Researcher, author, and Professor Doug Carnine has posted an important perspective on the failure to adopt effective practices. In his essay titled From Explanation to Real-World Benefit: Is the Theory of Instruction Worthless?, he writes,

A theory may be scientifically true, elegant, and even revolutionary, yet still have limited effect on human well-being. A strong theory can clarify what is happening, explain why something works, and sharpen professional thinking. But if its use is not required in practice, its social benefit may remain small. Knowledge by itself does not protect people. Human well-being improves when professions and institutions require valid knowledge to shape what they do.

 In his essay, Professor Carnine references several theories, including the sophisticated communication theory that lies at the heart of the Direct Instruction approach. Click hereto read the entire piece.