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Define the word "Accommodation"
"Accommodations even the playing field for a student changing how he or she accesses information and demonstrates learning, but not substantially altering the instructional level, content or performance criteria" (Source: Task 3: Understanding Accommodations and Modifications)
Do you need to have an exceptionality to have an IEP?
No. Students can have an IEP and get the accommodations needed without the label.
Define the word "Modification"
"Modifications change what is being taught or expected from a student; providing him or her with an opportunity to participate in meaningful and productive learning alongside their peers" (Source: Task 3: Understanding Accommodations and Modifications (Review Content)
Do students have to get both Accommodations and Modifications?
No. "When planning the student’s program, the team should identify which of the following options best suits the student’s needs in each subject: • No accommodations or modifications • Accommodations only • Modified expectations (with or without accommodations) • Alternative expectations/programs (with or without accommodations)" (Source: https://files.ontario.ca/edu-special-education-policy-resource-guide-en-2022-05-30.pdf, page E17)
Give an example of 3 accomodations you would find on a student's IEP.
-Alternative Space
-Strategic Seating
-Assistive Technology
Give an example of 2 modifications you would find on a student's IEP
1. Rewording/rephrasing of information
2. Modified content of study (ie. different tasks or texts)
What are "Alternative Expectations"?
"Alternative expectations are developed to help students acquire knowledge and skills that are not represented in the Ontario curriculum. They either are not derived from a provincial curriculum policy document or are modified so extensively that the Ontario curriculum expectations no longer form the basis of the student’s educational program" (Source: https://files.ontario.ca/edu-special-education-policy-resource-guide-en-2022-05-30.pdf, page E18)
Name and define 3 Assistive Technology softwares that can be used in the classroom to accommodate students' needs
"1.Tablets
2. Dragon
3.Read &Write for Google Chrome"
(Source: Special Education in Ontario Schools page 196)
Are gifted students in a gifted class a part of a modified class?
I would say that the whole gifted program is a modification for gifted students. However, food for thought, are the ones needing extra modifications within the gifted programs the ones who are receiving the modifications?
Giving student an alternative setting such as the library is considered an accommodation or a modification?"
Accomodation
Case Study: Sara is a hardworking student in her English Class. However, due to her dyslexia, she has been given Oral tasks only. She does not participate in the written component of the course. Even if there is an essay or a writing composition, Sara gives the responses orally. Is this an example of a modification or an accommodation?
Since Writing is a part of the English Curriculum, and since Sara is not participating in any of the written assignments, she has alternative expectations, which means that she is receiving a modified version of the curriculum. However, some educators and experts might argue that giving an oral response is still serving the same purpose as the written one, hence she is only getting accommodated.
Case Study: Damien is in a math class, and he is struggling with the content. the LST teacher suggested using ALE (Authentic Learning Experiences) to assess Damien. The ALE focuses on meeting students where they are at, and using things they are already doing and tying them with the curriculum expectations. By doing the ALE, is Damien getting accommodations or modifications? Why?
I would argue that Damien is only getting accommodations as he is still meeting the Math curriculum expectations, however, he is using things he knows already to show his understanding. However, if the curriculum expectations start to change, then these become modifications.