Accommodations VS Modifications
An accommodation can be made for any student, not just students identified with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
TRUE or FALSE?
TRUE! An accommodation does not alter what the student is learning, rather, it makes the learning more accessible for the student.
A teacher changes an assessment for a student to include lower level readings, worksheets, and overall simplified vocabulary. Is this an example of a modification or an accommodation?
MODIFICATION! The grade level expectations of the assessment being given to the student is changed (lower level).
Providing additional time, scribing test answers, or providing an isolated location for a student during an assessment are all examples of modifications or accommodations?
ACCOMMODATIONS! The content and academic level of information does not change, despite accommodations being put in place.
Modifications are generally made for students with significant physical or cognitive disabilities.
TRUE OR FALSE?
TRUE! Modifications alter the content being delivered to the students to make learning more accessible for their current academic needs.
Providing students with access to a calculator, computer, word processor, or Braille is an example of a modification.
TRUE or FALSE?
FALSE! This does not mean that the learning is being changed; rather, the learning is becoming more accessible for the student.
Accommodations are not prohibited during MCAS testing.
TRUE or FALSE?
FALSE! Accommodations are allowed for MCAS testing in limited ways.
An example of an accommodation is when the student is involved in the same unit of study, but is provided with different tasks and assessment expectations.
TRUE or FALSE?
FALSE! This is a modification because the actual content being taught is different and the expectations have been changed in comparison to the other students in the class.
Preferential seating, changing the physical layout of the classroom, or leaving class for a cool-down period and/or academic assistance are examples of modifications or accommodations?
ACCOMMODATIONS! These physical or environmental accommodations can help students learn better without actually changing the content being delivered.
Providing students with accommodations should be taken into account when grading the assignment.
FALSE! They should be graded the same way as those completed without accommodations. These accommodations provide the student with equal access to the task, not an advantage.
Moving obstacles in a classroom so that a student with a wheelchair can move throughout the classroom is an example of a modification or accommodation?
ACCOMMODATION! The student’s level of learning is not being altered; rather, the learning environment is becoming more accessible.
Of these accommodations, which are considered to be environmental accommodations?
Use of technology
Accessible door push button
Consistent classroom routines
Sitting near front of class
Pictures of real-life examples
Checking of understanding
Non-slip flooring
Additional time on test
Graphic organizers
Accessible door push button
Sitting near front of class
Pictures of real-life examples
Non-slip flooring
Is allowing students to move around the classroom or rock in their chair so that they can better attend to the learning that is taking place an accommodation or modification?
ACCOMMODATION!
Allowing students to move does not change what the student is expected to learn. Rather, it better equips these students to complete the same assigned task as their classmates.
A student who is not on an IEP breaks their wrist and is unable to write their math test by hand. Does this student require a modification or an accommodation?
ACCOMMODATION! By having someone scribe for the student, they will be able to access the same learning as before their injury.
Modifications of content material require cognitive or structural change in the academic level of the material being delivered.
TRUE or FALSE?
TRUE! Changes in the curriculum to meet student needs that are substantially different than the standard grade level are modifications.