35th Direct Instruction Teaching Conference is a Big Success!

In a year when funding for professional development is being reduced by many district and school budgets, the 35th annual National Direct Instruction Conference attracted over 550 teachers and educators to Eugene, Oregon - an increase from last year's attendance. Attendees participated in a wide range of direct instruction trainings, informational seminars, and CEU-credit classes and also attended a keynote address from Dr. William Heward of The Ohio State University. A show of hands at the conference closing seemed to indicate that a majority of attendees were at the conference for the first time!

Direct instruction product vendors such as SRA/McGraw-Hill, Sopris West and Classical Learning Universe displayed new programs and support resources, and professional development vendors including JP Associates and Educational Resources, Inc. were on hand as well.

One district administrator commented:

"We're trying to use our stimulus money where it counts, and this year that means sending our resource and intervention teachers here for training!"

The SRA/McGraw-Hill booth at NDICS 2009