The Direct Instruction Podcast

Hello everyone, and welcome back to the Direct Instruction Podcast. I’m Dr. Zach Groshell, and today I’m joined by two outstanding leaders in the DI community: Bonnie Grossen and Kurt Engelmann. Bonnie Grossen has supported schoolwide Direct Instruction implementations across a wide range of settings—from urban districts to rural communities, both in the U.S. and internationally. In this episode, she shares key lessons from supporting Direct Instruction at the Arthur Academy Charter Schools. We’re also joined by Kurt Engelmann, returning from Episode 1 [https://zachgroshell.wordpress.com/2024/02/04/what-is-direct-instruction-with-bryan-wickman-and-kurt-engelmann/], who brings sharp insights into the real-world execution of Direct Instruction. Together, Bonnie and Kurt walk us through what full-immersion, schoolwide DI really looks like. We explore how the model originated, how it adapts across grade levels, how it aligns with Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) [https://zachgroshell.wordpress.com/2025/07/01/how-can-direct-instruction-strengthen-an-mtss-framework-with-stephanie-stollar-diane-kinder-and-marcy-stein/], and the critical role of leadership in sustaining success. We also talk about realistic expectations and the most common mistakes schools and districts make when implementing DI. This podcast is brought to you by NIFDI, the National Institute for Direct Instruction. NIFDI partners with schools around the world to support high-fidelity DI implementation. I’ll be bringing this podcast to their annual conference in Eugene, Oregon, summer 2025—and I hope to see you there! Visit www.nifdi.org [https://www.nifdi.org] for details. If you find value in these conversations, help us spread the word by leaving a 5-star rating on your favorite podcast platform. And now, let’s roll the tape on my conversation with Bonnie Grossen and Kurt Engelmann. GRAPHS AND RESULTS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE Schuyler-writing-results [https://zachgroshell.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/schuyler-writing-results.pdf]Download [https://zachgroshell.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/schuyler-writing-results.pdf] Graph of Galileo HS results [https://zachgroshell.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/graph-of-galileo-hs-results-1.docx]Download [https://zachgroshell.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/graph-of-galileo-hs-results-1.docx] 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 [https://www.amazon.com/Direct-Instruction-practitioners-Kurt-Engelmann/dp/1036003280] * 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 [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 [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 [https://www.arthuracademy.org/], six small elementary schools in the greater Portland, Oregon area that use DI programs for core instruction for all students. IF YOU LOVE THE DI PODCAST, PLEASE HELP ME SPREAD IT AROUND, AND GIVE IT 5-STAR RATING ON THE PLATFORM OF YOUR CHOOSING. Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/3w6LoY0EJCP1j3aaDpxkD8?si=f13bca3b18a148ba] Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-direct-instruction-podcast/id1729095950] YouTube [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh1xxmQ8V6XInWAHACcvXJEVVNESodLZF&si=LprNdeCXRTyNbK-q] Amazon [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/7f1410a6-dbe1-47fb-86be-5e456ae7756c/the-direct-instruction-podcast] This podcast is brought to you by NIFDI, or the National Institute for Direct Instruction. NIFDI supports schools all over the world to implement Direct Instruction with fidelity, and it has invited me to bring this podcast to their conference in Eugene OR in the summer of 2025 [https://www.nifdi.org/training-events/national-di-conference-eugene.html]. You can find more information about how NIFDI kickstarts and enhances Direct Instruction implementations by going to www.nifdi.org [https://www.nifdi.org/], and I hope you register for the conference and come see me do my thing at my sessions. CAN’T GET ENOUGH CONTENT? Kris Boulton is a teacher who became inspired by Engelmann and Theory of Instruction. Listen to him talk about how he thinks about DI principles in this insightful episode of Progressively Incorrect. > S4E17: Kris Boulton on Atomization, DI Principles, and Unstoppable Learning [https://educationrickshaw.com/2025/01/10/s4e17-kris-boulton-on-atomization-di-principles-and-unstoppable-learning/] CONTACT ZACH GROSHELL FOR SPEAKING AND CONSULTING HERE [https://educationrickshaw.com/contact/]

