ACCOMMODATION OR MODIFICATION DO YOU KNOW THE DIFFERENCE

ACCOMMODATION OR MODIFICATION: DO YOU KNOW THE DIFFERENCE?

Scheduled Activities Task One: Group Discussion Definition of accommodation or modification Task Two: Case Scenario Activity Accommodation or Modification? Task Three: Classroom Example Activity Write an accommodation

Group-work: Task 1 In groups of 4, discuss and create a definition for: Accommodation Modification Write the definition on handout provided, on large butcher paper or personal notebook paper.

Modification Modification- Change in materials or procedures that enables a student to access instruction and assessment. Assessment modifications do change the construct that is being measured. Making an assignment easier so the student is not doing the same level of work as other students is an example of a modification.

Accommodations- Change in materials or procedures that enables a student to meaningfully access instruction and assessments. Assessment accommodations do not change the construct that is being measured. An accommodation is a change that helps a student overcome or work around the disability and DO NOT reduce learning expectations. Allowing a student to respond orally is an example of an accommodation.

Task Two Identify whether the given scenario is a modification or an accommodation n o i t a c i f i d o M r -o o c Ac d o mm n o i at

Case Scenario 1: Susie has an intellectual disability. She is placed in a self-contained class, but she has been participating in some general education classes. Susie’s 4 th grade general education teacher has required her to participate in spelling tests. Susie received a failing grade for the past 4 spelling tests. The teacher has decided to reduce the number of spelling words on Susie’s list. She is only responsible for the single syllable words on the spelling list each week.

Ways to accommodate Susie’s Needs Focus on spelling lists with similar spelling patterns Grouping activity: Sort the words that fit the spelling patterns, and sort out the words that don’t fit. Provide other ideas you may have

Adapting Instruction Sometimes a student may need changes in class work or routines, because of his or her disability. Modifications can address: what a child is taught, and/or how a child works at school. http: //nichcy. org/schoolage/accommodations#part 1

Task Three Discuss an appropriate accommodation for each given classroom situation using classroom example cards provided.

Classroom Example 1: Rajiv is a fourth grade student who receives special education services for disabilities in reading and mathematics. He has difficulty in all areas of reading such as decoding words, blends, and frequently used sight words.

Rajiv’s Classroom Accommodations Additional support personnel Books provided on student’s instructional level Peer tutoring/one-on-one support from teacher Book on CD Flashcards of frequently used sight words High school student can record reading for Rajiv

Areas of Modifications or Accommodations: Scheduling Setting Materials Instruction Student Response

Scheduling Example Giving the student extra time to complete assignments or tests Spread testing sessions over several days

Setting Example Work in a small group Work one-on-one with the teacher

Materials Example Provide audiotaped lectures or books Give copies of teacher’s lecture notes Use large print books, Braille, or books on CD (digital text)

Instruction Example Reduce the difficulty of assignments Reduce the reading level Use a student/peer tutor

Student Response Example Allow answers to be given orally or dictated Use a word processor for written work Use sign language, a communication device, Braille, or native language if not English.