Plan on being in Eugene, Oregon, July 21-25, 2025, to attend the 51st National Direct Instruction Conference and Institutes. We are planning an amazing week of training and special events this year.

Since 1974, educators from around the world have gathered in Eugene each year to attend what is regarded as the most comprehensive DI training available. We are excited to host Dr. Jan Hasbrouck as our featured keynote speaker this year. Jan has a long history with Direct Instruction, having received her B.A. and M.A. at the University of Oregon. She is the author and co-author of several books and instructional programs.

We are featuring several new offerings this year, including a 4-day institute designed for higher-education instructors on how to incorporate DI into their teacher preparation courses.

  pdf Download the brochure for complete session descriptions and register online here!

NIFDI and The Knowledge Hub recently received news that a grant for implementing Expressive Writing in England has been approved by the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF). The EEF is a UK-based organization that supports research on evidence-based resources and is the largest funder of school research in the UK.

The grant will support the implementation of Expressive Writing in 8-12 schools in England, starting September 2025. The grant will focus on students in Year 7 (6th grade). If you are in England and you are interested in implementing the program with students in Year 7, contact Loraine Lynch-Kelly <info@knowledgehub.org.uk>. Participating schools will need to provide instruction to students who qualify for the program for at least 45 minutes per day for 55 lessons. Other requirements will be outlined at a later date.

If you are interested in piloting the program, but you are located outside of England, or you are located in England but the target student population is outside of Year 7, contact info@nifdi.org. NIFDI would be happy to discuss with you how an implementation of Expressive Writing can help your students become fluent, clear, and organized writers. Click here for more information on the program.

Join veteran trainer Tamara Bressi on March 6 & 7 for NIFDI's popular academy–Enhanced Coaching and Facilitating Professional Development. This 2-day training at the Cambria Hotel–Orlando 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 on our website. You can also contact Bryan Wickman, NIFDI's Outreach Events Director, at 1.877.485.1973 or by email at info@nifdi.org with questions or for more information.

The newest episode of the DI podcast has been released! It features the expertise of Dr. Jan Hasbrouck, discussing her origins in Project Follow Through and Direct Instruction, her distinguished career as an advocate of fluency instruction, and an analysis of the evolving science of reading movement. Click here to listen!