This month reporter Emily Hanford hosted and produced a 6-part podcast, Sold a Story: How Teaching Kids to Read Went So Wrong, which focuses on the development and dissemination of the 3-cueing system of reading instruction and its consequences. The American Public Media website describes the series as “...an exposé of how educators came to believe in something that isn't true and are now reckoning with the consequences — children harmed, money wasted, an education system upended.” We are encouraged that Direct Instruction got a brief mention in episode 3. It is also encouraging that Hanford includes the newly revised Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons on her list of additional readings on the Science of Reading.

This podcast is an example of how the discussion about best practices for teaching beginning reading are gaining momentum. We hope to see more in the future!

November 26, 2022, marked the 92nd anniversary of Siegfried “Zig” Engelmann’s birth. Zig was the creator of Direct Instruction (DI), beginning with his work in education in 1965. Zig devoted most of his life to bettering the lives of children by applying his theory of instruction to a set of instructional programs that are unparalleled in their efficacy with all learners, particularly learners at risk for failure. Prior to his passing in 2019, he had written over 100 instructional programs, 30 books, and hundreds of articles and papers.

NIFDI was founded by Zig to work with schools worldwide to implement Direct Instruction with a high level of fidelity. We are proud to continue his legacy of helping all students realize their highest potential with DI.

Our links to our favorite videos featuring Zig can be found by clicking here.

Join veteran trainer Tamara Bressi on February 2 and 3 for NIFDI’s popular academy–Enhanced Coaching and Facilitating Professional Development. This 2-day training at the Hotel Indigo Atlanta Airport equips building and district-level instructional coaches, peer coaches, lead teachers and mentor teachers with critical coaching and support skills.

With effective peer coaching, staff development, and strong leadership, teachers using Direct Instruction will improve dramatically, and students will progress farther and faster than they ever have before

Here is a sampling of topics that will be covered:

• Refining observational skills
• Facilitating rehearsal sessions
• Determining the appropriate intervention
• Facilitating Data Analysis Team meetings

A description and registration information is available here. You can also contact Bryan Wickman, NIFDI's Outreach Events Coordinator, at 1.877.485.1973 or by email at info@nifdi.org with questions or for more information.

In response to the loss of learning due to a result of the COVID Pandemic, many schools are turning to a variety of intervention models, including before- and after-school tutoring. Direct Instruction programs, particularly Corrective Reading and Corrective Math, are ideal for addressing skill deficits. To assist educators in maximizing the benefits of DI, NIFDI now offers tutoring support.

This support includes:

• training a testing team who administers in-program assessments;
• initial training for tutors;
• follow-up training sessions on essential delivery skills that match the development of the programs used for tutoring children;
• onsite or virtual coaching of tutors;
• coaches’ training for supervisors of tutors;
• data analysis of student performance in the DI programs;
• weekly management review calls with the supervisor of the tutoring program.

For more information on NIFDI training and support for a tutoring program, including pricing, call 1-877-485-1973 toll-free or email info@nifdi.org. Help ensure that every child in your school or district achieves success this year through an effective Direct Instruction tutoring program with NIFDI support!