Services
DILS trains and supports teachers in structured Direct Instruction reading programs for all student levels.
Overview of DI Services
DILS provides training, from the instructional foundations and principles of Direct Instruction in our DI Overview, to specific training on each of the various DI Reading Mastery programs (RMK-5) and Corrective Reading programs (Decoding A, B1, B2, C). These programs meet the needs of students who are above, below, or reading/spelling at grade level.
We Also Provide
- Student testing
- Data collection
- Monthly coaching and feedback
- Ongoing support for teacher and student success as their individual needs arise
DI Emphasizes
- Clear, explicit instruction
- Structured learning experiences
- Targeted interventions to address specific learning needs
- Teaching to mastery
The well defined process for skill and content acquisition includes: modeling, guided practice with feedback, independent practice, and application. You can’t just make progress for students that are behind. DI is the only instructional tool that accelerates learning and actually closes the achievement gap.
Evidence of DI Effectiveness
Meta-analysis
Numerous meta-analyses, including one published by the Review of Educational Research in 2018, have consistently found DI to be a highly effective instructional model.
Positive Impacts
Research indicates that DI leads to positive and statistically significant impacts on student achievement in various subjects, with effects often sustained over time.
Project Follow Through
In a large longitudinal study (1968-1977), DI was found to be the only intervention with a "significant positive impact on all of the outcome measures" for children of low socioeconomic status.
Joyce/Showers Research
To ensure effective and faithful transfer of training and skills into classrooms, DILS incorporates research into practice. According to Bruce Joyce and Beverly Showers’ Transference of Training research, there is a noticeable increase in the transfer of knowledge when coaching is added to a teacher’s training. Teachers who have 1:1 coaching, do practice new skills and strategies more frequently and apply those skills & strategies more appropriately. Coaching is critical for meaningful and lasting professional learning. DILS approach to training incorporates all major components; when used together, each component has greater impact than when used alone.
Beverly Joyce and Bruce Showers (2002) Student Achievement Through Staff Development, 3rd Edition, Ch. 5: Designing Training and Peer Coaching: Our Needs for Learning. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development
Training Components and Attainment of Outcomes in Terms of Percent of Participants
| Components | Knowledge (thorough) |
Skill (strong) |
Transfer (executive implementation) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study of Theory | 10% | 5% | 0% |
| Demonstrations | 30% | 20% | 0% |
| Practice | 60% | 60% | 5% |
| Peer Coaching | 95% | 95% | 95% |
Theory
We provide the instructional foundations of Direct Instruction as one of the most effective and research-validated literacy programs in history. This information is usually presented through lectures, discussions, and readings.
Demonstration
DILS provides models of how strategies should look and be implemented. Models are provided live and by watching model lesson videos.
Practice
Strategies and information are presented, practiced and modeled in training as well as coaching sessions. This practice is interactive and we follow the DI Learning Paradigm of model, lead, test, and re-test as needed.
Corrective Feedback
Through Side-by-Side Coaching, strategies and information are presented, practiced and modeled in training as well as coaching sessions. This practice is interactive and we follow the DI Learning Paradigm of model, lead, test, and re-test as needed.
Our Services
DI Training
Essential training for teachers new to Direct Instruction, covering reading and spelling programs for all levels.
Learn MoreSide-by-Side Coaching
Interactive in-class coaching that helps teachers master DI methods through modeling, support, and real-time feedback.
Learn MoreOnline Coaching
Virtual coaching for educators outside our local area, offering the same personalized guidance and follow-up.
Learn MoreTrain the Trainer
We prepare experienced teachers to become DI coaches and leaders, building long-term in-school expertise.
Learn MoreStudent Testing
We assess and group students accurately to ensure DI success from day one—then train your staff to do the same.
Learn MoreOnline PD
Explicit workshops with 3-5 modules each packed with strategies, skills and structures to support best practice in the classroom.
Learn More