Registration for the 52nd National DI Conference is open! Plan to join educators from around the world at the Graduate Hotel in Eugene, Oregon, July 20-24, 2026! The conference offers training in a wide range of Direct Instruction programs, as well as comprehensive institutes for instructional leaders, coaches, and professional development specialists.

This year, we are excited to host Dr. Carl Hendrick, an educational consultant, author, and researcher, as our featured keynote speaker. His presentation, 10 Rules for Designing Effective Learning that Works for Every Student, will examine how Direct Instruction programs model all features that have come to be accepted as the science of learning and teaching. We are also happy to welcome speaker Ernesto Rodriguez. His keynote, Direct Instruction: Not Only for Reading, But Also for Building a Better Life, will highlight his compelling story and give insights into how we can break the school-to-prison pipeline that poor instruction creates.

No matter what your job title is–principal, supervisor, literacy coach, teacher, paraprofessional, professor, or something else–the National DI Conference has something for you. Plan on coming to Eugene this summer, take advantage of the beautiful location, and take part in the most comprehensive offering of Direct Instruction training and information available—anywhere!

To download a brochure and register, click here.

February 13, from 1pm-2:30pm, NIFDI will provide a free overview of all Direct Instruction programs for teaching numeracy. This session will help you understand the intended audience for each Authentic Direct Instruction math program. Use of the programs in general or special education sessions will be highlighted, along with other considerations in program selection. Appropriate sequencing will be featured. Scheduling, in terms of time and frequency, will also be discussed.

Questions answered will include:

• How does one decide whether to use Corrective Math or Connecting Math Concepts?
• When to use DISTAR Arithmetic I vs. Connecting Math Concepts Level A
• When should one begin using Essentials for Algebra?
• Is there a fast-track for any of the programs?
• And much more!

The session will have time for questions and answers. You may also send your questions in advance to info@nifdi.org, and we will be sure to answer them.

Join noted education consultant Dr. Zach Groshell on February 26th at 4 pm Pacific. This free 60-minute webinar will detail how Direct Instruction programs align with the research in cognitive science and educational psychology. Examples from the DI programs will demonstrate how the careful instructional sequencing, scripting of the programs, checking for mastery, and other features optimize student learning and retention. Zach will also discuss the importance of leadership and effective, ongoing professional development, both of which are critical to the successful implementation of DI. 

On Wednesday, July 22, Ernesto Rodriguez, Founder/Director of Kindful Restorations in Riverside, California, will present Direct Instruction: Not Only for Reading But Also for Building a Better Life. Ernesto will share his personal journey, first serving over two decades in prison, with over half a dozen years in solitary confinement. Now, within two years of his release, he is leading a multi-million-dollar nonprofit. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of the principles of DI and how they benefit self and others. This very powerful four-minute video captures Ernesto’s past and movement to the future.

Registration for the conference will open soon! Make your plans to be in Eugene July 20-24, 2026! You can start now by securing your lodging for the conference week at the Graduate Hotel. Located in downtown Eugene, the Graduate is steps away from restaurants, shopping, and entertainment options.

Reservations can be made by calling 1.800.991.8903 and referring to booking code 92N or online by clicking here.