SETTING UP THE DI IMPLEMENTATION

The number one key to a successful schoolwide Direct Instruction (DI) implementation is the building administrator.  Active and knowledgeable administrative support is essential to implementing the comprehensive DI model effectively.  Principals as well as district-level administrators set the tone and convey to staff the commitment of the school to implement the model with fidelity.  Administrators ensure that the schedule and other key aspects of the implementation are established properly and adhered to.  Administrators ensure that sufficient personnel are in place to implement the model with fidelity, including a full-time building coordinator dedicated to supporting the DI implementation.  They also ensure that training and practice sessions are arranged and attended by the teaching staff.

For an overview of the DI model:

• A Check-Off Form for Implementing the Full Immersion Direct Instruction Model
• The DI Developer’s Guidelines

ENSURING ACCOUNTABILITY FOR STUDENT SUCCESS

The principal is the school's leader of the NIFDI accountability system.  The principal attends weekly conference calls between NIFDI and the school’s leadership team, during which the progress of each instructional group is discussed.  A summary of the call describes the actions to be taken before the next call and designates who will take which actions.  Principals can greatly facilitate the implementation by ensuring that the actions described are in fact taken before the next conference call.

For information on the NIFDI accountability system:

• Weekly Conference Calls
• Sample Conference Call Summary
• Data Analysis

Lesson Progress Chart

OBSERVING CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION

Regular administrator classroom observations focused on student performance are critical for a successful DI implementation.  The administrator's presence in the classroom communicates a strong message to the staff concerning the importance of the DI implementation. Direct observation by administrators also provides another set of eyes to identify possible instructional problems and assess the status of past problems.  NIFDI trains principals and other administrators on conducting five-minute observations that provide quick, comprehensive and powerful assessments of classroom instruction and setup.

For information on five-minute observations:

FINDING OUT MORE ABOUT THE DI MODEL

To find out more about the full immersion (comprehensive) DI model, you can attend a session that is part of the annual National Direct Instruction conference in Eugene, Oregon:  A Full Immersion Model for Implementing DI.  The session runs for four half days (Monday through Thursday afternoons) and is led by NIFDI personnel.  The session discusses the changes in time management, student assessment, problem solving, behavior management, and capacity building that accelerates student performance.  The next national conference will take place July 18-22, 2010. 

For information on the conference:

•  The Association for Direct Instruction

NEXT STEPS WITH NIFDI

In addition to attending the Full Immersion Model for Implementing DI, administrators interested in implementing DI can call Dr. Kurt Engelmann, President of NIFDI, 1 877 485-1973 toll-free to discuss implementation options with NIFDI.  Fill out the data form (below) with the number of students, aides and teachers for all grades in the school and fax the form to Dr. Engelmann's attention at 541 683-7543.  This information will be used to help assess the school's needs and to put together a budget on the expenses of NIFDI services.  

For arranging next steps with NIFDI:

• School Data Form
• Implementation Options