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

A proven approach to better teaching and learning.

Explicit Direct Instruction (EDI), an approach based on the premise that all children can learn, helps teachers deliver well-designed, well-taught lessons that significantly improve achievement for all learners. Authors Hollingsworth and Ybarra have refined and extended their highly successful methods in this second edition of their bestselling book.

Written in an easy-to-read, entertaining style, this resource provides K-12 teachers with concrete strategies, detailed sample lessons, and scenarios that illustrate what EDI techniques look like in inclusive and diverse classrooms. With chapters covering the individual components of EDI, such as checking for understanding and activating prior knowledge, this updated edition refines the methods so that they are even more effective and easier to implement. Readers will find:  

• Strategies for continuous, systematized student engagement 
• Expanded corrective feedback strategies
• Clear alignment to the latest content standards
• A new, field-tested strategy for skill development and guided practice
• Expanded information about differentiation and scaffolding 

Combining educational theory, brain research, and data analysis, this is a fine-tuned, step-by-step guide to a highly effective teaching method.

"Before EDI, our school was a ship adrift at sea with everyone rowing in different directions. EDI has provided us with a framework for instruction and a common language that allowed us to all row in the same direction. 
Benjamin Luis, Principal
Liberty Middle School, Lemoore, CA

"EDI makes students accountable. They see now that school is a place to work and learn and play, and they love it. Because even though it is hard, they are doing well."
Trudy Cox, School Instructional Coach
St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic School, Carnarvon, Western Australia
 

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.