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Definition: Interventions are targeted strategies or programs designed to address specific academic, behavioral, or social challenges that students face. They aim to improve performance in areas where students are struggling.

Applicable Students:

Interventions typically apply to students who require additional support beyond general classroom instruction, such as those identified under IDEA categories like Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD), emotional Disturbance (ED), or Speech/ Language Impairments.

Examples:

1. A reading intervention program for students with dyslexia, focusing on phonemic awareness and decoding skills.

2. Behavioral interventions like a token economy system for students with ADHD to encourage positive behavior.

3. Math fluency drills for students struggling with basic arithmetic concepts.

Additional Resources:

" What are Academic Interventions?"

Summary: This article explains the purpose and types of academic interventions, offering practical examples for educators.

Associated HLP/EBP: "Using Explicit Instruction" Summary: Explicit instruction involves systematically teaching skills through clear explanations, modeling, and guided practice, it is highly effective for interventions.

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Explore reading basics as well as the key role of background knowledge and motivation in becoming a lifelong reader and learner. Watch our PBS Launching Young Readers series and try our self-paced Reading 101 course to deepen your understanding.

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Definition: Differentiation is the process of tailoring instruction to meet the needs of the diverse needs, interests, and abilities of all students in a classroom.

Applicable Students: Differentiation applies to all students, including those with disabilities under IDEA categories such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), intellectual Disabilities (ID), and Other Health Impairments (OHI).

Examples:

1. Providing multiple ways for students to demonstrate learning, such as oral presentations, written essays, or creative projects.

2. Using tiered assessments that allow students to work at varying levels of complexity.

3. Offering Visual aids and manipulatives for students who benefit from hands -on learning.

Additional Resources:

" Differentiated Instruction Strategies"

Summary: This blog post provides practical tips and strategies for implementing differentiation in the classroom.

Associated HLP/EBP: "Adapting Curriculum Tasks and Materials" Summary: This practice focuses on modifying tasks and materials to align with students' individual needs while maintaining engagement.

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George Lucas Educational Foundation

Build lessons, develop teaching materials, and vary your approach so that all students, regardless of where they are starting from, can learn content effectively, according to their needs.

Sort by:

How math choice boards can enable new elementary teachers to meet the needs of their individual learners while employing mathematical rigor.

Though remote learning during the pandemic has brought many challenges, some students seem to be thriving in the new circumstances. What can we learn from them?

Five ways teachers can celebrate and extend the linguistic expertise of young students who speak two or more languages.

Teachers can use artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT to generate rich math tasks and differentiate instruction.

Every teacher already has the tools to differentiate in powerful ways for all learners.

Techniques for meeting the needs of students with diverse abilities and interests.

This differentiation approach frees teachers up to meet students' needs. The result? Students only tackle material they're ready for, and all students achieve mastery.

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Build lessons, develop teaching materials, and vary your approach so that all students, regardless of where they are starting from, can learn content effectively, according to their needs.

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Definition: Accommodations are changes made to the environment, instruction, or assessment procedures to enable students with disabilities to access the curriculum without altering the content.

Examples:

1. Extended time on tests for students with processing speed challenges.

2. Use of assistive technology, such as speech- to- text software for students with writing difficulties.

Explanation: Accommodations help level the playing field for students with disabilities, allowing them to participate fully in educational activities alongside their peers.

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Common accommodations and modifications in school

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Refer to this checklist of common modifications and accommodations to get to know options for struggling students.

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Definition: Adaptations involve adjustments to teaching methods or instructional materials to make learning more accessible for students.

Applicable Students: Adaptations are often used for students with disabilities Under IDEA categories such as Multiple Disabilities, Intellectual Disabilities, or Developmental Delays.

Examples:

1. Simplifying language in instructions for students with language processing difficulties.

2. Using enlarged text for students with visual impairments.

3. Incorporating tactile learning tools for students with sensory integration challenges.

Additional Resources:

" Instructional Adaptations for Diverse Learners" Summary: This resource outlines various ways teachers can adapt instruction to meet the needs diverse learners.

