How is DSI different from the literacy programs or resources I’m already using?
DSI is a structured system that connects phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing into one clear instructional pathway. Many educators already have strong pieces in place. DSI helps those pieces work together so instruction feels more cohesive, and students are more easily able to transfer and generalize what they’re learning. You can learn more about how DSI is structured in our free training.
Is this program evidence-based and aligned with research?
Yes. DSI follows a structured, systematic progression of literacy concepts aligned with the science of reading and a structured literacy approach supporting both word recognition and language comprehension. The program has undergone statistical analysis for effectiveness. Download the DSI Info Kit to learn more about the research and program efficacy, the scope and sequence, and more.
How much time does DSI take each day?
DSI lessons are designed to flexibly fit into the intervention block available. Pacing guides are available to fit DSI lessons into 20, 30, 40, or 60-minute blocks to meet your unique scheduling needs. Because the structure stays consistent, planning becomes more predictable and efficient over time. Once the routines are in place, you’re not starting from scratch each day.
How does DSI align with standards and core curriculum?
DSI is designed to work alongside your Tier 1 curriculum, not replace it. It strengthens intervention and small group instruction so students get the targeted support they need, while still participating in core instruction. The program is designed to follow a structured and systematic progression of concepts while also aligning with Common Core Standards. You can learn more about standards alignment inside the DSI Info Kit.
I don't have time to learn another program before I can start using it. How quickly can I actually begin?
You can begin almost immediately. The lessons are print-and-go, the placement screener walks you through where to start each student, and the on-demand training is available to support you as you go, not as a prerequisite to start. Most educators are running their first DSI lesson within the first week. Each lesson comes with a full instructor manual, allowing you to jump right in with instruction. You can also ask questions in the PLC group as you go.
What's included in a single-user license?
A user license entitles one educator to access the full DSI Elementary system (including the curriculum, assessments, training, and Professional Learning Community) and to use the program with every student they directly serve. Login credentials can't be shared with other educators (they would need their own license), but there's no limit to the number of students you can support.
How is the program delivered? Do I get physical materials?
DSI is digital and print-and-go. Once you log in, you can print and download any of the resources you need, as often as you need them. If you'd prefer to have materials professionally printed and shipped, those are available separately. Additional information about program delivery and physical product purchasing options is available in our DSI Info Kit.
How do I know where to begin with each student?
A placement screener and scoring tool are built into the program. You administer the screener to your students, enter the results, and the tool will identify the right starting level for each student. For Tier 2 and Tier 3 instruction, students are placed by ability and skill level. For general education classrooms, we typically recommend correlating the program level with grade level.
What kind of progress should I expect, and how quickly?
Many educators notice early shifts in student engagement and clarity because instruction becomes more consistent. Academic growth builds over time, especially as students begin to transfer skills more independently. DSI is designed to support steady, measurable progress rather than short-term gains that don’t stick. Three progress monitoring assessments are built into each level (baseline, midpoint, and final) and are available in both individual (open-ended) and group (multiple choice) formats. They're optional, but they're a clear way to document growth in Tier 2 and Tier 3 settings, and they're already aligned with the goal banks included in the program for IEP, MTSS, and RTI documentation.
Do I need training in the Science of Reading to use this program?
No. The program is designed to guide you through implementation. If you already have a background in structured literacy, you’ll see how it aligns. If you don’t, the routines and lesson structure provide the support you need to get started with confidence. DSI includes 15+ hours of on-demand professional development covering the cognitive science behind structured literacy, evidence-based instructional strategies, and concrete how-to videos for using the program. A PD certificate is available after completing the training quizzes.
Where can I find information to share with my school or administrator?
We have a free Information Kit available with sample lessons for each level, the full scope and sequence, pacing guides, standards alignment documentation, and the research backing the program model. You can access the kit here to share with your team.