SDI Professional Learning
SDI Professional Learning
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Background and Results
Background and Results
In 2015, the Iowa Department of Education received a five-year State Personnel Development Grant (SPDG). The grant focused on establishing a statewide system of professional development, technical assistance, and dissemination of knowledge to support the implementation of effective and innovative Specially Designed Instruction.
Measurement Incorporated, a national education assessment and research evaluation firm, was contracted by the Iowa Department of Education to conduct an independent evaluation of the SPDG grant. The evaluation provided formative and summative data to support Iowa’s decisions regarding the development and implementation of grant activities. Collectively, these reports identified numerous successes of the SDI initiative. Chief among them are (1) educators’ increased capacity to effectively implement SDI practices, (2) positive relationship between SDI-related coaching supports and teachers’ use of SDI practices, and (3) significant improvements in literacy outcomes for students with disabilities, particularly in schools where teachers increased implementation of SDI practices.
Review the SPDG evaluation results compendium here.
SDI Framework: Foundations Series
SDI Framework: Foundations Series
The SDI Framework: Foundations Series is intended to provide local teams with critical pre-learning prior to participating in one of the SDI professional learning packages. These materials can also be used to provide foundational learning to any AEA, District, or agency staff to learn more about Iowa's SDI Framework. This series will provide participants with foundational knowledge of Iowa’s SDI Framework, Guiding Principles and self-assessment data tools, preparing teams to begin engaging in the content specific SDI package.
SDI Professional Learning Packages
SDI Professional Learning Packages
Centered around the goal of improving outcomes for learners with disabilities, and informed by results of the SPDG and SDI Framework efforts, development and refinement of professional learning packages for each area has been an ongoing process that has included a team of content experts representative of the Department, AEAs and School Districts across Iowa.
Each package is designed with evidence-based professional learning strategies and principles of adult learning in order to scale up implementation of high-leverage and evidence-based practices for SDI specific to each content area. Each package provides alignment of system and practice level metrics that support data driven decision making and continuous improvement efforts. Ultimately, each package provides for a comprehensive system of professional development and support designed to ensure participants receive the learning and coaching support needed to implement new practices that improve outcomes for students with disabilities.
Each school/district team that participates in one of the SDI Professional Learning Package will have a designated Professional Learning Lead (PLL). Each PLL completes focused training on the SDI Framework, the content area, adult learning theory, and facilitation of professional learning functions to be effective in their role. Each PLL is must be trained in the full learning package before delivering it. The individuals in this role are selected based on their knowledge and skills in the following responsibilities they will perform.
Literacy SDI
Key Contact: Mary Beilke
The focus of Literacy SDI is to maximize literacy outcomes for students with disabilities through professional learning that is aligned to Iowa SDI Framework’s Key Components and Critical Features. For more information, visit the website.
Mathematics SDI
Key Contact: Donna Sump-McClain
More information coming soon!
Preschool SDI
Key Contact: Denise Kepner
The focus of Preschool SDI is working with teachers and coaches on how to implement both the SDI Framework and the Division for Early Childhood (DEC) Recommended Practices to ensure high quality instruction and positive outcomes for preschool children with disabilities. For more information, visit the website.
Secondary Transition SDI
Key Contact: Kelsey Teeter
The focus of Secondary Transition SDI is to improve postsecondary education and employment outcomes for students with disabilities through the delivery of Career-Connected Learning, Career Technical Education, and Postsecondary Education Preparation services. For more information, visit the website.
Significant Disabilities Literacy SDI
Key Contact: Tiffiny Poage
The focus Signifcant Disabilities Literacy SDI is to improve literacy outcomes for students with significant disabilities through language development and expansion within evidenced-based comprehensive literacy instruction. For more information, visit the website.
Social Emotional Behavior SDI
Key Contact: Rose Cartee
More information coming soon!
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