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.

An important feature of successful Direct Instruction implementations is to celebrate success—success of students, teachers, and entire schools. This year, at the National Direct Instruction conference, we will be recognizing individuals and schools that have made a significant difference in the educational performance of children through the following awards:

• Siegfried Engelmann Excellence in Education Award – This award is named after Siegfried “Zig” Engelmann, co-creator of Direct Instruction, senior author of the DI programs, and founder of NIFDI. The recipient of this award can be anyone – a teacher, paraprofessional, administrator, college professor, etc. – who has provided a significant contribution to the field of education and/or student achievement. 

• Wes Becker Excellent School Award – This award is named after Wesley Becker, co-creator of Direct Instruction and longtime Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Oregon. This award is given to a school for exemplary implementation of Direct Instruction.

• The Carnine-McRoberts Student Improvement Award – This award is named in honor of the parents of Doug and Linda Carnine. It is given to a student who has demonstrated remarkable academic success with DI. Teachers submit nominations. The winner, selected by Doug and Linda Carnine, will be presented with a plaque and $1,000 to the recipient and $1,000 to the school the recipient attends.

Please take the opportunity to honor a member of the DI “family.” The nomination process is not cumbersome, and it means so much to the individuals and our profession. Please identify and nominate a colleague and/or school that has made a difference. Nomination applications are short (1-2 pages) and available on our website. Nominations are due in our office by June 3rd, so click the links above or  pdf download the application packet  today!

Recordings of two recent NIFDI webinars are available for viewing. Overview of Authentic Direct Instruction Programs for Literacy is especially helpful for those with little or no prior knowledge of authentic DI programs. You’ll gain insight into the intended audience for each program, including general and special education use, sequencing, and implementation schedules.

Overview of Authentic Direct Instruction Math Programs is designed to help you understand the intended audience for each Authentic Direct Instruction math program. Use of the programs in general or special education sessions is highlighted, along with other considerations in program selection. Appropriate sequencing is featured. Scheduling, in terms of time and frequency, will also be discussed.

If you have any questions about DI programs that these informative webinars didn't answer, please write to us at info@nifdi.org, and we will be sure to respond!

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.