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When the 2007 fall semester arrives, ODTC will be embarking on a new curriculum and method of teaching. A great deal of time and effort has been spent in the last several months researching, evaluating, and making the decision to implement a model for teaching called “Direct Instruction (DI).” This is not a new concept, but a commitment by ODTC educational and treatment staff has been made to implement this program throughout the academic education program.
Direct Instruction is a model for teaching that emphasizes well-developed and carefully planned lessons designed around small learning increments and clearly defined and prescribed teaching tasks. It is based on the theory that clear instruction, eliminating misinterpretations, can greatly improve and accelerate learning. Its features include:
- Explicit, systematic instruction based on scripted lesson plans.
- Students are grouped and re-grouped based on their rate of progress through the program
- There is an emphasis on pace and efficiency of instruction. DI programs are meant to accelerate student progress; therefore, lessons are designed to bring students to mastery as quickly as possible.
- Frequent assessment, curriculum-based assessments help place students in ability groups and identify students who require additional intervention.
- The program involves embedded professional development and coaching. DI programs may be implemented as stand-alone interventions or as a part of a schoolwide reform effort. In both instances, the program developers recommend careful monitoring and coaching of the program in order to ensure a high fidelity of implementation.
- Direct Instruction is successfully used with students from every population segment with regard to socio-economic level, culture and race.
This will be a major adjustment and change from the way our Certified Teachers and other Education Staff have handled curriculum development and instruction in the past. We are very excited about the implementation of this program in the fall and, although we know there will predictably be a “rocky period” here and there, the hope is that it will be flowing very smoothly in each classroom by the end of the year.
ODTC is adopting, and will be implementing the DIR Model of intervention for a comprehensive approach to education and treatment on its intensive needs units.
DIR was created and developed by Dr. Stanley Greenspan and Dr. Serena Weider. It was the first model of intervention to change the belief that children with special needs could not achieve fully functioning emotional and cognitive growth. Their first 15 year case study demonstrated that children ARE able to attain full “Theory of Mind” and become complex thinkers, as well as attain the full range of emotions as adolescents.
This model is based on:
D—for “Developmental.” There are six defined developmental milestones, which describe milestones every child must master for healthy emotional and intellectual growth. Understanding where each child is developmentally is critical to planning a treatment program.
I—for “Individual Difference.” Each child has a unique and personal way of taking in the world. In this system, the child’s sensory functioning, and response to sensory stimulation, is imperative to understand. These processes involve sight, sound and touch. Biological challenges affect a variety of processing issues that make up a child’s individual differences and can interfere with his ability to grow and learn. These factors must be understood and considered to effectively assist the child in learning.
R—for “Relationship-Based.” Building trusting relationships with primary caregivers is a critical element in implementing this system, and in assisting a child to return to a healthy developmental path. These interactions (solid and consistent relationships) help the child to advance developmentally.
The DIR model was initially designed for parents to implement in a home environment. We believe that it has never been comprehensively implemented in a residential treatment setting. ODTC is proud to be a pioneer in this endeavor in its efforts to better serve children with special needs.
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