Accommodations and Modifications EDU222 Dr. Danan Myers

Definitions An accommodation is a change that helps a student overcome or work around the disability. A modification means a change in what is being taught to or expected from the student.

Accommodations -are supports or services provided to help students progress in the general education curriculum and demonstrate their learning. These do not mean big changes in the instructional level, content, or standards. Rather, support is provided so that students have an equal opportunity to learn and to demonstrate what they have learned.

Accommodations Provisions made in how a student accesses or demonstrates learning –They do not substantially change instructional level or content –Provides student an equal access to learning –Provides student equal opportunity to demonstrate what is known –Based on individual strengths and needs –May vary in intensity and degree

Accommodations are Techniques utilized to help students access curriculum Strategies that validly demonstrate what students have learned Methods used that alter the academic setting or environment so students can easily access information

Accommodations are also Approaches to information that level the playing field for students with disabilities –Extended time –Large print –Braille –Signed instruction (ASL) –Assistive technology –Preferential seating

Other Accommodations Appropriate arrangements that allow for access to same information, activities, opportunities –books on tape –computer writing programs –tape recorders –Calculator –Checklists –dictation of answers

Accommodations do not Change the information to be learned Change the amount of information that is to be learned Change the level of the information to be learned…modifications do this!

Modifications Changes in what a student is expected to learn and demonstrate –Change in the instructional level or benchmark –Change in the number of key concepts mastered within a benchmark or unit of study –Changes in content

Modifications -change the content and performance expectations for what a student should learn. –Presentation of curriculum is modified using a specialized curriculum which is written at a lower level of understanding. – Materials are adapted, texts are simplified by modifying the content areas—simplifying vocabulary, concepts and principals. – Grading is subject to different standards than general education, such as basing on IEP goals. –Assignments are changed using lower level reading levels, worksheets and simplified vocabulary. –Testing Adaptations are used, such as lowering the reading level of the test.

Test yourself!!!

Working in a small group Accommodation or modification

Working one-on –one with the teacher modification

Providing audiotaped lectures or books accommodation

Giving copies of teacher’s lecture notes accommodation

Reducing the difficulty of assignments modification

Using large print books, Braille, or books on CD accommodation

Reducing the reading level modification

Using student/peer tutor accommodation

Using sign language, a communication device, Braille, or native language accommodation

Specialized curriculum is used during lesson modification

Allowing answers to be given orally or dictated accommodation

Student is given a graphic organizer to complete assignment modification

Using a word processor for written work accommodation