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:
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:
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 the session for administrators that is part of the annual National Training Institute. The session runs for four full days 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 National Training Institute will be held this August in San Antonio. For more information on the institute, visit the institute's home page.
NEXT STEPS WITH NIFDI
In addition to attending the session for administrators that is part of the annual National Training Institute, 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:
