Direct Instruction RF Grade Level Meeting March 9, 2009 Jen Nedrebo

“Your mission is to accelerate those kids as much as possible. I have high expectations because I know it’s possible, it’s achievable. When you work with low-performing kids, you turn them around. You make a big difference in their life. And you help them realize their potential.” — Siegfried “Zig” Engelmann Senior Author Direct Instruction Programs

What words or phrases come to mind when you hear: “Direct Instruction”  Brainstorm on own and write down  Share out with group:

Information gleaned from Reading Mastery Training:  Direct Instruction is not a reading method  It is a teaching method  Includes the following:  Signal  Script  Pacing  Corrections  Reinforcement  Small groups

Signals  Auditory  Visual  Wait time:  Should be geared to the lowest performer in the group  80% of time teaching to group  20% of time individual turns

Script  Ensures consistency  Need to bring it to life!  Rehearse/practice the script in order to teach it well

Pacing  Pacing = responses per minute (rpm)  Good pacing is ____ rpm  Outstanding pacing is ____ rpm

Corrections  Teacher should correct every single mistake immediately.  Model:  I do it  Lead:  We do it  Test:  You do it  Delayed Test:

Reinforcement  Praise to change behavior  4 to 1  Pay attention to the behavior you want  And KNOW what you want!  ignoreandpraise If behavior problems—ask yourself two questions: 1.2.

Small groups Depends on the level of the kids:  Low =  Middle =  High =

Video: Anatomy of a Reading Mastery Classroom  While watching video jot down your thoughts/impressions/big ideas  Discussion

Direct Instruction Resources  Association for Direct Instruction   National Institute for Direct Instruction   SRA Direct Instruction 