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printable list of strategies (SDIs) for your IEP meeting (over 300 and counting!)

printable list of strategies (SDIs) for your IEP meeting (over 300 and counting!)

March 20, 2013 by · 24 Comments
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Here you go! You asked for it, you got it! If you bookmark only one post this month, this is the one to bookmark!I’ve received many, many reader requests for a printable list of SDIs or strategies. I’ve asked my advocate friends and modified the list from NSEAI, who I want to thank for much of this.

What is an SDI?

SDI stands for Specially Designed Instruction. It is anything specific and unique to your child–determined by their areas of need, to help them access their education. It is based on the evaluations done on your child, to determine their areas of need. SDIs are used to help your child achieve the goals listed in the IEP. Most SDIs should be applied across all environments, not in just one class or classroom. They are adaptations or modifications to the regular curriculum. SDIs are in place to help your child reach their IEP goals and objectives.

I didn’t list any apps or Assistive Technology stuff–as there are too many to mention. But we review and suggest apps for autism and executive functioning all the time, so don’t miss our posts on it.

List of SDIs for IEPs

extra time to complete the work or reading given
a quiet area to complete the work or take a test
having someone read the material to them
having someone read a test to them
“preferential seating,” means sitting near the front, or away from distraction or in their area of preference (if they prefer a left or right visual field)
preferential seating for hearing/audio
preferential seating away from distractions, windows, doors, speakers
visual charts
visual schedules
visual cues in locker, lunch box, on desk
written schedules on locker, lunch box
early dismissal from class to get to locker and to next class
visual cues in hallways to guide child to next classroom or cafeteria
“hot pass” or “cool off card” which is a card the student gets and they can leave class, flash the hot pass to the teacher, and go to office, guidance counselor, nurse (designated ahead of time) to cool off, if they feel a negative behavior coming on (usually happens after peer to peer interactions such as bullying)
use of FM headsets to either have blocking out music, or FM transmission of teacher speaking, use Beatz or something else socially acceptable, blocks out outside noise
personal time outs to regroup and prepare for transition
time warnings and increased transition time
minimal use of open ended statements or questions
do not use sarcasm or inferences when communicating with student
allow 5 or 10 second (whatever child needs) processing time when a request is made
chunk down verbal instructions
use only 1 question or instruction task at a time if child cannot do 2-3 part questions
adapted lunch setting to reduce sensory stressors
adapted recess with adult lead activities to increase peer interactions
recess and group activities to be designed with IEP goals in mind
monthly, weekly or bi-weekly phone or in person conferences with parents (progress monitoring)
homework assignments chunked down by teacher to define each task
have child write down verbal questions to aide in processing
advance notice of transitions
speak slower
use literal language
give sensory breaks-have child carry down attendance sheets or just a few envelopes down to office to allow for movement
timed bathroom breaks (every 60, 90 120 minutes)
special sign or signal between teacher and student to notify student of something

encourage but do not force eye contact; forcing eye contact may break train of thought

 

awareness of sensory issues–smells, sounds, lighting; adjust as appropriate
set up opportunities for child to self advocate
keep days and activities structured
special seating-seat pads, sit-upon balls, etc.
buddy system for unstructured times
peer to peer tutoring as appropriate
structured social skills groups
role play
social stories
rewards charts
yoga, meditation, relaxation techniques
breaking down tests into segments
graphic organizers
choice cards
emotions cards
ear plugs or headphones
education sessions for peers to help them understand disability
pre-teaching information, then post-teaching afterwards
structured seating arrangements
alternatives for completing assignments (typed instead of written, or verbal)
clear, concise instructions that are at child’s ability
activity based learning
adaptive equipment-pens, pencils, calculators, fidgety toys, large print books, audio, etc.
provide direct feedback  in appropriate settings
cooperative games rather than win/lose
facilitated socialization at recess, lunch, breaks
provide notes, outlines or organizers with key concepts or terms highlighted
mnemonics
role playing-both with successful and undesired outcomes (ie-troubleshooting)
explain metaphors and double meanings
limit oral questions to the number that the child can manage
small group instruction
watch videos of social stories/interactions and ask to explain
schedule on blackboard
provide facilitated experiences
frequent test breaks with opportunities to move
testing in a study carrel
testing in the morning only
masking test items so only single questions are visible
alarms as reminders-phone, wristwatch, etc.
AM/PM check in with preferred staff person
use of prompt hierarchy
incorporate child’s personal interests into activities whenever possible
to do lists
journal
show example of completed projects
picture calendar or schedule
frequent reinforcement for desired/positive behaviors
when appropriate and will not cause a distraction-guide student through real life situations
provide with calming strategies
allow use of preferred writing implement
test format to tap “recognition memory” such as matching  or multiple choice rather than fill in blank without a word bank
use of a scribe or oral testing to open ended or essay formats
provide a study guide
provide audio recordings
provide video/audio recordings
voice recognition software
extra set of text books-1 set for home, 1 for school
permission to hand in all assignments late, as pre-determined
modify assignments to only include essential content
access to resource room or learning support room
remind student to wear glasses/hearing aids
concise, direct prompts
token board
Use of first____, then_______.
peer modeling-appropriate play, interaction
scheduled sensory breaks
task strip with preferred activity at the end
intersperse preferred and non-preferred tasks
develop a sensory diet
spelling dictionary, spell checker
longer assignments broken down and scheduled out in pictures or words
agenda check list for checkins with preferred staff member
pencil grips, slant boards
intersperse easy and difficult demands on a 80/20 basis (and work to increase)
high contrast materials, limited visual clutter
pair with student prior to learning a new task
opportunity for practice
identify and limit distractions
frequent comprehension checks (and just being able to say it doesn’t mean they know it!)

Whew! And if that wasn’t enough…….there’s more, lots more! Here is another handout from the state of Kentucky special ed department. Many of their strategies overlap with what I’ve already put here, but just in case you wanted more, you got it.

Strategies for IEP

Edited, 5/14/13- a friend found this list, so I added it as well:

Accommodations_For_Cognitive_And_Academic_Deficits

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Comments

  1. Amy Baskin Amy Baskin says:
    March 20, 2013 at 8:29 am

    RT Great for parents & teachers. @LisaLightnerLL: RT:Over 120 #IEP strategies. http://t.co/1HQiIVsJd0 #SpEd #Disabilities #specialneeds

    Reply
  2. A Day in Our Shoes A Day in Our Shoes says:
    March 20, 2013 at 8:43 am

    http://adayinourshoes.com/2013/03/20/printable-list-of-strategies-sdis-for-your-iep-meeting/

    Reply
  3. Steph says:
    March 20, 2013 at 9:11 am

    This is such a great list!
    Steph recently posted…Must-Have Products for Family Entertaining During a Road TripMy Profile

    Reply
  4. Stephanie Glover Stephanie Glover says:
    March 20, 2013 at 9:11 am

    printable list of strategies (SDIs) for your IEP meeting (125 and counting!) – http://t.co/TKIu0q2sV9 via @LisaLightnerLL

    Reply
  5. Omakua Yoga Omakua Yoga says:
    March 20, 2013 at 10:26 am

    Love to see yoga, meditation and relaxation techniques on your list…Way to go!!! Let’s work on building it into our kid’s days!

    Reply
  6. Jeanine Jeanine says:
    March 20, 2013 at 10:39 am

    printable list of strategies (SDIs) for your IEP meeting (125 and counting!) – http://t.co/1qe2Dbm252 via @LisaLightnerLL

    Reply
  7. Jeanine @MommyEntourage says:
    March 20, 2013 at 10:39 am

    Wonderful. Sharing via Twitter. This will help out so many parents!
    Jeanine @MommyEntourage recently posted…New Spring Home Decor Ideas From Shutterfly and Photo Decor GiveawayMy Profile

    Reply
  8. Gina Badalaty Gina Badalaty says:
    March 20, 2013 at 10:59 am

    printable list of strategies (SDIs) for your #IEP meeting (125 and counting!) http://t.co/uPNitDHT8d #disability #autism

