Free Direct Instruction Videos Attracting Growing Fanbase

In late 2007, free videos about the direct instruction intervention teaching method started appearing on the Web on social media sites such as YouTube and TeacherTube (an educator-friendly version of the popular YouTube platform). The videos range from specific examples of in-class direct instruction reading intervention teaching to user testimonials about using the time-tested teaching method to award ceremonies from SRA/McGraw-Hill - the primary publisher of direct instruction intervention programs for early literacy and spoken English skills development.

Online videos of the direct instruction teaching method have already received over 70,000 views from fans in the U.S. and around the world, and the DirectInstructionFan channel on YouTube has been viewed over 1,500 times. The social networking aspect of these videos is also helping educators to learn about effective intervention and special education teaching programs such as SRA Reading Mastery and Read to Achieve. Instead of simply watching videos and moving on, viewers of direct instruction online videos are contributing comments, advice to other intervention teachers, and opinions about this explicit teaching method:

"This is my sixth year teaching in a Direct Instruction school. In my 21 years as a teacher, this is the best form of instruction my children have received. The students enjoy direct instruction because they feel successful. They are constantly reminded how well they are doing. "

- Teacher comment posted on YouTube video: The Effectiveness of Direct Instruction Reading Intervention

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