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.