Specially Designed Instruction

Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education

The foundation for effective special education is the quality and use of research-based curricula and instruction in the general education classroom. Special education services are defined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act as “Specially Designed Instruction” (SDI). This document is a brief guide to the definitions of various services that are part of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for a child with a disability.