Adaptations and
Modifications
The individualization of instruction is an important part of
special education. Instruction and schoolwork are tailored to the needs of the
child. Sometimes a student may need to have changes made in class work or
routines because of his or her disability. Modifications can be made to:
- what a child
is taught, and/or
- how a child works at school.
Sometimes people get confused about what it means to have a modification and
what it means to have an accommodation.
Usually a modification means a change in what is being taught
to or expected from the student. Making an assignment easier so the student
is not doing the same level of work as other students is an example of a
modification. An accommodation is a change that helps a
student overcome or work around the disability. Allowing a student who has
trouble writing to give his answers orally is an example of an accommodation.
This student is still expected to know the same material and answer the same
questions as fully as the other students, but he doesn’t have to write his
answers to show that he knows the information.
What is most important to know about modifications and
accommodations is that both are meant to help a child to learn. For example:
Jack is an 8th grade student who has learning disabilities
in reading and writing. He is in a regular 8th grade class that is team-taught
by a general education teacher and a special education teacher. Modifications
and accommodations provided for Jack’s daily school routine (and when he takes
state or district-wide tests) include the following:
1.
Jack will have shorter reading and
writing assignments.
2.
Jack’s textbooks will be based upon
the 8th grade curriculum but at his independent reading level (4th grade).
3.
Jack will have test questions
read/explained to him, when he asks.
Modifications or accommodations are most often made in the
following areas:
Scheduling.
For example:
- giving
the student extra time to complete assignments or tests
- breaking
up testing over several days
Setting. For example:
- working
in a small group
- working
one-on-one with the teacher
Materials.
For example:
- providing
audiotaped lectures or books
- giving
copies of teacher’s lecture notes
- using
large print books, Braille, or books on CD (digital text)
Instruction.
For example:
- reducing
the difficulty of assignments
- reducing
the reading level
- using
a student/peer tutor
Student Response. For example:
- allowing
answers to be given orally or dictated
- using
a word processor for written work
- using
sign language, a communication device, Braille, or native language if it
is not English.
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