General education setting with Consultation

Scheduled meetings between the special education and general education teacher; with some direct observation/instruction by the special education teacher in the general education setting.  Student is accessing the general education curriculum.

General education setting with Collaboration

Scheduled co-planning meetings and direct instruction/co-teaching by the special education teacher provided in the general education classroom.  Instruction is based on the general education curriculum with some adaptation.

Specially Designed Instruction within the classroom

Special education instruction and support provided in the general education classroom.  Includes current grade level content and builds skills as identified by IEP goals.  Instruction is based on the general education curriculum with some adaptation.

Specially Designed Instruction outside the classroom

Special education instruction and support provided in a separate learning environment or as an additional support class.  Content may match general education curriculum or the content may be modified.

Part-time self-contained room, part-time general education setting

Special education instruction targeting IEP goals with modification of the general education curriculum.  Special education teachers consult and co-plan with general education teachers.

Full-time self-contained setting

Special education teacher is the student’s primary educator.  Student has very little contact with typical peers and there is significant modification of the general education curriculum.

Special day school

Special education instruction is significantly modified from the general education curriculum and the student is education in a school that only includes children with disabilities.

Hospital /

Homebound

Instruction is provided in the home or hospital setting for students who are unable to attend classes due to long-term medical conditions. 

Residential School

Special education instruction is significantly modified from the general education curriculum and the student is education in a setting that only includes children with severe disabilities.  Specially designed instruction includes functional and adaptive skills,that may include personal care, behavior therapy, counseling, etc.  Rarely recommended by the IEP team.