Long-time Direct Instruction leader Dr. Thaddeus Lott passed away on October 22. Dr. Lott is best known for his role as principal of Mabel B. Wesley Elementary School, a title I school in a predominantly black neighborhood in Houston, Texas. As principal at Wesley, Lott introduced Direct Instruction and in a very short time brought student test performance in 3rd and 5th grades up to the top quarter of Houston Independent School District (HISD) schools. He made certain his staff was well-trained and supervised in DI programs and, as a result, gained national attention for the success of students who would not typically perform at such a high level. In 1994 HISD established Wesley

and two other neighborhood schools as a charter school coalition, with Lott as project director. This coalition became the first cooperative charter school management organization in Texas and among the first in the nation. After leaving HISD, Lott continued to assist other schools in implementing Direct Instruction. Former HISD Superintendent and US Secretary of Education wrote, "His example would be instructive in today's era of school reform, which too often seeks bells and whistles when sometimes the basics - under strict guidance - is the better recourse." NIFDI extends condolences to his family and associates. The full obituary in the Houston Chronicle can be read here. 

For nearly 20 years, the National Institute for Direct Instruction has supported schools' efforts to give students the best opportunity for success and develop teachers' skills to utilize the finest tools for ensuring that success. 

With the end of the year coming, we would like to remind you that donations to NIFDI are tax-deductible. By making your charitable donation to NIFDI, a 501 (c(3)) non-profit organization, you can help us impact the lives of more children.

You can even select the program area(s) you want your donation to support:

1. Research - Conducting, promoting and disseminating research on Direct Instruction and its implementation.
2. Training and Coaching - Providing on-site training and coaching to schools, as well as open-registration training events.
3. Educational Outreach - Offering videos, articles and other tools and materials to promote the effective use of Direct Instruction.

Donate online or pdf download the donation form  and return it to our offices. If you have questions about donating to NIFDI, contact Bryan Wickman at 877.485.1973 or bwickman@nifdi.org.

Thank you for your consideration and support! 

We are continually looking for quality research articles to include in the DI Database (http://nifdi.org/research/database/di-research-database). One has just been added, highlighting the use of Language for Learning (LL) with students with autism. The article, Effectiveness of the Direct Instruction Language for Learning Curriculum Among Children Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, by Sillingsburg, Bowen, Peterman and Gayman, was published in Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities this year. The study shows that the LL students scored significantly higher than pretest scores. Students in the LL group also demonstrated significantly higher language skills than students in the no-exposure group. To view the abstract and request a full copy of the text go to http://nifdi.org/research /database/di-research-database?view=publication&task=show&id=361

Two Montana schools that utilize Reading Mastery as their core curriculum are receiving a Blue Ribbon recognition from the U.S. Department of Education. The award is given based on a school's academic achievement (Exemplary High Performing School) or for closing achievement gaps among student subgroups (Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing).

Margaret Leary Elementary School is located in Butte, Montana, and is the recipient of the Exemplary High Performing School Award. The Title I school began using Reading Mastery 12 years ago as a part of the Reading First initiative. In their award application it is noted that in the school year 2012-13, 98% of the students in grades three through six scored proficient or advanced on the Montana reading assessment. According to 4-year Principal Brett Huntsman, the former curriculum director (now Superintendent), Judy Jonart, and former Leary principal (now Curriculum Director), "Made a strong commitment to Reading Mastery. They kept the reading coaches intact and continue to support the program." Long-time consultant Molly Blakely adds, "They have been very diligent in their implementation."

Hellgate Intermediate Elementary School in Missoula, Montana, is the recipient of a Blue Ribbon recognition for Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing. The school, serving grades 3-5, has utilized Reading Mastery and Corrective Reading as their core reading curriculum for 8 years. Principal Chris Clevenger notes the strong emphasis on staff development has played in their success. "All teachers are on the same page," when making curricular decisions. Leadership emphasizes a collaborative model to help ensure wide support.

NIFDI sends their congratulations to these two fine schools and wishes them continued success. The National Blue Ribbon Awards will be presented by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan in Washington, D.C. on November 9-10.