Definitions
What is an Accommodation?
An Accommodation is specialized teachings, supports put into place, assessment strategies and individualized equipment put into place for a student, to assist the student and their learning abilities.
Accommodations are categorized into 3 strategies:
1. Environmental:.
2. Instructional
3. Assessment
What does "Accommodated Only" mean?
(AC) is used on the IEP to identify courses/subjects from the Ontario Curriculum where the student requires accommodations alone to work towards achieving the regular grade's expectations. This can include different supports provided such as different teaching strategies, supports or even individualized devices/ equipment provided to assist the student.
What does the term "MOD" mean?
The term "MOD" is used on a student(s) IEP to identify what subjects from the Ontario Curriculum, in which the student(s) need modified expectations; in terms of changing the expectations from their original grade level.
Alex, who is a Grade 3 student is diagnosed with anxiety and ADHD. Alex's challenges in his classroom are:
1. Paying attention and focusing during the lessons.
2. The occasional behaviour outburst in class.
What are 2 examples of Modifications and Accommodations Alex could benefit from?
Modifications:
1. Alternative assignments. Alex could provide alternative assignments, such as presentations or project-based assignments, rather then an original test or exam. This could cause less stress.
2. Creating behaviour goals. Alex can develop personalized behaviour goals, such as raising his hand before speaking outlaid to share his ideas, or utilizing break cards when Alex is beginning to feel overwhelmed.
What is an IEP not?
1. A long description of everything that will be taught to the student.
2. A list of various teaching strategies the educator used during regular instruction in the classroom.
3. Daily lesson plans.
4. A document displaying all types of learning expectations.
What is a Modification?
Modifications refer to the changes made in the age-appropriate grade level expectations, in a subject for a student to meet the student and their learning needs appropriately. Modifications are documented on an IEP, and in elementary school for mathematics and language. Students who are on modified programs often also need Accommodations to help support the student's learning in the classroom.
What does "Environmental Accommodations" mean?
The educator will change the physical learning environment (ex the classroom, outdoor area, the school).
If a student requires modified expectations for a subject, what information must be written and included on the IEP?
1. Current level of achievement.
2. Annual program goal(s).
3. Learning expectations.
On an IEP, it is also recommended that each learning expectation includes:
1. The corresponding teaching strategy.
2. The corresponding assessment method.
Kyla, who is a Grade 5 student is diagnosed with Dyslexia. Kyla struggles with reading fluency, comprehension and with writing assignments. What are two types of Modifications and Accommodations Kyla may benefit from?
Modifications:
Reduced Work Load: Kyla may benefit from a reduced work load. For example, Kyla could read smaller inserts of a story, rather than an entire chapter.
Modified Grading: Kyla would benefit from modification in how the educator grades her work. For example, Kyla could be graded on her thoughts and ideas, rather than grammar and spelling. This highlights Kyla's strengths, rather than her weaknesses due to her diagnosis.
Accommodations:
Speech to Text technology: Kyla would benefit from assertive equipment, such as Speech to Text technology. This software allows Kyla to state her creative thoughts out loud, and the software generates what Kyla states into a document.
Extended Time: Kyla can be provided with extended time, to allow her to process the information she is reading, writing with more time. This will reduce stress and anxiety.
Why does a student have an IEP?
As per Regulation 181/98, it requires that an IEP needs to be developed for every student identified as exceptional by the IPRC. Students may also get an IEP if they are not formally identified as exceptional, but who require Special Education Programs/ Services. A principal may determine that a student's achievement will be assessed on modified expectations. The student who needs accommodations frequently for instructional and assessment will have an IEP.
What does "current level of achievement" mean?
The current level of achievement refers to a baseline of a student in a course, or specific area within the education system. For example, a Grade 3 student's current level of achievement is a B+ in Grade 2 mathematics. The current level of achievement demonstrates the basis for expectation setting and goals. The current level of achievement can also include the student's previous years achievements and grade level.
What does "Assessment Accommodations" mean?
The educator will make adjustments in the assessment methods required to help the student(s) demonstrate their academic learning.
True or False... The term "MOD" is added after the grade on a report card.
True.
Matt is a student in Grade 2 diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Matt struggles with social interactions, transitions, outburst, and has sensory sensitivities. Name 2 Modifications and Accommodations that would benefit Matt.
Accommodations:
Sensory Breaks: Matt can be provided Sensory Breaks when he begins to feel overwhelmed. This space in the school will have noise canceling headphones, activities and weighted blankets for Matt to use.
