Direct instruction papers almost universally focus on test scores and not comprehension which is a serious issue. It's great that test scores shoot up at school

Direct instruction papers almost universally focus on test scores and not comprehension which is a serious issue. It's great that test scores shoot up at schools that use direct instruction but it'd be even better if the kids actually understood what it was they are doing. I didn't speak to the enjoyment of the job as all I can provide is anecdotal evidence from seven years of observing the classes that I've volunteered in and comments from my wife's time as a teacher. Even this year I have observed that the children and the instructors seem to get more enjoyment out of less scripted and more creatively structured lesson plans, but that's as you said, not the stated goal of education. I would however argue that the rote memorization of facts and formulas isn't education either, the ability to solve problems and think critically in addition to knowing facts and formulas is. That's where I feel direct instruction really fails. As to easily replaceable teachers... Well, if we are only going to allow scripted lessons, prevent the instructor from using their training to detect which students aren't understanding or incorporate supplemental instruction and alternative methods for those students then why even have teachers? Trained monkeys should do just fine.