Modifications
What does a "modification" refer to?
Adjusting curriculum expectations to a different grade level to better fit student’s specific educational needs.
What do student accommodations refer to?
What do "environmental accommodations" refer to?
Changes or supports in the physical environment of the classroom and/or the school.
What does an "instructional accommodation" refer to?
Teaching strategies required to enable all students to learn and to progress through the curriculum.
What does "assessment accommodations" refer to?
Adjustments in assessment activities and methods required to enable the student to demonstrate learning.
Can a student have both a modification and an accommodation?
Yes, they can depending on if they need accommodations in addition to their modifications.
Do accommodations alter curriculum expectations?
No, only modifications alter curriculum expectations.
Is flexible seating an example of an environmental accommodation?
Yes, because a student's needs and strengths are being addressed by removing a environmental barrier to help them be available to learn.
What is an instructional accommodation that can be used to facilitate social interactions between a student with modified expectations and their peers?
A peer tutoring/interacting strategy can be used to have students help the modified student with their work (i.e., grade 4 students helping the modified student with their grade 1 expectations).
How can manipulatives be used as an accommodation?
Manipulatives can be used as an assessment and instructional accommodation because it will give students a way to tangibly move numbers, rather than just using their mind. This could be utilized both during lessons, and assessments.
If a student has modified expectations, are all of their subjects modified?
Not necessarily. Students have modified expectations in only the subjects they need it in.
What are accommodations based off of?
Accommodations are based off appropriate measures to address the strengths and needs of the individual student.
Can environmental accommodations include modifications?
There are only modifications if curricular expectations are changed to another grade level. An environmental accommodation can work in accordance with modifications to further support strengths and needs.
What is a strategy that combines both the intentions of instructional and environmental?
Visual aids in the classroom, etc.
Identify the modification and accommodation is this scenario... Grade 4 student Jimmy, uses his assistive technology to help him communicate his oral thoughts into simple written compound exclamatory sentences.
Jimmy's modification is in language because he is creating sentences that are based on grade 1 curricular expectations. His accommodation is his assistive technology and use of speech to text.
When developing specific learning expectations on the IEP, educators should use a "SMART" framework. What does the acronym "SMART" stand for?
Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Reasonable and Time limited.
Who should be involved in the create of an IEP and deciding on the appropriate accommodations for a student?
Education staff, parents, students, and any other support personnel (i.e., therapist, doctor) should be included in the collaborative approach of developing and implementing an IEP.
How can assistive devices be used to aid in a student's modified Language program?
An assistive device can be used to help give access to Language work that aligns with modified grade level work. Example, using Learning A-Z to have a grade 4 student work on grade 1 curricular expectations.
Assistive technology encompasses instructional, environmental, and assessment strategies. It can also be used to access material that has modified curricular expectations.
Would being excused for completing assessments be an accommodation? What would be an alternative for educators to collect assessment?
Yes it would be, because students may not be able to demonstrate their learning through formalized assessment. Rather, educators may collect assessment via anecdotal notes.
Are alternative expectations/programming derived from the provincial curriculum?
Depending on the student's needs, they can be. If their needs are related more to life skills, they are not.
Despite the collaborative approach in creating and choosing appropriate accommodations and modifications, is there one individual who can decide on if decisions address the student's strengths and needs?
The principal ultimately decides on whether the IEP addresses the strengths and needs of the student and is responsible for what is listed.
How can an alternative work location accommodation hinder a student's success in their modified education?
By frequently pulling a student to work on their subject with modified expectations, a student will feel socially and academically isolated from their peers. Educators must create an inclusive experience by including the modified student into the whole class lesson in a way that still relates to their modified expectations.
Name an instructional accommodation that can be used to make learning more accessible for all students.
Universal Design for Learning will make learning accessible for all by taking into account the strengths and needs of all students to succeed.
How can Universal Design for Learning aid in students completing assessments?
Using a choice board for assessments, assistive technology, etc.