Accommodation or Modification?
The class is writing a math test. They are asked to multiply two-digit numbers. One student's test asks them to multiply one-digit numbers. Is this an accommodation or modification?
Modification: The expectation is based on different curricular criteria.
What is an accommodation?
An accommodation provides necessary support(s) for a student to access the curriculum and meet his/her learning potential
Accommodations are only for students who have identified learning disabilities or behavioral exceptionalities
False! Accommodations can benefit every student
The class is writing a paragraph. Some students require dual-language dictionaries. Is this an accommodation or modification?
Accommodation: While some students require this extra resource, they will be assessed with the same curricular expectations.
What is a modification?
Modifications are developed on a per-subject basis, determined by student need and based on the Ontario curriculum
If a student requires an accommodation, they will also require a modification
False! Accommodations can exist to assist a student with meeting grade-level curriculum expectations, and may be related to a non-academic condition (like sensory sensitivity)
One teacher incorporates a few five minute "quiet breaks" where students put their heads down and listen to calming music with the lights dimmed into the school day because some students have been observed to get overstimulated if they are asked to do too many things without a break. Is this a modification or an accommodation?
Accommodation! While the breaks may have been incorporated because of the specific needs of a few students, this is an accommodation that can benefit the entire class.
What does I.E.P stand for?
Individual Education Plan
I.E.P's include daily lesson plans for the teacher to follow
False! They contain strategies that may help the student or that have worked in the past, but no day-to-day instructions for the teacher
A grade ten English class has an assignment where each of them have to compose a one-page newspaper. The class is asked to incorporate 8 different genres of writing on this page, but one student is asked to incorporate 5. Is this an accommodation or modification?
Modification! In secondary schools, modifications can involve changing the number and/or complexity of the regular curriculum.
Provide three examples of assessment
Any of/ similar enough to the following: Assessment as, for, or of learning, writing a test, oral exam, presentation, journal entries, essay, exit card, poster, chart, timed activity, completing something while conferencing with teacher, recorded presentation, sports drill, self-reflection or assessment
Once an I.E.P is created, it cannot be changed
False! An I.E.P can be reviewed and adjusted at any time throughout a reporting period
A class is writing a book report. The class has 3 weeks of in-class work periods (45 minutes each) to complete it. One student who has been identified with a mild Learning Disability has not finished after 3 weeks, and the teacher allows them to work on it when they have completed all other work at school over the next 2 weeks and hand it in late. Is this an accommodation or a modification?
Accommodation! While the student was allowed some extra time, the expectations (success criteria related to curriculum expectations) of the assignment did not change.
What is an environmental accommodation?
A change in a student's seating area, like sitting next to someone who could offer help during a group project, sitting near the board when the teacher is lecturing, or moving to a private space to eliminate distractions while writing a test
Students who require modifications and/or accommodations can participate in the same lessons in the same classroom as students who do not require modifications and/or accommodations
True! Teachers are encouraged to promote a classroom that supports a Universal Design for Learning, ensuring that every student feels included. While assessment methods and some instructional approaches may differ, a student who requires modifications and/or accommodations will have a wide variety of opportunities to participate in lessons with the rest of their class