When it comes to helping students with disabilities succeed, not all teaching methods are created equal. One of the most effective teaching strategies in special education is explicit instruction. It is clear, direct, and leaves little room for confusion. If you’re a special education teacher or a member of an IEP team, understanding how to use explicit instruction can make a big difference in how your students learn and grow.
Together, let’s break down what explicit instruction is, why it works so well for our students with disabilities, and how it can help support IEP goals in both special education and general education classrooms. Whether you’re new to the field or have years of experience, this approach is something every educator should feel confident using.
What Is Explicit Instruction?
Explicit instruction is a way of teaching that is direct and structured. It includes clear steps, clear language, and repeated practice. You will model what you want students to do, give guided practice with support, and then let your students try it on their own. There is no guessing or hidden expectation. It’s like giving students a recipe instead of just handing them ingredients and hoping for the best.
It also includes telling students why they’re learning something and how it connects to what they already know. This helps make learning more meaningful and less confusing. For students with disabilities who may struggle with attention, working memory, or generalizing skills, this clarity is critical.
Why Does Explicit Instruction Work for Special Education?
Explicit instruction helps reduce cognitive overload. Instead of asking students to figure out too many things at once, it breaks tasks into manageable parts. That way, students can focus on one step at a time. This method builds confidence and success because students know exactly what to do and when to do it.
Many students with disabilities benefit from repetition, visual models, and immediate feedback. Explicit instruction offers all of these. When students make a mistake, the teacher can correct it right away and help them understand what went wrong. Over time, this leads to stronger learning, better retention, and more independence.
How Explicit Instruction Supports IEP Goals
Explicit instruction is a great fit for specially designed instruction, or SDI, and you’ve probably been using it with your SDI already without knowing it! It helps target specific skills that are written in a student’s IEP. If a student has a goal about reading fluency, for example, the teacher can model fluent reading, practice together, and then listen to the student read with feedback. The clear structure also makes it easier to track data and monitor progress toward goals.
When used consistently, explicit instruction can be embedded into daily lessons without needing a whole separate curriculum. It works well during small group instruction, pull-out sessions, and even in general education classrooms when all students can benefit from extra clarity and structure.
What Does Explicit Instruction Look Like in Action?
Imagine teaching a student how to solve a two-step math word problem. First, you would model how to read the question, underline or highlight important information, and figure out what operation to use. Next, you would solve a problem together, talking through each step. Then, the student would try on their own, with your support close by. This is explicit instruction in action.
It also works well for social skills, communication, life skills, and academic subjects. It doesn’t require fancy tools or technology, just careful planning and intentional delivery.
Examples of Explicit Instruction in Action
Here are five examples of how explicit instruction can be used as specially designed instruction (SDI) to support IEP goals in a variety of areas:
1. Reading Fluency
IEP Goal: The student will read grade-level passages aloud with 95% accuracy and appropriate expression.
Explicit Instruction as SDI: The teacher models fluent reading of a short passage, pointing out punctuation cues and pausing where appropriate. Then, the student reads the same passage with the teacher, who provides immediate corrective feedback. The student practices repeatedly with support and then independently, while data is collected on accuracy and rate.
2. Math Word Problems
IEP Goal: The student will solve two-step word problems using the four operations with 80% accuracy.
Explicit Instruction as SDI: The teacher explicitly teaches a problem-solving routine: read the problem, underline key information, identify operation(s), write an equation, and solve. Each step is modeled with think-alouds. The student practices each step with support, and visual reminders (like a checklist) are provided during independent practice.
3. Written Expression
IEP Goal: The student will write a complete paragraph using a topic sentence, three supporting details, and a closing sentence in 4 out of 5 trials.
Explicit Instruction as SDI: The teacher uses a writing frame and models how to build a paragraph one sentence at a time. Sentence starters and graphic organizers are provided. The teacher gives guided practice and immediate feedback on each part of the paragraph before moving to independent writing.
4. Social Skills
IEP Goal: The student will initiate a conversation with a peer using a greeting, question, and comment in 3 out of 5 opportunities.
Explicit Instruction as SDI: The teacher explains and models each part of a conversation using role play and visuals. The student rehearses with the teacher and a peer in a structured setting, with feedback after each attempt. Practice is repeated in real-life settings (like recess or small group) with the teacher prompting as needed.
5. Following Multi-Step Directions
IEP Goal: The student will follow 3-step oral directions across school settings with 80% accuracy.
Explicit Instruction as SDI: The teacher teaches the student a strategy to remember steps (such as “repeat, picture it, then do it”), modeling it with examples. The teacher uses visuals and gestures to support understanding, gradually reducing support as the student gains confidence and accuracy. Practice occurs across different settings to promote generalization.
Explicit instruction is one of the most effective ways to teach students with disabilities. It gives students a clear path, plenty of practice, and the support they need to succeed. By using direct teaching methods, special education teachers can boost learning, reduce frustration, and support IEP goals more effectively.
If you’re looking for ways to make your instruction more effective and student-friendly, explicit instruction is a great place to start. It’s not flashy or a teacher trend that will fade. But it works… and in special education, that’s what matters most.
IEP writing doesn’t have to live rent-free in your brain 24/7. Inside The Intentional IEP, we help you go from scattered and stressed to clear and confident—with expert-led trainings, time-saving tools, and 10,000+ pre-written, standards-aligned goals. The mental chaos? Lifted. The pressure? Lightened. It’s time to take back your time, your focus, and your peace of mind.