Associated HLP/EBP: "Using Assistive Technology" Summary: Assistive technology helps students access the curriculum by providing tools tailored to their needs, such as screen readers or communication devices.

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TeachHub is a portal to support students and teachers. The portal provides quick links to essential applications for remote learning, including:

iLearnNYC, the NYCDOE Learning Management System

Student report cards (available in the Student Documents icon)

Student grades (available in MyDashboard - if published from DOE Grades)

Multiple educational applications

G Suite, Microsoft O365, and Zoom (using secure central accounts)

And more!

To Sign In

Students must sign in with their DOE Student Accounts

Teachers must sign in with their DOE credentials

School-issued G suite accounts will not work, you must use the DOE log in.

You can now download the TeachHub mobile application in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Additional information about the application can be found at the TeachHub Mobile Application page.

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Sign in to TeachHub to get access to DOE systems and platforms for DOE students.

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Definition: Modifications involve changing the curriculum's content or expectations to better suit the learning needs of students with significant challenges.

Applicable Students: Modifications are typically applied to students with severe disabilities under IDEA categories such as Intellectual Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, or Multiple Disabilities.

Examples:

1. Reducing the number of math problems requires for a student to complete.

2. Allowing a student to focus on identifying letters rather than reading full sentences.

3. Simplifying science experiments to focus on basic concepts rather than complex procedures.

Additional Resources: " Curriculum Modifications for Special Education" Summary: This article discusses how modifications can be implemented to ensure meaningful participation for students with disabilities.

Associated HLP/EBP:" Setting Goals and Monitoring Progress" Summary: This practice emphasizes setting individualized goals and tracking progress to ensure students achieve meaningful outcomes.

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Definition: SDI refers to customized teaching strategies and practices specifically developed to address the unique needs of students with disabilities as outlined in their Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Applicable Students: SDI applies to students with disabilities under any IDEA category who have an IEP, including those with Spectrum Disorder, or Emotional Disturbance.

Examples:

1. Teaching phonics explicitly to a student with dyslexia using multisensory techniques.

2. developing a personalized behavior management plan for a student with autism.

3. Providing direct instruction in social skills for a student with emotional disturbance.

Additional Resources:

" Specially Designed Instruction: What you Need to Know" Summary: This article explains SDI, its importance, and how it is implemented in special education setting.

Associated HLP/EBP: "Collaborating with Families" Summary: Collaboration with families ensures that SDI aligns with students' needs and family priorities.

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Special education plays a crucial role in providing support and meeting the unique needs of students with disabilities. One key aspect of special education is specially designed instruction (SDI), which is legally mandated to ensure that students receive an education tailored to their specific requirements.

In this blog post, we will explore what SDI means, how it is incorporated into Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and its implementation in the classroom.

Defining Specially Designed Instruction

Specially designed instruction refers to the adaptation of content, teaching methods, or instructional delivery to address the individualized needs of students with disabilities. This form of instruction is aimed at helping students access the general curriculum and meet the educational standards applicable to all children.

Core Elements of SDI:

1. Content:
The "what" of instruction, or the material taught, to ensure the student can access the general education curriculum.

2. Methodology:
The "how" of instruction. This involves the specific teaching strategies and approaches used by the special education teacher to provide equitable access to learning.

3. Delivery Method:
The "who, where, and when." It specifies who provides the instruction (special educators or related service providers), where it happens (general ed or special ed settings), and the timing and format.

Under federal law, special education should be provided at no cost to parents. This means that any specially designed instruction required by a child's IEP should be provided without any additional financial burden. However, it is important to note that incidental fees typically charged to nondisabled students or their parents may still apply.

Incorporating Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) in IEPs

The Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a crucial document that outlines the specific educational goals, services, and accommodations for each student with a disability. When developing an IEP, special education teachers work collaboratively with parents, administrators, and other professionals.

