Direct Instruction (DI) in Broward County Brenda Moss-Williams February 25, 2012

1978 to 1991: Teacher of emotionally handicapped students in south Florida 1991 to 2008: District Curriculum Specialist for Broward County Public Schools Provided support for the implementation of DI in 40 elementary and middle schools 2008 to 2012: Implementation Manager for the National Institute for Direct Instruction 3 middle schools in Atlanta, Estill Middle School and Estill High School in Estill, South Carolina, IDEA Schools Special Education in Texas. Behavior Management Specialist Conducted behavior management training in schools implementing DI in Atlanta, Baltimore, Australia and Guam. Brenda Moss-Williams

The National Institute for Direct Instruction (NIFDI) was founded by the creator and senior author of Direct Instruction (DI) to helps schools and districts maximize students’ performance with DI. NIFDI has developed tools to ensure that all students succeed with DI. NIFDI supports implementation of DI at pre-K through high school. The National Institute for Direct Instruction (NIFDI)

Previously, Broward County implemented Direct Instruction (DI) at the elementary and middle school levels. This presentation will focus on the implementation of DI at the elementary level. Direct Instruction (DI) in Broward County

Instructional Time DI in Broward Co. Previously Lack of consistent 90-minute reading period 2 nd reading period not required Implementation with NIFDI Dedicated 90-minute morning reading period 2 nd reading period required for all students in K and 1 st and low performers in 2 nd grade and above

Curriculum DI in Broward Co. Previously DISTAR Language used for oral language proficiency (Kindergarten level) Various programs used in addition to Reading Mastery for reading Implementation with NIFDI Reading Mastery Signature Edition includes full language track (levels K-5) All interventions done in Reading Mastery, which incorporates science, social studies and literature (see Language Series Guide)

Professional Development DI in Broward Co. Previously All teachers received initial overview training of DI programs Implementation with NIFDI Teachers receive initial training in program delivery of the first 30 lessons Regular inservices provided throughout the year on critical techniques required in subsequent lessons

Data Collection & Analysis DI in Broward Co. Previously Data collection did not occur weekly Data collection was not systematized Decisions based primarily on observations by district level coaches Implementation with NIFDI Data collected weekly and analyzed systematically Data collected on forms specifically designed to identify areas for improvement Adjustments to instruction of individual students made weekly based on data

Staffing DI in Broward Co. Previously Aides assigned to most Kindergarten and first grade classrooms; did not instruct Implementation with NIFDI Aides assigned to all Kindergarten and first grade classrooms; fully trained to provide instruction No aides needed in classes at grade 2 instructional level or above

Coordination & Support DI in Broward Co. Previously District Academic Coaches responsible for all academic areas Building Coordinators not trained to provide coaching District Academic Coaches provided support 1-2 days per week Implementation with NIFDI District Coaches and Building Coordinators responsible solely for DI implementation District Coaches and Building Coordinators work in tandem with NIFDI staff, who are on site approximately 1 week per month

Capacity Building DI in Broward Co. Previously Capacity for supporting DI limited to District-level Coaches Implementation with NIFDI Peer coaches developed from model teachers, one per grade level Administrators trained in 5-minute observations Peer coaches, Building Coordinators and District Coaches go through four levels of coaches’ training Institute on Becoming an Effective Trainer for experienced DI teachers allows schools to train teachers on their own

LEFT SIDE Essential Elements School Data Form School Check-off Form Implementation Options Reference Materials RIGHT SIDE NIFDI Services Visit a Model DI School IN YOUR FOLDER…

The National Institute for Direct Instruction (NIFDI) Kurt EngelmannChristina Cox PresidentPublic Relations Manager x x112 For more information, contact: