In this episode of Progressively Incorrect, I sat down with a personal friend whose work I deeply respect: John Tanner. His leadership in education has weathered storms—most notably, false accusations of cheating after huge gains in achievement were obtained at his school. But what shines through is his steadfast belief in the life-changing power of … Continue reading S4E37: John Tanner on Tests, College, and Cheating Scandals
Where PD Ends and Real Training Begins
Most professional development doesn't develop teachers. No one checks whether you can do the thing that you were supposed to learn at the workshop. In fact, it's rarely expected, beyond the occasional ice-breaker, that participants even participate. This is why my experience this week at the National Direct Instruction (DI) Conference, and its emphasis on … Continue reading Where PD Ends and Real Training Begins
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
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
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
Projects have a time and a place, but PBL does not
Project-based learning (PBL) enjoys widespread popularity in schools. There is an intuitive appeal to connecting classroom content to the “real world”, and we’re told projects are engaging and authentic. But in my visits to schools that champion PBL, these promises are rarely delivered. If projects are to take up precious class time, I will argue … Continue reading Projects have a time and a place, but PBL does not


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