Direct Instruction (DI) is often used to help students who are struggling academically. DI can be used to accelerate the learning of higher performing students, too. This 16-minute video, "Helping Kids Soar: Children Reaching Their Full Potential with Direct Instruction," portrays two schools in different parts of the country that have used DI successfully with all children, including high performing students: Emerson Elementary in Alliance, NE and Ficket Elementary in Atlanta, GA.
Both schools follow a similar formula for achieving success:
- All teachers and instrucitonal aides received initial training and on-going support from the National Institute for Direct Instruction (NIFDI).
- Students are grouped homogeneously and placed at their skill level.
- Student performance data is reviewed weekly to determine the appropriateness of instruction for all students.
- Students are allowed to progress at a faster pace and cover advanced content as their performance indicates.
The video shows how a careful implementation of Direct Instruction with NIFDI support can help bring out the joy and wonder of reading as it prepares students for advanced content.
Watch the video:
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