Implementing Direct Instruction in Australian Schools

For over a decade, we have helped schools improve teaching outcomes and empower vulnerable students through Direct Instruction.

Our mission is to develop great teachers delivering effective teaching, often using Direct Instruction programs.

We have developed a number of resources that are free to school teams, that support the effective delivery of Direct Instruction.

Our Direct Instruction supports include professional learning, supplementary curriculum, mapping and guides for using Direct Instruction to for special education.

Image of teacher reading to the class using Explicit Direct Instruction methods

What Is Direct Instruction?

Developed by Siegfried Engelmann in 1968, Direct Instruction’s evidence-based approach has consistently improved education for over 50 years.

It combines explicit teaching with a sequenced curriculum and assessment tools.

Uniquely grouping students by skill rather than age or year, it ensures personalised and effective progression for every learner.

Supports Students, Elevates Schools

Direct Instruction meets the diverse needs of students, especially benefiting those with unique learning needs.

It’s particularly effective for students from disadvantaged backgrounds and regional, remote and small mixed-grade schools, helping schools reach ‘Fair’ and ‘Good’ standards.

DI addresses diverse student needs, from foundational reading to advanced learning for older students who may have gaps in knowledge.

This method supports schools with high teacher turnover by providing structured materials and data monitoring tools for continuous improvement.

Teacher sitting at a table with students explaining a concept using Explicit Direct Instruction methods

Upcoming Webinars

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Wednesday May 21 4:00 pm to 4:45 pm (AEST)

Bible Literacy: Innovating how we teach the Bible

Delve into our co-created, evidence-based curriculum designed to revolutionise Bible literacy. We'll showcase our curriculum resources, coupled with professional learning that empowers teachers.

Stefani Deligiannis
Stefani Deligiannis
Teaching Coach
Lorraine Sage
Lorraine Sage
Curriculum Developer
Shirley Serban
Shirley Serban
Curriculum Developer
Bible Literacy: Innovating how we teach the Bible
English and Maths mapping

Mapping Direct Instruction to the Australian Curriculum

We have worked with teaching professionals and authors to align Direct Instruction programs with the Australian Curriculum for English and Maths at all levels.

Supplementary Curriculum

Curriculum that supplements Direct Instruction programs to bring them to Australian Curriculum requirements, such as swapping out US currency for Australian.

english top ups

Student Progress Tool for Spelling Mastery

The Student Progress Tool for Spelling Mastery assists schools doing schoolwide implementations of the McGraw Hill Spelling Mastery programs

This tool is just one of the many tools GGSA develops to assists schools in their school improvement initiatives. Learn more here, or:

Spelling Mastery Toolkit

Explore the ultimate Spelling Mastery toolkit, designed to centralise all the essential resources in one convenient location.

This comprehensive suite empowers Australian school teams—including principals, instructional coaches, teachers, and teaching assistants—to consistently enhance the implementation of Spelling Mastery across the school to ensure maximum student success.

special needs

Direct Instruction to Support Special Education

Our special education resources support schools using Direct Instruction programs to assist students with special needs.

'The Power of Direct Instruction' Webinar with Noel Pearson

In June 2024, Noel Pearson presented a compelling webinar on Direct Instruction. Hosted by McGraw Hill Australia in collaboration with Good to Great Schools Australia (GGSA), the event was titled The Power of Direct Instruction and featured insights from GGSA’s founder and director, Noel Pearson.

If you’re interested, members can view the webinar recording or register for a free membership to access it here.

GGSA and McGraw Hill

GGSA has joined with McGraw Hill to provide school teaching teams with quality professional learning in Direct Instruction.

GGSA regularly has special offers for our members to enhance classroom delivery of Direct Instruction.

Image of free Reading Master resources part of a partnership on Explicit Direct Instruction

Schools receive a discount on MGH products when they partner with GGSA. Just cite your membership code when you contact McGraw Hill.

Join the GGSA network to take advantage of this offer.

Choose from over 20 Direct Instruction programs by McGraw Hill Australia, tailored for Foundation to Year 5.

Explore popular programs such as Reading Mastery Signature Edition, Spelling Mastery and Connecting Math Concepts – used by 100s of Australian schools.

To order online, visit: www.mheducation.com.au. To contact your local McGraw Hill Education Consultant, please visit: https://www.mheducation.com.au/support-contact/contact-rep.

Browse Oz-e-science and other subject curriculum resources to complement English and Maths programs.

 

Discover School Improvement Resources and Tools to enhance all effective teaching including Direct Instruction programs.

 

Explore our Oz-e-maths Top Ups and Swap Outs teaching resources to cover the few sections not covered by the Australian Curriculum.

Direct Instruction Program Modules