNING/INTERMEDIATE, BACB CEUs)
Cathy Watkins
This session will be an overview of Direct Instruction, focusing particularly on the development of reading and language skills using the Reading Mastery and Language for Learning curriculum. Program design and instructional techniques will be emphasized.
Link to full info on this conference
http://www.outreach.psu.edu/conference/autism/default-Agenda.asp
"Direct Instruction" as described here, refers to the instructional system and curricula pioneered by Siegfried Engelmann and the late Wesley Becker. (This is different from the generic "direct instruction", which refers to any explicit instruction).
Features of Engelmann's Direct Instruction
paraphrase from: Engelmann's Direct Instruction and Project Follow Through, Athabasca University, Psych 387
* Learners taught in small ability-level groupings so that all students are starting at the appropriate point in the curriculum. For any ability group, the emphasis is on mastery, and skills are firmed for mastery at each step.
* Attention is focussed on, and active responding is cued by, the teacher.
* Scripted presentation of carefully designed instruction to cover concept building, balance of new and review material, and active practice opportunities.
* Emphasis on high paced, active responding as a group and individually,with frequent feedback and correction.
Direct Instruction materials are currently used by thousands of schools across the nation and internationally; however, specific information is not available on the number or demographics of children or centers using the materials.
See also for a more complete description and glossary of DI: Engelmann Module
Athabasca University, Psych 387; Module Authors: Joseph Parsons and David Polson
Instructional Designer/Technical Advisor:Lyle Grant
Direct Instruction was developed in the 1960s and has been revised and renamed over the years. The Direct Instruction model was first branded as the Direct Instruction System for Teaching Arithmetic and Reading (DISTAR), which included DISTAR Reading, DISTAR Arithmetic, and DISTAR Language I . While Direct Instruction products have evolved over the years, the Direct Instruction approach remains the same, and the version of Direct Instruction (DISTAR) used in the studies in this report are still available and relevant to today’s consumers. An overview of Direct Instruction programs for preschool and kindergarten children follows. Direct Instruction products are also available for older students.
DISTAR Reading became Reading Mastery. Reading Mastery includes these programs:
Prekindergarten
Kindergarten
*Reading Mastery Signature Edition- New 2008
DISTAR Arithmetic retained that name and includes these programs:
Prekindergarten (high performing students only)
Kindergarten
DISTAR Language I has become Language for Learning. (Student materials only are still available for the original DISTAR Language I.) There are currently two companion programs:
Other Curricular programs include
the home based reading program,
For more discussion on the curriculum packages and supplementary materials, see
Also,
An Introduction to Direct Instruction
Special Connections, University of Kansas.
"Connecting teachers to strategies that help students with special needs successfully access the general education curriculum"
See also on the same website
Instructional Tools Related to Direct Instruction
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Discussion listserv for researchers, teachers, and other implementers and DI enthusiasts.
Direct Instruction Slides, Transparencies and Handouts
Martin A. Kozloff, Watson School of Ed, U.NC. at Wilmington
Stuff from the Computer of Zig Engelmann
Works and thoughts from the originator of the Direct Instruction curriculum (DISTAR, Reading Mastery, etc.)
Excellent site direct from "The Man" who originated DI.
The Association for Direct Instruction
About DI, professional development and conferences, additional materials.
National Institute for Direct Instruction
Rory Donaldson
Some policy and general info, but also many articles on instruction, such as Basic Teaching Scripts. 'Worth a browse.
Organizations that provide training and in-class coaching in the Direct Instruction methodology include:
* The National Institute for Direct Instruction
P.O. Box 11248
Eugene, OR 97440
Telephone: (877) 485-1973
Email: info@nifdi.org
Web: http://www.nifdi.org
* Educational Resources, Inc.
7105 Old Grant Creek Road
Missoula, MT 59808
Telephone: (406) 542-5010
* J/P Associates, Inc.
284 East Chester Street
Valley Stream, NY 11580
Telephone: (516) 561-7803
2/17/08