Visual Schedules/ Consistency in Routines: Matt will be provided with a visual schedule, which will stay consistent to routines that occur in his daily activities at school.
Modifications:
Creating Social Skills Goals: Matt will create Social Skills Goals that reflect him initiating conversation with students in his class. These goals will be personable and adjusted to meet Matt's needs.
Flexible Assignment Formats: Matt would benefit from flexible assignment formats to highlight his strengths, to steer away from outburst and anxiety.
What is the IEP Process?
1. Gather information.
2. Set the direction.
3. Develop the IEP.
4. Implement the IEP.
5. Review and update the IEP.
What does "Special Education" mean?
Special Education refers to tailored instruction to meet the various needs of students with exceptionalities and learning challenges. Adjustments to how an educator teaches, tools used in the classroom and resources helps support student learning.
What does "Instructional Accommodation" mean?
The educator makes adjustments in teaching strategies that help student(s) learn, and move throughout the curriculum.
True or False... the following strategy is appropriate modification strategy: "Limit the learning expectations to a few specific goals that will be targeted".
True
Sama, a student in Grade 1 is diagnosed with a speech and language impairment. Same struggles to articulate her thoughts clearly, has challenges in her vocabulary and expressive language. What are 2 Accommodations and Modifications that would benefit Sama?
Accommodations:
Using Techonology: Sama would benefit from various technology softwares to assist her with vocabulary, her expressive language and articulating her thoughts more clearly. Speech to text softwares, LEXIA, and Google Read and Write would benefit Sama.
Speech Therapy: A Speech Therapist/ Pathologist will come to assist Sama with developing her communication skills, vocabulary and assisting her with her expressive language.
Modifications:
Vocabulary Lists: Sama can be provided with a modified vocabulary list, making vocabulary more accessible for Sama to use in her work.
Adjustments made to Presentations/ Assignments: Sama can have adjustments for presentations and assignments that use oral vocabulary. For example, Sama could complete presentations in pairs, or small groups, so Sama can feel more confident when speaking and sharing her thoughts.
When developing and implementing an IEP, who should the educator consult with?
For best practice, the educator should consult with the student's guardians/ parents, school staff, educational assistants, support staff and representatives of outside agencies who are attached to the student. This can provide valuable insight to the student.
What does IEP stand for?
An IEP refers to an individualized education plan. It is a legal document that is developed for students who require special education services in the education system. IEPs display the student's educational needs, goals, services, modifications, accommodations that are required in order for the student to succeed in their learning.
Name 3 types of Environmental, Instructional and Assessment Accommodations a student may need?
Environmental: Preferred Seating, Alternative Work Location within the school, and adjustments to lights (dimming lights).
Instructional: Chunking information, using manipulatives during mathematics class (such as base ten blocks, number lines, 100s charts), and small group instruction.
Assessment: Using a calculator, choice in assessment tasks, using assistive technology (speech to text, google translator, read and write).
How can the grading criteria for a student with an IEP be modified?
The grading criteria can be modified for a student with an IEP by allowing for alternative forms of assessments, adjustment occurring to the weight of each specific assignment, setting individualized goals that focus on the specific student's progress instead of the curriculum benchmarks. Some student(s) assignments could be marked for completion and effort attempted, rather than accuracy and the presentation style.
Lola, is a student in Grade 6. Lola has a diagnosis of ODD (Oppisional Defiance Disorder). Lola struggles with outburst, difficulty with authority, argumentative with peers, parents, and educators, as well as not abiding by rules. What are 2 examples of Modifications and Accommodations that can benefit Lola?
Accommodations:
Choice in Work: Lola can be provided with a choice board, or choice in choosing what format her assignments will be. This can help Lola feel like she has a sense of control, and helps diminish anxiety or outburst.
Check Ins: Lola can have frequent check ins to discuss behaviours, feelings with the teacher or principal. This can help reduce anger episodes, and help Lola regulate.
Modifications:
Behaviour Goals: Lola can create personalized behaviour goals that reflect her situation. For example, reducing the amount of arguing with peers or using break cards to indicate when she needs a break to help outburst.
Modified Assignments: Lola's assignments can be modified to smaller portions, to reduce outburst potential.
What are annual program goals? **
"An annual program goal is a statement that describes what a student can reasonably be expected to accomplish by the end of the school year in a particular subject". The annual program goal takes into account the student’s strengths, needs, and current level of achievement. The annual program goal needs to be reasonable, and continued to be revised.