Some teachers, for example, moderate their delivery to accentuate key ideas. In other classes, the pace may be more staccato or more like a game. Conducting the lessons properly, proponents say, can be tiring. We don't ask the actor to write the play, but he interprets the play and presents the play. Mr. Engelmann estimates that teachers need at least two years to teach the program well.
Training begins with a weeklong in-service session.
In addition, Direct Instruction providers visit classrooms on a monthly basis to coach and observe. But, unlike other kinds of professional developers, Direct Instruction coaches do not hang back in the classroom and take notes. And that attitude has led to uneven implementation of the program nationwide. Mr. Engelmann hopes that several studies and teacher surveys now in the works will help answer concerns about the program. But even with its newfound, higher profile, Direct Instruction still faces an uphill battle in cracking the education establishment.