The Effectiveness of Direct Instruction Reading Intervention

[BruceDeitrickPrice]

The real story, the grotesquely fascinating story, is that this teacher was forced to use methods that don't work (Whole Word, Sight Words, Dolch Words, etc.). Who came up with those useless ideas? Why, it's almost as if the Education Establishment never wanted kids to learn to read.

[crypticlife]

Yes, I suppose it's not a surprise that someone in a video promoting something is in favor of it. It's rather tautological, actually. The force is irrelevant, except that people forced to do things generally don't like them.

The problem is generally that whole language isn't teaching the kids how to read, and thus they are not learning, and thus the opportnity to practice what they've "learned" goes to nought.

[scoutie111]

You stated that the children with learning disabilities who you taught showed 3 years growth in 1 year. How are you measuring gains? Cold reads, say, using an IRI or a running record...or only with text that was read before?

[crypticlife]

DI is a phonics-based program, and such would be more suitable for cold reads. Gains shown by pre-read text are more likely with WL programs which rely on sight words.

[crypticlife]

Yes, it IS a suprise when people are in favor of something that's been shoved down their throat.

There's lots that's "new" with DI. Since you don't like letters, let's try numbers. Gering school district, 2004 35% of 3rd graders reading at grade level, 2007 after three years of DI, 85% of 3rd graders reading at grade level.

The sad joke is the "technique" of no-technique teachers currently use to teach reading.

[DirectInstructionFan]

This is a great testimonial of how effective DI can be when properly implemented. The secret to DI success, as always, is effective implementation and follow-through. You cannot simply train teachers and unleash them - you must check up on their progress periodically to assure they are following the correct techniques and procedures.