How Do First-Grade Students Use Direct Assessments?

To gain a deeper understanding of direct instruction (DI) programs and its strategies, techniques, and instructional best- practice, it is important to build a solid background that supports this method of instruction. This study shall look at three factors that are vital to its validity and success. The three factors are as follows: (a) How do first-grade students perform on standardized testing when the core curriculum is replaced with a direct instruction program? (b) How does the use of a DI program prepare first-grade students for the rigor of standardized assessments? (c) Lastly, how will baselines be determined and how do teachers monitor academic progress? Ultimately, leading to the following central question: How does a year-long implementation of direct instruction (DI) programs in …show more content…
Over the course of a school year (SY), said students will be exposed to DI programs in both reading and math. The carefully scripted and scaffolded DI program shall be introduced in daily lessons that would replace the core curricula. Although DI programs are designed as an intervention for low-performing students, the purpose of this study is to gain a greater understanding of DI methodologies, strategies, and techniques.

How does the use of a DI program prepare first-grade students for the rigor of standardized assessments?
The study shall compare two groups of first-graders. Both groups will be followed for one SY with a baseline to be determined at the start of the study (first week of school). Additionally, both groups shall be exposed to at grade level curriculum. The only difference is one group will receive DI. Because students, no matter the grade, are exposed to a variety of assessments, the comparison of traditional instruction versus DI could help determine which form of instruction is deemed effective; thus, preparing students for standardized