In practical terms, specially designed instruction (SDI) is instruction that is tailored to a particular student.
It addresses their Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals; accounts for their disability; provides modifications or adaptations to content; and encourages access to the general education curriculum.
SDI is defined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) 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…”
SDI can be provided in a variety of domains (i.e. academic, behavioral, social, etc.). Although often confused, SDI is not differentiation (designing for all learners); an accommodation (providing a change in how the student obtains information, such as Braille); or a modification (adjusting the content a student is meant to access). SDI is often provided by a special education teacher in a co-taught setting.
Source: ed.gov
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Let's Go Learn

Let's Go Learn provides highly diagnostic online assessments and automated progress monitoring tools to help teachers write IEPs faster and with greater accuracy. Present levels and benchmark goals are automatically identified for each student. In addition, Let's Go Learn provides specially designed instruction that targets each student's gaps in reading and mathematics via its online learning platform that works in-class or remotely.
Benefits for Special Educators and Departments:
- Online diagnostic assessments identify learning gaps and present grade levels for students with disabilities