A nonprofit for America's public elementary schools
Every child can learn to read, write, and do math — when we teach it well.
The American Learning Initiative trains and supports K–5 teachers and administrators in Siegfried Engelmann's Direct Instruction — a carefully sequenced, explicit approach to teaching reading, math, and writing that is built to raise student proficiency.
Coming up
National Constitution Bee
Scholarship competition for students in grades 8–12
April 17, 2027
Learn more about the Bee →
our mission
Strong foundations, taught with proven methods.
The American Learning Initiative exists to help public schools give every student a solid command of the basics. We partner directly with elementary teachers and school leaders, providing the training, coaching, and ongoing support needed to implement Engelmann Direct Instruction with fidelity in grades K–5.
As we grow, TALI will extend that same commitment to excellence into civic knowledge, through the National Constitution Bee, and into practical skills, through renewed support for industrial arts and, in time, home economics.
We believe children want to learn, and they want to help. Teach them well, and they will run with it.
Our approach
What is Engelmann Direct Instruction?
Developed by Siegfried Engelmann beginning in the 1960s, Engelmann Direct Instruction (EDI) is a teaching method in which every lesson is carefully designed, sequenced, and tested so that students learn skills clearly and completely — with no guesswork left to chance.
01
Explicit, scripted lessons
Teachers present each concept in clear, consistent language, so students hear one, unambiguous explanation.
02
Carefully sequenced skills
Each new skill builds on what came before, in small steps that keep students moving forward with confidence.
03
Active student response
Frequent group and individual responses keep every child engaged and let teachers check understanding in real time.
04
Teaching to mastery
Students are grouped by skill level and advance once they have mastered the material, so no one is left behind.
Our work
Four areas of focus, one commitment to excellence.
Developed by Siegfried Engelmann beginning in the 1960s, Engelmann Direct Instruction (EDI) is a teaching method in which every lesson is carefully designed, sequenced, and tested so that students learn skills clearly and completely — with no guesswork left to chance.
In Development Now
Rural Tennessee Demonstration Project
A proposed 3-year, grant-funded program with Volunteer Tennessee and AmeriCorps that brings EDI Reading into rural Tennessee classrooms. It begins in kindergarten and first grade, then adds a grade each year.
Launches August 2027
Accepting Applications Soon
K–5 Direct Instruction Training & Support
Hands-on training, in-classroom coaching, and implementation support for teachers and administrators in reading and writing.
For elementary teachers and school administrators
Workforce Development
AmeriCorps EDI Tutors
AmeriCorps members serving in the demonstration project will be trained in EDI tutoring, gaining hands-on classroom experience and skills that carry into careers in education.
Building rural Tennessee's next generation of reading tutors
April 17, 2027
National Constitution Bee
A scholarship competition that challenges students to master the U.S. Constitution — its text, its history, and the principles behind it.
For students in grades 8–12
Registration details HERE
Who we serve
Elementary Teachers
Practical training and coaching that makes every lesson count.
School Administrators
Guidance on scheduling, grouping, and sustaining a school-wide program.
Homeschool Families
Parents teaching at home, with Direct Instruction resources and full eligibility for the National Constitution Bee.
Scholarship Competitors
Students in grades 8–12 competing in the National Constitution Bee.
Get involved
Partner with us
Whether you lead a school, teach in one, or want to support our mission, we would love to hear from you.
theteam@theamericanlearninginitiative.org
615-538-8526 - Franklin, Tennessee