One of the most critical roles in a successful Direct Instruction implementation is the Peer Coach. With good, careful peer coaching, teachers will become more skilled and proficient in teaching the program, and students will excel with improved instruction. In an implementation that does not incorporate high-quality peer coaching, some teachers may become stars, while others may demonstrate little to no improvement, ultimately hindering the implementation as a whole from achieving a high level of success.

With effective peer coaching, staff development, and strong leadership, teachers who use Direct Instruction will improve significantly, and students will progress farther and faster than they ever have before.

An effective coach will help the Direct Instruction teacher evolve from a technician to an engineer of instruction. The two-day session covers:

• Refining observational skills to increase the coach's ability to provide data-driven feedback (e.g., on pacing, student mastery of material, ratio of reinforcement).
• Determining the appropriate intervention based on data and observation.
• Communicating with staff in order to increase instructional effectiveness.
• Design and deliver a rehearsal session in conjunction with an in-service practice session.

Certificates of Completion: Each participant in the Direct Instruction Coaching Academy will receive a certificate of participation. This certificate is awarded to those who have completed the 2-day training.

Have other questions that aren't answered here? Email us at institutes@nifdi.org.