Specially Designed Instruction
What is Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) and Who Can Provide It?
SDI Is:
SDI is instruction in which the content, methodology, or delivery of the instruction is individually adapted to address a student’s disability-related needs so the student can access, engage, and make progress in the general education curriculum and meet the standards and expectations that apply to all students of the same age or grade.
SDI is Not:
Any service that is not instruction, aligned to IEP goals, and adapted in content, methodology, or delivery to meet the unique needs of a student with an IEP is not SDI. IEP services other than SDI include supplementary aids and services, related services, and program modifications or supports for school personnel.
Who Can Provide SDI?
All school personnel involved in implementing any part of a student’s IEP must be appropriately trained and licensed. In Wisconsin, while any staff may provide supplementary aids and services, only licensed special education teachers, speech- language pathologists, reading teachers, and general education teachers in a co-teaching model may provide SDI.
Content, Methodology, Delivery
Content
The “what” of instruction (linked to standards)
Consider how the curriculum can be adjusted so that students with IEPs are equitably provided with the same access as their nondisabled peers to rigorous standards and age or grade level content.
Methodology
The “how” of instruction (instructional design, teaching methods and learning strategies)
Consider which instructional approach is most successful in fostering student learning.
Delivery
The “where” or “when” of instruction (context or conditions)
Consider when and where instruction can be delivered to maximize student learning (e.g., general education setting or special education setting; individually, small-group, whole-group; daily, three times a week).
SDI Is:
Systematic instruction with adaptations to content, methodology, or delivery to meet the unique needs of a student with a disability in any of the six areas of academic or functional skills specified in an IEP goal.
Instruction using content, methodology, or delivery that is individually adapted to a student's disability-related needs and must be linked to IEP goal(s).
Instruction with set amount, frequency, and duration provided in a specified location as documented on a student's IEP.
SDI Is Not:
Any service for a student receiving special education services through an IEP that is not instruction adapted in content, methodology, and delivery in a skill specified in an IEP goal.
Instruction without substantive changes to content, methodology or delivery tailored to an individual student's disability-related needs.
Every interaction with a special education teacher or every minute spent in a special education room. SDI cannot be provided "as needed".
Specially designed instruction is more than accommodations used to support student access and engagement in instruction. SDI is goal-based instruction. SDI is considered effective when the student makes sufficient progress per the IEP goal statement. For more information see Update To: What is Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) and Who Can Provide It?