Meeting the Moment in Special Education
Special education leaders are facing more pressure than ever before. As staffing shortages persist and compliance expectations rise, many districts are struggling to meet their legal obligations under IDEA, especially when it comes to delivering specially designed instruction (SDI). In 2024, the U.S. Department of Education found that only 20 states fully met IDEA requirements, while the rest required assistance or intervention, often due to systemic noncompliance (Disability Scoop).
This reality is compounded by a nationwide shortage of certified special education teachers. According to a briefing from the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, 72% of public schools reported difficulty filling SPED roles, and over 1 in 5 lacked a full special education team altogether (K–12 Dive).
At the same time, the stakes for students have never been higher. Without access to consistent, individualized instruction aligned to their IEPs, students with disabilities risk falling further behind academically, emotionally, and developmentally.
That’s why Elevate created Specially Designed Instruction (SDI). SDI delivers real-time, IEP-aligned instruction and structured progress monitoring from a certified special education teacher. It is designed to support students who need more than what traditional Resource Room or Self-Contained models provide. SDI offers a reliable way to ensure students receive the targeted support they are entitled to, along with the documentation districts need to stay in compliance.
What Is SDI? A Targeted, Real-Time Solution for IEP Goals
Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) is Elevate’s newest addition to its Special Education LIVE program. It provides noncredit-bearing instruction that is directly aligned to students’ academic IEP goals, typically in areas like reading, writing, or math. Instruction is delivered synchronously, in-classroom by certified virtual special education teachers, either in a 1:1 setting or in a small group of up to four students.
Unlike general education or Resource Room support, SDI is tailored specifically to each student’s IEP. Lessons are personalized to support individual learning needs and backed by structured documentation. Teachers capture real-time progress, session notes, timestamps, and work samples, giving districts the data they need for audits, IEP meetings, and compliance reviews.
SDI is intentionally focused on academic instruction tied to IEP goals. It is not designed to address functional, behavioral, social-emotional, communication, or transitional goals. It is also not tutoring, homework help, or a replacement for related services. And it is not intended for students without academic goals in their IEPs. Instead, SDI provides targeted, compliant instruction in core content areas, helping students grow and make progress on what matters most.
Just as importantly, SDI is designed for flexibility. Sessions can be scheduled during pull-out time, delivered as push-in support, or provided remotely, depending on student needs and district preferences. The goal is simple: make it easier for schools to deliver the instruction students are entitled to, without placing more strain on already overextended special education teams.
Why It Works: A Reliable Way to Deliver IEP-Aligned Instruction
Special education programs cannot afford inconsistencies, especially when it comes to delivering instruction that directly supports IEP goals. SDI was built to meet that need, providing a structured, outcomes-driven solution that helps districts stay compliant and keep students progressing.
Here is what sets SDI apart:
Certified Special Education Teachers, Guaranteed
Every SDI session is led by a U.S.-certified special education teacher with experience supporting students with IEPs. There is no need to post jobs, screen candidates, or worry about licensure. Instruction starts on day one with a teacher who is ready and qualified.
Structured Progress Monitoring
Teachers document progress regularly. This includes progress towards goals, engagement, and scaffolded supports used, all of which can be shared with district teams to support case management, audits, and IEP meetings.
Flexible Delivery that Fits Your Model
SDI can be delivered in a pull-out room, integrated into a self-contained class block, or even provided remotely. Whether students need 1:1 instruction or a small-group setting, sessions are designed to meet each student where they are academically and logistically.
Oversight and Support from Inclusive Learning Coordinators
Each district is paired with a dedicated Inclusive Learning Coordinator (ILC) from Elevate. These instructional leaders review data, coach teachers, and provide regular updates to special education staff. This helps ensure programs stay aligned and effective throughout the year.
What Students, Educators, and Districts Gain with SDI
When students with disabilities receive instruction that is truly aligned with their IEP goals, the impact goes far beyond compliance. Early pilots of SDI have already shown measurable improvements in student outcomes, increased engagement, and stronger support for special education teams.
Measurable Progress Toward IEP Goals
In recent pilots, over 60 percent of SDI student goals were on track for mastery within 3 months. Teachers reported observable gains in student independence, performance, and confidence, all tied to instruction that directly targeted their academic needs.
Increased Student Engagement
Students responded positively to the personalized structure of SDI. In our engagement survey, students rated their experience an average of 3.52 out of 4. Many shared that they felt supported, motivated, and eager to participate in lessons tailored just for them.
Reduced Compliance Risk
With certified teachers leading instruction and documenting progress in real time, districts gain peace of mind. Otus Plans provide clear, structured data that supports audits, IEP meetings, and monthly collaboration with district teams.
Stronger Support for Special Education Teams
SDI does not replace your staff. It works alongside them. Weekly collaboration time keeps case managers and service providers informed and involved, while Elevate’s Inclusive Learning Coordinators help coordinate, coach, and share progress throughout the year.
How SDI Complements Elevate’s Full Special Education Suite
Every student with an IEP has different needs, and no single instructional model fits all. That is why Elevate offers a range of Special Education LIVE programs designed to meet students where they are.
Self-Contained Core
Credit-bearing instruction delivered to small groups of students who receive their core academic content outside of general education classrooms. This model provides full course instruction aligned to grade-level standards.
Resource Room
Supplemental instruction designed to reinforce or reteach core content. These sessions often serve as a second exposure or targeted support in a subject area, scheduled around students’ general education classes.
Specially Designed Instruction (SDI)
Noncredit-bearing instruction is aligned to individual IEP goals, delivered in a 1:1 or small-group setting. SDI is ideal for students who need targeted academic support that is distinct from Tier 1 instruction.
Together, these offerings give districts the flexibility to provide students with the right support at the right time, while maintaining compliance and instructional quality across placements. Whether you need to fill a staffing gap, expand your SPED services, or strengthen documentation and progress monitoring, SDI is a powerful tool in your district’s special education toolkit.
Reimagine What’s Possible for Students with IEPs
When districts have access to certified special education teachers who can deliver real-time, goal-aligned instruction with built-in progress monitoring, everything changes. Students receive the individualized support outlined in their IEPs. Educators have consistent, documented data to inform services and decisions. And districts can meet their legal obligations with confidence.
Specially Designed Instruction makes this possible.
Getting started is simple. Elevate will partner with your team to review student needs, groupings, and schedules. Once classroom logistics are confirmed, we’ll match you with certified special education teachers and assign an Inclusive Learning Coordinator to support your program. All you need to provide is a Classroom Coach to help manage the in-person experience. We’ll take care of the rest.
Whether your district is working to reduce missed service minutes, improve IEP goal tracking, or strengthen the impact of your special education program, SDI offers a reliable, scalable way to deliver results.
Let’s talk about how to bring SDI to your schools and give every student with an IEP the instruction they deserve.