Specially Designed Instruction in Middle School: What It Is and What It’s Not

As students move into middle school, their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) often shift to match new academic and behavioral demands. One area that causes confusion for many parents is Specially Designed Instruction, or SDI. What exactly does it mean, and how does it differ from accommodations?

Understanding SDI is essential to ensuring your child gets the instruction they need to succeed.

What is Specially Designed Instruction (SDI)?

SDI refers to the ways in which teaching is adapted to meet a student’s unique learning needs. It goes beyond giving a student extra time or allowing them to sit at the front of the class. SDI changes how content is taught, who delivers it, and how it is delivered. It is an instructional service, not a support or a setting.

What SDI Is Not:

• It’s not giving extended time on tests (that’s an accommodation).
  
• It’s not being in a resource room.
  
• It’s not checking in with a student once a week without instruction.
  

What SDI Can Look Like:

• Direct instruction in writing, math, or executive functioning skills
  
• Re-teaching content in a different way or using visual supports
  
• Pre-teaching vocabulary or breaking tasks into steps
  
• Targeted instruction in organization, planning, or self-regulation
  

Why This Matters in Middle School

Middle school classes move faster, and students are expected to be more independent. If your child needs support beyond classroom modifications, SDI should be built into the IEP and documented clearly in the Service Matrix.

Ask the team:

• What skills are being taught through SDI?
  
• Where is it happening, and who is teaching it?
  
• How will we know if it’s working?
  

The Middle School Transitions Toolkit includes one-pagers on SDI, service matrix checklists, and question prompts to help you advocate for effective instruction. You’ll find the clarity you need to understand what your child is receiving—and what to ask for if something is missing.

Need help understanding your child’s services?

Download the Middle School Transitions Toolkit today and make sure instruction is as individualized as your child.

When SDI is clear, consistent, and intentional, students with disabilities have a much better chance at middle school success.

• FREE MS Transition Checklist, Student-Centered IEP Goals, and Executive Functioning Skills
• FREE Online Workshop: Middle School Transitions
• MS Transitions Toolkit