I’m in Eugene, Oregon this week, soaking up the scene at the National Direct Instruction Conference. It’s not a glitzy affair - there are no lanyard influencers here, no big-stage keynotes promising “Project Based Learning” or “21st century skills.” What you get instead is something rarer and more sustaining: Design. Delivery. Organization. Teachers rolling up … Continue reading Direct Instruction Conference: No Flash, All Function
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 … Continue reading S4E36: Bonnie Grossen and Kurt Engelmann on Full Immersion Direct Instruction
Direct Instruction Motivation Part 1: Keep It Moving
This series explores a rarely discussed strength of direct instruction: its power to motivate students. While critics often paint explicit teaching as boring or uninspiring, the truth is that its structure, pace, and design motivate kids better than any other system. Momentum is fragile. Linger too long, and you’ll lose them. Ask a question the … Continue reading Direct Instruction Motivation Part 1: Keep It Moving
S4E35: Stephanie Stollar, Diane Kinder, and Marcy Stein on MTSS and Direct Instruction
In this episode of The Direct Instruction Podcast - cross-posted on Progressively Incorrect - I’m joined by Stephanie Stollar, Diane Kinder, and Marcy Stein—three educators and researchers whose work intersects at the heart of effective instruction and systems-level change. After engaging conversations with each of them around Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and the role … Continue reading S4E35: Stephanie Stollar, Diane Kinder, and Marcy Stein on MTSS and Direct Instruction
Steplab Coaching Ambassador Program, North America
As you're thinking about your PD for school year 2025-26, I recommend the Steplab Ambassador Program. My colleagues and I will teach you how to coach and use our tools to make efficient and effective instruction come to life in your school. "My Steplab Ambassador experience has been a meaningful journey, providing the essential structure I need, … Continue reading Steplab Coaching Ambassador Program, North America
Science of Reading Meets Explicit Instruction
I'm an advocate for evidence-based instruction, and one of the few shining areas in that space is early reading. The science of reading provides a wealth of insights into how the mind learns to decode, comprehend, and engage with text. But simply knowing what goes into a science-based literacy block or textbook isn’t enough—students require … Continue reading Science of Reading Meets Explicit Instruction
S4E34: Jonah Davids on the Debates Over Restorative Justice and SEL
In this episode of Progressively Incorrect, I’m joined by Jonah Davids. Jonah and I met while participating in a panel discussion around declining behavior in schools (listen here), which led me to invite him to discuss the evidence base behind Restorative Justice and Social-Emotional approaches in education. Are we on track or has there been … Continue reading S4E34: Jonah Davids on the Debates Over Restorative Justice and SEL
Anything but boring: The power of direct instruction
Something of a movement is brewing in education these days. A renewed interest in the science of how kids learn has led to greater adoption of effective teaching principles: We should regulate student attention, manage the cognitive load of tasks, over-practice concepts with students, and use student responses to adjust lessons. This is called direct … Continue reading Anything but boring: The power of direct instruction
When something matters, we make time for it
I'm often told that schools don't have time to focus on teaching and learning. The reality is they don’t make time. Instructional coaching doesn’t demand a ton of time—it takes just 20-30 minutes to deliver a sharp and purposeful feedback session around a single, granular action step. Done right, it not only improves instruction but … Continue reading When something matters, we make time for it
S4E33: Peps Mccrea on Great Teaching and Human Flourishing
In this episode of Progressively Incorrect, I am delighted to host Peps Mccrea, the Director of Education at Steplab and the mind behind the must-read online newsletter, Evidence Snacks. Peps has dedicated his career to improving education through evidence-based practices. His latest project includes Great Teaching, Unpacked, a Netflix-style documentary that is pushing the boundaries … Continue reading S4E33: Peps Mccrea on Great Teaching and Human Flourishing
Education Rickshaw 
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