Name: From Differentiation to Specially Designed Instruction: What SDI Really Looks Like in General Education
Start: 2026-11-05T14:55:00-0800
End: 2026-11-05T15:55:00-0800

From Differentiation to Specially Designed Instruction: What SDI Really Looks Like in General Education

Thursday November 5, 2026 2:55pm - 3:55pm PST

West Willamette Room, 1st Floor

School leaders play a critical role in ensuring inclusive practices are implemented consistently and effectively across classrooms. While many schools emphasize differentiation to support diverse learners, differentiation alone does not always meet the requirements of Specially Designed Instruction (SDI). Leaders are often tasked with supporting teams in understanding what SDI looks like, how it connects to IEP goals, and how it can be embedded into daily instruction while maintaining grade-level expectations.

This session provides school leaders with a practical framework for understanding and supporting SDI implementation within general education settings. Participants will examine the distinction between differentiation, accommodations, modifications, and SDI through real-world examples and classroom scenarios, with a focus on what leaders should look for when supporting instructional practice.

Drawing from UCP Charter Schools’ experience embedding SDI into daily instruction, this session highlights how effective systems, collaboration, and clear expectations can support consistent implementation across classrooms. Participants will explore how SDI addresses disability-related needs through intentional changes to instruction, delivery, methodology, or content while preserving access to meaningful learning opportunities.

The session will also address common implementation challenges, including role clarity between general and special education teams, supporting teacher capacity, aligning instruction to IEP goals, and monitoring whether practices are feasible and effective within daily classroom routines.

Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of what makes instruction “specially designed,” along with leadership strategies and tools to strengthen inclusive practices, support staff implementation, and improve outcomes for students with disabilities

Speakers

Amanda Wise

Project Director, UCP Charter Schools

Amanda Wise, Project Director at UCP of Central Florida, brings more than 20 years of experience in education, with expertise in child development, data analysis, strategic planning, and exceptional student education. Her career includes leadership roles spanning school administration... Read More →

Thursday November 5, 2026 2:55pm - 3:55pm PST
West Willamette Room, 1st Floor 1000 Valley River Way, Eugene, OR 97401, USA

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Stronger Together: Advancing Oregon’s Charter Schools

Amanda Wise

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Amanda Wise

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