Specialized Academic Instruction (SAI)

According to CDE, Specialized Academic Instruction is described as: "Adapting, as appropriate, to the needs of the child with a disability the content, methodology, or delivery of instruction to ensure access of the child to the general curriculum, so that he or she can meet the educational standards within the jurisdiction of the public agency that apply to all." (34 CFR 300.26(b)(3)).

SAI is a service, not a specific place. It can be implemented in many ways. Below are some of the environments that I've had the opportunity of experiencing :

• Consultation between a special education teacher and general education teacher(s) to assist in providing instructional and assessment adaptations and behavioral interventions, which allow students with special needs to benefit from their general education classes.

• Monitoring of students by a special education teacher through appointments, weekly progress reports, and/or school-home communication.

• Instructional Support provided by a special education teacher or instructional aide to help students with special needs progress in their classes by assisting with the understanding of assignments and information being presented, and modifying work to accommodate students’ special needs. Instructional support may be provided in a general education class or separate classroom.

• Collaborative/Team Teaching, in which a special education teacher and a general education instructor teach a class together that includes both general and special education students.