How Do We Ensure that Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) is Being Honored in the Co-Taught Classroom? (12:30-3:30 pm)

MSAA Professional Development Workshop for PreK-12 Teachers Special Education Leaders, Administrators, Co-Teaching Teams, School Leaders, Evaluation Team Leaders, and Special Education Department Chairs

How Do We Ensure that Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) is Being Honored in the 
Co-Taught Classroom?

Oftentimes, one of the biggest areas of push back or concern when implementing co-teaching, is whether students on IEPs are receiving adequate service delivery and instruction. UDL, best practices, accommodations, and modifications worked into the co-taught classroom are all great benefit to both students with and without disabilities, but how are we ensuring that Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) is also occurring for those students for whom it is deemed necessary for their success and growth? In this workshop we will explore the nuances and criteria that make up SDI and what makes it different from other instructional practices within the classroom. We will look at the 6 approaches to co-teaching and develop an understanding of how SDI can be applied in each of these approaches.  Common planning protocols and lesson plan templates will be examined to help teams develop an effective way to ensure specific students’ SDI is being addressed within the instructional block.

This workshop will provide all participants with the tools necessary to return to school with a plan for success.

Participants will develop an understanding of:

·         What SDI is and is not

·         Implementing a co-planning protocol to most effectively collaborate and ensure any SDI needs are being met

·         Various approaches to co-teaching and how to utilize these approaches to effectively implement SDI for students

·         The value of collaboration and problem solving within the co-teaching partnership

·         Building consensus about priorities, goals of the class, and student needs

When: Thursday, March 6, 2025, from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm

Delivery Method: In-Person Workshop

Location: The MSAA Office, 33 Forge Parkway, Franklin, MA

Presenter: Shannon L. Pirrello, Seaside Educational Consultants

PD Hours: 3 in Content Area Leadership and Administration

Fees: Member $150 / Non-Member $205

MSAA Contact: Ethel Kawesa, ekawesa@msaa.net 

Shannon L. Pirrello | Seaside Educational Consultants

Shannon has been a Seaside Consultant for over six years and brings the Seaside family a strong belief in the benefits of inclusive education and the importance of effective differentiation practices in the classroom. Before making the switch to teaching kindergarten, Shannon taught as the lead teacher in an Autism classroom for early elementary-aged students. She holds her Autism Specialist Certification from Salem State University, as well as a Master’s degree from Boston College in Severe Special Needs. Her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and Human Development is also from Boston College.

Shannon worked as a Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) trainer to facilitate positive behavioral support in and out of the classrooms. She has taught Assistive Technology courses at Curry College, highlighting the way in which many of these technologies can be used to benefit a wide range of learners. Shannon brings her experience and passion from the special and general education worlds to help facilitate effective inclusive classrooms.