After three years of declining achievement test scores, the West Rockaway school board voted 12–1 in favor of adopting a standard direct instruction model for use by all teachers in the district. Their rationale was that if all teachers were trained

Question

and were required to use the model, student achievement would improve. During the fall inservice, teachers received training and were told to post the steps of the model in their classrooms, and use it for all their lessons.
Dr. Feinman, an elementary principal in the district who attended the inservice, thought to herself, "This is a great idea. I can evaluate my teachers on how well they can follow the steps of the model. No more heated discussions with teachers who argue that a poor evaluation is just a difference of opinion in teaching philosophies."
Across the table from Dr. Feinman sat Mr. Casey, a third-grade teacher at West Rockaway Elementary School where Dr. Feinman was principal. His thoughts were the opposite of his supervisor. "This is a sad day for teachers. First we're given curriculum guides from the state, lesson plans from textbook manufacturers, and now we're being told that we have to teach in one way and one way only. What was the point of all those years of college to learn how to teach? Doesn't anyone trust me to be professional?"
From what you have learned in the chapter, discuss the school board's plan. Do you think the plan will work? Why or why not? Discuss what the school might be like after six months, a year, and five years after implementation of the plan.

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

There is no evidence that direct instruction should be used as the sole method of instruction. In fact, there is evidence that it is not always appropriate. For example, researchers know that whole-class and small-group discussions are effective tools for some learning situations, as are dozens of other methods. Using one method only will most likely frustrate teachers who are not comfortable with its underlying philosophy and with students who could become bored with the routine. Direct instruction is a useful strategy; however, it is not a teacher's only strategy.