The Baltimore Curriculum Project (BCP) is thrilled to announce The BCP Award for Excellence in Direct Instruction of Reading. An anonymous donor who recognizes the power of Direct Instruction (DI) in accelerating student achievement has established a long-term endowment to fund this annual cash award of $2,500. This year’s inaugural award will be announced in early June.
A selection committee for this new award, comprised of BCP leadership and a board member, will make the award based on the following criteria:
- Lesson progress / mastery achievement in a DI Reading Program
- MAP growth
- Positive classroom climate
- Teacher attendance
BCP pioneered DI with Baltimore City Public Schools in 1996. Today, all of our six BCP schools uses the research-based program that uses explicit instruction, backed by texts and workbooks.
“DI is one of the most effective comprehensive school reform models available to educators,” Laura Doherty, BCP President and CEO explains. “Our teachers are able to implement it very successfully, which allows students to attain reading and writing skills beyond their current grade level in a relatively short time.”
One of the foundations of DI is regular assessment (every five to 10 lessons) that enables the educator to use real-time data to make sure students are on track and to know–and implement–additional support or identify opportunities for acceleration.
“We look forward to many years of recognizing individuals exhibiting excellence in DI reading instruction, which has powered our schools for the last 27 years,” adds Laura.
For more information visit the National Institute for Direction Instruction.