Hello everyone, and welcome back to the Direct Instruction Podcast. I’m Dr. Zach Groshell, and today I’m excited to share a conversation with three leading voices in education: Stephanie Stollar [https://educationrickshaw.com/2024/04/28/s3e14-stephanie-stollar-on-structured-literacy-that-is-truly-responsive/], Diane Kinder, and Marcy Stein [https://educationrickshaw.com/2023/02/05/s2e21-marcy-stein-on-engelmanns-direct-instruction-and-project-follow-through/]. In this episode, we dive deep into how Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) can align with Direct Instruction to create more effective, scalable systems for all learners. From implementation challenges to the critical importance of fidelity, this trio brings insight, experience, and clarity to questions that often get muddied in theory but matter immensely in practice. IF YOU LOVE THE DI PODCAST, PLEASE HELP ME SPREAD IT AROUND, AND GIVE IT 5-STAR RATING ON THE PLATFORM OF YOUR CHOOSING. Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/3w6LoY0EJCP1j3aaDpxkD8?si=f13bca3b18a148ba] Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-direct-instruction-podcast/id1729095950] YouTube [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh1xxmQ8V6XInWAHACcvXJEVVNESodLZF&si=LprNdeCXRTyNbK-q] Amazon [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/7f1410a6-dbe1-47fb-86be-5e456ae7756c/the-direct-instruction-podcast] This podcast is brought to you by NIFDI, or the National Institute for Direct Instruction. NIFDI supports schools all over the world to implement Direct Instruction with fidelity, and it has invited me to bring this podcast to their conference in Eugene OR in the summer of 2025 [https://www.nifdi.org/training-events/national-di-conference-eugene.html]. You can find more information about how NIFDI kickstarts and enhances Direct Instruction implementations by going to www.nifdi.org [https://www.nifdi.org/], and I hope you register for the conference and come see me do my thing at my sessions. VIDEOS FROM PROJECT RTI Side by Side Coaching Partnerships CAN’T GET ENOUGH CONTENT? I highly recommend listening to this VERY popular episode of Progressively Incorrect with Stephanie Stollar, and considering getting in touch with her to join her excellent Reading Science Academy [https://www.readingscienceacademy.com/]. > S3E14: Stephanie Stollar on Structured Literacy that is Truly Responsive [https://educationrickshaw.com/2024/04/28/s3e14-stephanie-stollar-on-structured-literacy-that-is-truly-responsive/] CONTACT ZACH GROSHELL FOR SPEAKING AND CONSULTING HERE [https://educationrickshaw.com/contact/]

Hello everyone and welcome back to the Direct Instruction podcast. My name is Dr. Zach Groshell [https://educationrickshaw.com/request-professional-development/], and today I am excited to be bringing you an interview with another DI legend, Geoff Colvin. Geoff will take us through the functions of student behavior, and the intersection of a well-managed classroom and a well-designed lesson.     IF YOU LOVE THE DI PODCAST, PLEASE HELP ME SPREAD IT AROUND, AND GIVE IT 5-STAR RATING ON THE PLATFORM OF YOUR CHOOSING. Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/3w6LoY0EJCP1j3aaDpxkD8?si=f13bca3b18a148ba] Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-direct-instruction-podcast/id1729095950] YouTube [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh1xxmQ8V6XInWAHACcvXJEVVNESodLZF&si=LprNdeCXRTyNbK-q] Amazon [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/7f1410a6-dbe1-47fb-86be-5e456ae7756c/the-direct-instruction-podcast] This podcast is brought to you by NIFDI, or the National Institute for Direct Instruction. NIFDI supports schools all over the world to implement Direct Instruction with fidelity, and it has invited me to bring this podcast to their conference in Eugene OR in the summer of 2025 [https://www.nifdi.org/training-events/national-di-conference-eugene.html]. You can find more information about how NIFDI kickstarts and enhances Direct Instruction implementations by going to www.nifdi.org [https://www.nifdi.org/], and I hope you register for the conference and come see me do my thing at my sessions. > 🎥 [https://s0.wp.com/wp-content/mu-plugins/wpcom-smileys/twemoji/2/72x72/1f3a5.png] Watch celeb mom Kat Von D use the program: Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons https://t.co/YArpFEZVOY [https://t.co/YArpFEZVOY] > > 📣 [https://s0.wp.com/wp-content/mu-plugins/wpcom-smileys/twemoji/2/72x72/1f4e3.png] Get hands-on training in the proven Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons method!#NIFDIConf2025 [https://twitter.com/hashtag/NIFDIConf2025?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw] > > — Nat'l Institute DI (@NIFDI) May 14, 2025 [https://twitter.com/NIFDI/status/1922458413751005205?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw] CAN’T GET ENOUGH CONTENT? In addition, I wanted to share with you this recording of the Progressively Incorrect [https://educationrickshaw.com/category/progressively-incorrect/] podcast with Laura Stam. Laura found out about Direct Instruction through this podcast, and has found success using Reading Mastery and Connecting Math Concepts in her elementary classroom. CONTACT ZACH GROSHELL FOR SPEAKING AND CONSULTING HERE [https://educationrickshaw.com/contact/]

Hello everyone and welcome back to the Direct Instruction podcast. My name is Dr. Zach Groshell [https://educationrickshaw.com/request-professional-development/], and today I am excited to be bringing you an interview with Randi Saulter and Ann Baum. Randi and Ann are two passionate special education teachers who will take us through what Zig Engelmann called the “picky, picky” details of implementing DI in special education classrooms. This episode was probably my favorite of the podcast so far. It’s chock full of insights, bursting with humor and common sense, and I hope it brings you a lot of joy today. IF YOU LOVE THE DI PODCAST, PLEASE HELP ME SPREAD IT AROUND, AND GIVE IT 5-STAR RATING ON THE PLATFORM OF YOUR CHOOSING. Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/3w6LoY0EJCP1j3aaDpxkD8?si=f13bca3b18a148ba] Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-direct-instruction-podcast/id1729095950] YouTube [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh1xxmQ8V6XInWAHACcvXJEVVNESodLZF&si=LprNdeCXRTyNbK-q] Amazon [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/7f1410a6-dbe1-47fb-86be-5e456ae7756c/the-direct-instruction-podcast] This podcast is brought to you by NIFDI, or the National Institute for Direct Instruction. NIFDI supports schools all over the world to implement Direct Instruction with fidelity, and it has invited me to bring this podcast to their conference in Eugene OR in the summer of 2025 [https://www.nifdi.org/training-events/national-di-conference-eugene.html]. You can find more information about how NIFDI kickstarts and enhances Direct Instruction implementations by going to www.nifdi.org [https://www.nifdi.org/], and I hope you register for the conference and come see me do my thing at my sessions. CAN’T GET ENOUGH CONTENT? In addition, I wanted to share with you this recording of the Progressively Incorrect [https://educationrickshaw.com/category/progressively-incorrect/] podcast with special guest, Doug Carnine. CONTACT ZACH GROSHELL FOR SPEAKING AND CONSULTING HERE [https://educationrickshaw.com/contact/]

Hello everyone and welcome back to the Direct Instruction podcast. My name is Dr. Zach Groshell, and today I am excited to bring you an interview with Jan Hasbrouck, the keynote speaker at NIFDI’s 2025 National Direct Instruction Conference and Institutes [https://www.nifdi.org/training-events/events-calendar/training-event/2025-national-direct-instruction-conference-and-institutes.html]. Dr. Hasbrouck is a renowned researcher and author with a distinguished career dedicated to improving literacy and educational outcomes. Dr. Hasbrouck’s expertise in reading fluency and her involvement with Project Follow Through and Direct Instruction have been pivotal in improving results in schools across the country. Dr. Hasbrouck is also a founding member of Read Washington, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing professional development based on the science of reading. Speaking of the National Direct Instruction Conference this summer, I should mention that this podcast is brought to you by NIFDI, or the National Institute for Direct Instruction. NIFDI supports schools all over the world to implement Direct Instruction with fidelity, and it has invited me to bring this podcast to their conference in Eugene, OR, in the summer of 2025. You can find more information about the conference by going to www.nifdi.org [https://www.nifdi.org/], and I encourage you to register [https://www.nifdi.org/training-events/national-di-conference-eugene.html] for what is the most comprehensive DI training available anywhere. CAN’T GET ENOUGH CONTENT? In addition, I wanted to share with you recordings of presentations that Marcy Stein and I did in Chile to a packed auditorium of over 1,000 educators. Both talks speak to the power of Direct Instruction.  ZACH GROSHELL’S TALK  MARCY STEIN’S TALK IF YOU LOVE THE DI PODCAST, PLEASE HELP ME SPREAD IT AROUND, AND GIVE IT 5-STAR RATING ON THE PLATFORM OF YOUR CHOOSING. Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/3w6LoY0EJCP1j3aaDpxkD8?si=f13bca3b18a148ba] Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-direct-instruction-podcast/id1729095950] YouTube [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh1xxmQ8V6XInWAHACcvXJEVVNESodLZF&si=LprNdeCXRTyNbK-q] Amazon [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/7f1410a6-dbe1-47fb-86be-5e456ae7756c/the-direct-instruction-podcast]