Within the IEP, specially designed instruction is included as a key component. It is essential to identify the unique needs of the student resulting from their disability and specify how these needs will be addressed through adaptive content, teaching methodologies, and instructional approaches.

Implementation Steps When IEP Writing:

1. Baseline: Identify the starting point for the student's skills and needs by collecting baseline data.

2. Goal Setting: Determine where the student is expected to progress with the support of SDI based on prior goal progress and baseline data.

3. Identify the Implementer: Special educators are primarily responsible, with collaboration from related service providers.

4. Method of Data Collection: Define how progress will be monitored and documented (e.g., observation notes, assessments, work samples).

Implementation of Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) in the Classroom

Once the IEP is developed and approved, special education teachers play a vital role in implementing the specially designed instruction in the classroom. Here are some key aspects of its implementation:

Individualized Approach

Specially designed instruction recognizes that each student has distinct needs. Special education teachers tailor their teaching strategies and materials to suit the learning style and abilities of each student.

Access to General Curriculum

While addressing the unique needs of students, teachers ensure that students have access to the general curriculum. This means that students should have opportunities to learn the same content as their nondisabled peers, albeit with necessary modifications and accommodations.

Adaptive Techniques

Special education teachers employ various adaptive techniques to enhance student learning. These may include visual aids, assistive technology, modified assignments, alternative assessment methods, and differentiated instruction.

Collaboration and Support

Special education teachers work closely with other professionals, such as speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists, to ensure comprehensive support. They also collaborate with general education teachers to promote inclusive practices and facilitate successful integration into mainstream classrooms whenever possible.

Continuous Assessment and Monitoring

Ongoing assessment is crucial in special education. Special education teachers continuously monitor students' progress, adjust instructional strategies as needed, and provide regular feedback to students and parents.

Examples of Specially Designed Instruction in Language Arts

Here are three examples of specially designed instruction for language arts that special education teachers may implement with their students.

Multisensory Instruction

Special education teachers often use a multisensory approach to teach language arts skills. This approach engages multiple senses, such as seeing, hearing, and touching, to reinforce learning. For example, when teaching letter recognition and phonics, teachers may incorporate activities that involve tracing letters in sand, using manipulative objects to form words, or using auditory cues for letter sounds.

Differentiated Reading Instruction

Special education teachers recognize that students with disabilities may require different levels of support in reading. They may provide differentiated instruction by using leveled reading materials matched to each student's reading abilities. This can involve using adapted texts, simplified versions of books, or incorporating visual supports like graphic organizers to help students comprehend and analyze the content.

Explicit Instruction in Reading Comprehension Strategies

Reading comprehension can be challenging for students with disabilities. Special education teachers may explicitly teach and model specific strategies to help students understand and analyze text. This can include techniques like summarizing, making predictions, asking questions, and visualizing. Teachers help students develop their reading comprehension skills by providing explicit instruction on these strategies.

By implementing specially designed instruction effectively, special education teachers strive to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment that enables students with disabilities to reach their full potential.

Specially designed instruction is a legal requirement in special education that aims to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities. Through individualized approaches, adaptations, and collaboration, special education teachers ensure that students receive an education that addresses their specific requirements while providing access to the general curriculum. By embracing these principles, educators can create a nurturing and empowering educational experience for all students in their care.

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Understanding Specially Designed Instruction in Special Education - The Intentional IEP

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One key aspect of special education is specially designed instruction. Learn more about what it is and what it might look like in the classroom.

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1. Friend, M., & Cook, L. (2016). Interactions: Collaboration Skills for School Professionals. This book provides insights into collaboration strategies for educators working with students with disabilities.

2. Tomlinson, C. A. (2017). The Differentiated Classroom: Responding to the Needs of All Learners. This resource explores differentiation strategies for diverse classrooms.

3. Vaughn, S., & Bos, C. S. (2015). Strategies for Teaching Students with Learning and Behavior Problems. This text offers evidence-based practices for supporting students with exceptionalities.