Modifications+and+Accommodations

= = Modifications and Accommodations

What are accommodations?
Accommodations are alterations in the way tasks are presented that allow children with learning disabilities to complete the same assignments as other students. Accommodations do not alter the content of assignments, give students an unfair advantage or in the case of assessments, change what a test measures. They do make it possible for students with LD to show what they know without being impeded by their disability.

The Need for Modifications and Accommodations
Go into any inclusive classroom in any school district and you will find students with special needs struggling to understand and apply the required learning objectives and outcomes. Even with the legal mandates of IDEA 2004 and the student's IEP, teachers are daunted by the task of IEP expectations, when it comes to lesson modifications and accommodations.

How To Tips on Effective Lesson Modifications and Accommodations

 * ===Make sure that the learning objectives are clear and easy to read and understand===
 * ===Provide written individual instructional guides if needed to insure that students stay focused and on task===
 * ===Provide clear expectations for Instructional assistants orother staff to guide students through the lesson===
 * ===Create kinesthetic practice opportunities for hands on manipulations and performancebased assessments===
 * ===Provide visual aids if needed to accompany the lesson objectives===
 * ===Create classroom transitions that provide students with before and after warning reminders during activity or lesson changes===
 * ===Read the student's IEP to make sure that the proper and expected lesson modifications and accommodations are being implemented in the classroom===
 * ===Include student interest in lesson changes to create accessible and fun lessons===
 * ===Scaffold the instruction by using creating smaller chunks of information for understanding and processing of the learning objectives===
 * ===Provide practice opportunities for students to understand the lesson expectations===
 * ===Model what you teach with clear, concise steps and processing===
 * ===Incorporate assistive technology in your lesson planning when indicated by student's IEP or learning need===
 * ===Provide celebrations and reinforcement incentives for positive and constructive behavior in the classroom===
 * ===Create lesson assessments that are doable and provide increased challenges as the student masters the expected outcome===
 * ===Make lessons fun and teaching fun===

Samples of Modifications