Direct Instruction: A Practitioner's Handbook - by Kurt Engelmann (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Direct Instruction (DI) is a powerful instructional approach designed to ensure that students master critical skills and content required for more advanced learning. Although DI has existed since the late 1960s, there are many common misconceptions about the approach, its potential to enhance student learning and the way its proper implementation facilitates students' academic success. This book provides a systematic explanation of the Direct Instruction methodology and DI program design as it outlines a roadmap for teachers and school leaders on how to implement DI successfully. Divided into three main sections, the first section describes DI as a coherent and complete teaching-and-learning system that contrasts DI with lower case "di" or explicit instruction, which focuses on effective instructional delivery techniques. The second section provides a step-by-step guide to implementing DI. The third section is devoted to cautions about implementing DI. This section reinforces the notion that the physical possession of the DI curricula does not by itself lead to student success. Those who adopt DI need to ensure that it is implemented with fidelity for the benefit of their students who are reliant on them to provide them with the means to achieve their academic potential so they may lead healthy, productive lives.

Review Quotes

Whether you are a Direct Instruction or an explicit instruction leader, teacher, trainer, program implementor, or coach, this must-read handbook will reinforce and expand your knowledge of the design and delivery of instruction. You will be reminded that effective, efficient teaching that optimizes learning is intentional, systematic, sequential, direct, and explicit. May this knowledge transform classrooms. ― Anita L. Archer, PhD, author, consultant, teacher

Direct Instruction: A Practitioner's Handbook is a comprehensive guide for users of DI who want to improve their implementation and also for educators who are considering implementing these effective instructional programs. With sections covering the rationale and research behind DI, detailed guidance for successful implementation, and suggestions for avoiding pitfalls, reading this book is like being coached through a course on how to teach reading and why it should be done that way. The actionable information will help users of DI programs achieve the optimal instructional efficacy and efficiency that can lead to academic success for all students. ― Stephanie Stollar, PhD, assistant professor at Mount St. Joseph University and founder of the Reading Science Academy

To the uninitiated, Direct Instruction might seem complex, peculiar, or even intimidating. Thankfully, Dr. Engelmann is here to show us what's under the hood of the most effective teaching system ever devised. Whether you are a long-time practitioner of Direct Instruction, or a new adopter like me, the book you hold in your hands will tell you everything you need to know about implementing DI for the best results. ― Zach Groshell, PhD, instructional coach, consultant, host of the Progressively Incorrect podcast.

Kurt Engelmann's book is a must-read for educators. It is both comprehensive and accessible, and comes at an important time as the world of education has a renewed interest in scientifically based reading instruction. Engelmann demonstrates that the Direct Instruction reading, mathematics, and spelling programs set the standard for tools designed to ensure academic success with every student. The scope of the book is impressive, encompassing the aspects of design that make Reading Mastery and the other DI programs the most carefully engineered and effective set of curricula in existence; what it takes to implement the programs effectively; and how to sustain success. The book is filled with the invaluable wisdom of decades of implementation efforts from around the world. This book is an outstanding resource for educators interested in accelerating the achievement of all students. ― Laura Doherty, president and CEO Baltimore Curriculum Project, implementor of Direct Instruction since 1996

This is an accessible book for anyone who is interested in finding out about the theory, implementation, and day-to-day monitoring of DI programs. Myths about DI are addressed throughout the book, and specific discrete issues are explored in various standalone 'topic brief' sections. I recommend this book to those who like and know a little about DI as well as to those who have never heard of or initially struggle with DI. ― Dr. Nazam Hussain, specialist senior educational psychologist

The evidence on Direct Instruction offers the strongest hope for narrowing our nation's glaring educational disparities, but DI must be implemented correctly to be fully effective. Dr. Engelmann gives us clear and complete directions for uplifting our students' and our nation's academic achievement. ― Bill Sower, president, The Sower Center for Successful Schools

Kurt Engelmann's DirectInstruction provides a fundamental advance for education. Any educators who are responsible for curriculum decisions or implementing DI programs - regardless of whether they say they love or hate DI - should not just read this book, but keep it available as a resource. It covers everything from the rationale and history of DI to the details of conducting daily lessons. Readers will find clear explanations of both the underlying philosophy and design of DI as well as guidance about how to implement DI effectively. Direct Instruction: A Practitioner's Handbook explains why and how to teach DI in one accessible source. ― John Wills Lloyd, PhD, professor emeritus, University of Virginia, founder and editor of SpecialEducationToday.com

Dr. Engelmann delivers the ABCs of DI in Direct Instruction: A Practitioner's Handbook, a how-to manual that should be part of the curriculum toolbox of both beginning and experienced educators. This book provides a comprehensive review of both the philosophy and research behind this proven educational approach, in addition to strategies and recommendations for successful implementation. In my over 30 years as a Direct Instruction consultant, I have never found a publication that addresses DI in its totality - until this one. ― Donna Dressman, president/senior consultant, Conquest Consulting, LLC

This practitioner's guide to implementing Direct Instruction is the most up-to-date, thorough, and comprehensive guide to the implementation of DI available. Dr. Engelmann draws upon and cites many of his father's writings to elucidate details of implementation that may be less well understood among practitioners. He shares insights gained from implementing DI in multiple complex settings around the world. School personnel who implement Direct Instruction while attending to the details presented in this guide will be assured remarkable success in the classroom! ― Bonnie Grossen, PhD, DI author and implementer, executive director, Center for Applied Research in Education

About the Author

Dr. Kurt Engelmann has supported Direct Instruction in various ways over the course of his career - as a tutor, a behavioral consultant, and a lesson writer. Since 2007, he has served as the President of the National Institute for Direct Instruction, which provides comprehensive support to schools implementing the DI methodology.