    Reply
  9. Aaron DeVries Aaron DeVries says:
    March 20, 2013 at 11:46 am

    RT @DresdenPlaid: Great for #specialneeds parents –> printable list of strategies (SDIs) for your IEP meeting (125 and counting!) – http://t.co/z2U8meqGQh

    Reply
  10. Aaron DeVries Aaron DeVries says:
    March 20, 2013 at 11:46 am

    RT @DresdenPlaid: Great for #specialneeds parents –> printable list of strategies (SDIs) for your IEP meeting (125 and counting!) – http://t.co/z2U8meqGQh

    Reply
  11. Susan says:
    March 20, 2013 at 12:43 pm

    love the list, this is great for parents and teachers. thanks

    Reply
  12. Lauryn Blakesley Lauryn Blakesley says:
    March 20, 2013 at 2:29 pm

    Printable list of strategies (SDIs) for your IEP meeting (125 and counting!) – http://t.co/0mwge1IJdS via @LisaLightnerLL

    Reply
  13. Colleen Padilla Colleen Padilla says:
    March 20, 2013 at 9:32 pm

    Printable list of strategies (SDIs) for your IEP meeting (125 and counting!) – http://t.co/WrCPS22gLu via @LisaLightnerLL

    Reply
  14. HSEPAC HSEPAC says:
    March 22, 2013 at 6:36 am

    printable list of strategies (SDIs) for your IEP meeting (125 and counting!) http://t.co/zKVYZzJhkm

    Reply
  15. Parenting Parenting says:
    April 3, 2013 at 5:18 pm

    Does your child have an IEP? Read this checklist from @LisaLightnerLL for your next meeting. #cbias http://t.co/oLZLIzZ8FQ

    Reply
  16. HollyRod Foundation HollyRod Foundation says:
    April 3, 2013 at 5:19 pm

    RT @Parentng: Does your child have an IEP? Read this checklist from @LisaLightnerLL for your next meeting. #cbias http://t.co/oLZLIzZ8FQ

    Reply
  17. MiscFinds4u Family MiscFinds4u Family says:
    April 3, 2013 at 5:25 pm

    RT @Parentng: Does your child have an IEP? Read this checklist from @LisaLightnerLL for your next meeting. #cbias http://t.co/oLZLIzZ8FQ

    Reply
  18. IDEAL-PACT IDEAL-PACT says:
    April 3, 2013 at 6:49 pm

    RT @Parentng: Does your child have an IEP? Read this checklist from @LisaLightnerLL for your next meeting. #cbias http://t.co/oLZLIzZ8FQ

    Reply
  19. Exceptional Friends Exceptional Friends says:
    April 4, 2013 at 3:13 pm

    printable list of strategies (SDIs) for your IEP meeting (125 and counting!) http://t.co/tWSvExkEJ9

    Reply
  20. first impressions first impressions says:
    April 6, 2013 at 10:17 am

    RT @Parentng: Does your child have an IEP? Read this checklist from @LisaLightnerLL for your next meeting. #cbias http://t.co/oLZLIzZ8FQ

    Reply
  21. Pamela Wilson Pamela Wilson says:
    April 9, 2013 at 2:53 am

    RT @EFNnc: printable list of strategies (SDIs) for your IEP meeting (125 and counting!) http://t.co/tWSvExkEJ9

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. {Ask an Advocate} What if I can't find an advocate to help us? says:
    March 27, 2013 at 11:21 am

    [...] created for you to use in IEP meetings, even if you don’t have an advocate. The other is our huge checklist of SDIs, in case you’re having trouble thinking of some. IEP meeting worksheet for [...]

    Reply
  2. {Ask an Advocate} question about evaluations and standardized tests says:
    March 27, 2013 at 6:59 pm

    [...] miss our list of printable SDIs that may help if he gets and IEP, or maybe he needs them added as accommodations on his 504. I also have this printable worksheet [...]

    Reply
  3. Don't just survive~thrive at your next IEP meeting says:
    April 29, 2013 at 9:01 am

    [...] a riff between parents, they may exploit it, I’ve seen it done. Have your notes ready, have a list of SDIs ready. This is a big deal and treat it as such. Don’t overbook yourself with commitments [...]

    Reply

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