Elementary (K-5)
Thales Elementary School uses Direct Instruction.
The goal of Direct Instruction is to accelerate learning by maximizing efficiency in the design and delivery of instruction. Many people are familiar with some elements of Direct Instruction such as rapid pacing and choral group response which are punctuated by individual turns.
The design of Direct Instruction eliminates the time-consuming lesson planning on the teacher’s part. Instead, it includes every piece that is necessary to make the lessons successful. Each Direct Instruction program is extensively revised based on specific student error data from field tests. Scripting the lessons allows sharing of these “polished stones” across teachers. It also reduces too much teacher-talk which at times can decrease pupil motivation, draw out the lesson unnecessarily, and often causes confusion by changing the focus of the tasks.
If you are not familiar with Direct Instruction, we highly encourage you to research and find out more about its benefits.
The National Institute for Direct Instruction and the Association for Direct Instruction both offer an depth explanation of Direct Instruction and provide studies that document the the program’s results.
Grade Level Goals
There have been goals established for each grade level. To view these goals, please follow the links provided below:
Textbooks Used
To view the textbooks and publishers that are used at Thales elementary school, please follow the link provided below: