S4E36: Bonnie Grossen and Kurt Engelmann on Full Immersion Direct Instruction

In this episode of The Direct Instruction Podcast – cross-posted on Progressively Incorrect – I’m joined by Bonnie Grossen and Kurt Engelmann, two long-time advocates and practitioners whose work has shaped the real-world application of schoolwide Direct Instruction. After engaging conversations with both of them—on everything from implementation across diverse contexts to the role of leadership in sustaining success—I knew this would be a conversation rich in lessons for educators and system leaders alike. What does full-immersion Direct Instruction really look like when done right? I hope you find this episode as insightful and energizing as I did.

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Graphs and Results Mentioned in the Episode

Schuyler-writing-resultsDownload

Graph of Galileo HS resultsDownload

Resources:

• Results of Implementation #1 and Graph of Implementation #2 that were analyzed at the start of the episode.
• The Administrator Leadership Institute at the National Direct Instruction Conference:
  • This five-day institute is designed to help leaders develop a clear roadmap for implementing DI successfully for all students in their school or district.
• Direct Instruction: A Practitioner’s Handbook
  • Much of the content of the Administrator Leadership Institute corresponds to the second section in the handbook, which provides additional background on the goals of DI, the research evidence in support of DI, and other topics.
• The short film, Why is Reading so Hard? explains the structure and method used in teaching Reading Mastery.
  • It is less than nine minutes long, but it is jam packed with useful info and compelling graphics.  See: https://youtu.be/gBFC1keuJIg
  • It is part of a longer series on using Reading Mastery effectively.  The series can be accessed here: https://www.nifdi.org/videos/reading-mastery-training-series.html.
• Bonnie is the chair of the board of directors of the Arthur Academy Charter Schools, https://www.arthuracademy.org, six small elementary schools in the greater Portland, Oregon area that use DI programs for core instruction for all students.

Looking for great education books?

The podcast you’re listening to is sponsored by John Catt from Hachette Learning and hosted by Dr. Zach Groshell. John Catt publishes some of the best books in education, including my book, Just Tell Them: The Power of Explanations and Explicit Teaching.