Working with students with disabilities, also known as special education, is one of the most vital and unique jobs in education. It takes more than just standard teaching methods to be good at this task; special education teachers also require specialized skills and knowledge to meet students’ unique needs.
Specially designed instruction is one critical tool special education professionals can utilize. Fortunately, the University of Mount Saint Vincent (UMSV) online Master of Science (MS) in Special Education (SPED) (All Grades Pre-K Through 12) with Certificate program equips special education teachers to successfully devise and deliver specially designed instruction.
What Is Specially Designed Instruction?
Specially designed instruction (SDI) has a specific legal definition, as outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The law defines it as “adapting, as appropriate to the needs of an eligible child under this part, the content, methodology or delivery of instruction (i) to address the unique needs of the child that result from the child’s disability; and (ii) to ensure access of the child to the general curriculum, so that the child can meet the educational standards within the jurisdiction of the public agency that apply to all children.”
According to the United Federation of Teachers (UFT), a New York-based union for public school teachers, specially designed instruction is “planned, organized and meaningful and is delivered in an explicit, intentional and systematic manner” by a special education provider. In addition, specially designed instruction differs from core instruction and supplemental and intensive interventions, per the UFT. While it is similar in how it aligns with the usual standards and instructional expectations that apply to all students, it diverges by being individualized to a particular student. “SDI teaches specific skills a student does not have but needs to access and progress in the general education curriculum,” according to the UFT.
What Is an Individualized Education Plan?
SDI is closely related to the concept of an individualized education plan (IEP). The UFT notes that “specially designed instruction is defined and guaranteed by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and implemented in accordance with an individualized education program.”
According to the Family Support Network, an IEP is “the cornerstone of a quality education for each child with a disability.” In practical terms, an IEP is an individualized document that details exactly what stakeholders—including teachers, parents, and school administrators—can do to improve learning outcomes for children with disabilities.
Unsurprisingly, SDI plays a large role in this process. According to We Are Teachers, “Every IEP includes a reason for why a student requires specially designed instruction in a certain area—academic, speech and language, fine motor, gross motor. Then, the IEP team decides what SDI looks like for each student and writes it into the IEP.” Specific examples of SDI might include learning how to use a visual schedule, using an evidence-based curriculum for social skill instruction, and word reading or phonics instruction.
How To Become a Special Education Teacher
Specially designed instruction accommodates the unique needs of special education students who deserve the same quality of education as every other student in the school system. SDI ensures that such students receive access to the general education classroom, which allows them to meet the same educational standards as non-disabled classmates.
To become a qualified special education teacher, students should consider enrolling in the online MS in SPED (All Grades Pre-K Through 12) with Certificate program from UMSV. Graduates of UMSV’s program acquire the skills and knowledge that prepare them to manage SPED classrooms and serve students with special needs, including in areas related to language learning and social/behavior development. The program is ideal for working professionals looking to make a difference.
Learn more about UMSV’s online MS in Special Education (All Grades Pre-K Through 12) with Certificate program.
