Explicit Direct Instruction (EDI): The Power of the Well-Crafted, Well-Taught Lesson

"EDI changed how we teach! Designing and delivering EDI lessons and strategies helped teachers meet the needs of all learners. We are now a California Distinguished School and Title I award winner. Our students know they can succeed!"
―Susan Fitzgerald, Principal
Del Rey Elementary School, CA

A proven method for better teaching, better learning, and better test scores!

Explicit Direct Instruction^® (EDI), an approach based on the premise that all children can learn, helps teachers deliver effective lessons that can significantly improve achievement for all learners, including English language learners and students with special needs.

In this teacher-friendly book, the authors combine educational theory, brain research, and data analysis to present a step-by-step guide for implementing the EDI method in diverse classrooms. Written in an entertaining, easy-to-read style, this resource provides elementary and secondary teachers with concrete strategies, detailed sample lessons, and scenarios that illustrate what EDI techniques look like in the classroom. Components of EDI include:

• Checking for understanding
• Setting lesson objectives
• Activating prior knowledge
• Developing students′ skills by explaining, modeling, and demonstrating
• Presenting content
• Using guided practice

Ideal for all content areas and grade levels, Explicit Direct Instruction (EDI) shows teachers how to use this highly effective approach to improve instruction and achievement for every student.

John Hollingsworth is president of DataWORKS Educational Research, a company originally created to use real data to improve student achievement. Although DataWORKS started by analyzing learning outcomes (test scores), it soon refocused towards analyzing learning inputs (classroom instructional practices).  DataWORKS now focuses mainly on providing staff development to schools on classroom instruction.  John is an active researcher and presenter and has published numerous articles in educational publications.  He spends much of his time on the road training teachers.

Dr. Silvia Ybarra, Ed.D., began her career in education as a physics and chemistry teacher at Roosevelt High School in Fresno, California.  Next, Silvia became principal of Wilson Middle School in Exeter, California, which under her leadership became a prestigious Distinguished School.  Silvia was then named assistant superintendent of Coalinga-Huron School District. Her focus progressed from helping one classroom to helping one school to helping an entire district.  Silvia is the head researcher at DataWORKS.