SDI isn’t a buzzword—it’s the heart of special education. In this episode, Karen breaks down why special education = specially designed instruction (SDI), how SDI is different from accommodations, and the exact questions to ask in your IEP meeting to reveal what’s really being taught, how, by whom, and when.

You’ll learn:

• Why SDI is instruction (not an accommodation or simple “differentiation”)
• The 3 SDI elements: Content (what), Methodology (how), Delivery (who/where/when)
• How strong present levels + baselines drive real SDI and goal writing
• The TED prompts to use in meetings: Tell me, Explain, Describe
• What “weekly data collection” should look like (and how to spot red flags)
• Practical language to capture effective strategies so next year’s team can replicate gains

Meeting prompts you can use today

• “When you provide Billy’s SDI in reading, tell me what that looks like.”
• “For math, explain the method that works best for him.”
• “For OT/vision, describe who delivers it, where, and when each week.”
• “Where is the baseline in present levels that this goal is built on?”
• “Who is the implementer, and what’s the method of evaluation?”

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👩‍⚖️ Hosted by Karen Mayer Cunningham, Advocate & Special Education Boss®
Each week, Karen shares real stories, legal insights, and no-nonsense strategies to help you navigate special education with clarity and confidence.

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