Students’ performance on state developed and norm-referenced assessments is a major concern of educators. Schools may devote many hours to “test preparation,” hoping that this will increase students’ scores. Yet, policymakers have expressed concern over this practice, suggesting that it can result in invalid measures of student achievement, divert attention from crucial subject matter, and provide less than optimal models for students.

Data presented in this report suggest that a rational alternative to extensive test preparation is to ensure that students make adequate progress, at mastery, through Reading Mastery Signature Edition (RMSE) and Connecting Math Concepts: Comprehensive Edition (CMCCE). The data suggest that when students have attained mastery at their assigned grade level in these programs the probability that they will pass the state assessments is very high. The influence of cumulative mastery of the curriculum is independent of students’ prior achievement, providing hope for students who have struggled with low assessment scores in the past.

NIFDI Press is proud to announce the latest title: Science and Social Studies in Reading Mastery Signature Edition by Dr. Nancy Woolfson.

Reading instruction consumes a large part of the daily schedule, reducing the amount of time for content area studies. Reading Mastery Signature Edition in grades two through five integrates a wide range of social studies and science concepts and information. Science and Social Studies in Reading Mastery Signature Edition is a powerful tool for teachers, coaches and curriculum directors to have available for planning and integrating subject areas in order to reinforce critical content.

Quickly reference subject areas and topics covered in the highly acclaimed Reading Mastery Signature Edition program. This resource contains:

• A grade-level index of all science and social studies content covered
• A list of the lessons where specific scientific terms and concepts are addressed in the program

Science and Social Studies in Reading Mastery Signature Edition facilitates making connections with content material taught in the program and is a must-have addition to the resource library of any teacher using grades 2-5 of the Reading Mastery Signature Edition program!

Order your copy now for only $24.99! You can order through NIFDI's online store or by calling 877.485.1973.

Do you want the opportunity to tell others the impact Direct Instruction has had on you or your students? The National Institute for Direct Instruction has just launched a testimonial line where you can share your DI experience with others. Submit your story to NIFDI and give others a window into the world of DI!

To submit your story, email testimonials@nifdi.org or call us at 541-505-5700. In your submission, please provide your name, phone number, location and your story of how DI has affected your life and/or your students. We will transcribe these stories and post them on our webpage. Call or email us today and be the first in your school to tell your story!

There is still time to submit your nomination for the 2014 Excellence in Education Awards before the June 3rd deadline. Even if you don't make a nomination, plan on attending the McGraw-Hill Social and NIFDI Celebration of Excellence on Wednesday, July 16th, in conjunction with the 40th Annual National Direct Instruction Conference in Eugene, Oregon July 13th-17th. 

Along with celebrating the achievements of individuals and schools across the country, we will also be highlighting the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Berieter-Engelmann Preschool. A short video that has not been publicly shown in years will be exhibited describing the preschool, and at least one of the original teachers will be in attendance. In the meantime, you might be interested in taking a step back in time and checking out the video of Zig working with preschoolers.

If you haven't signed up for the conference yet, there's still time. See the full conference offerings and register online today! We look forward to seeing you in Eugene!