Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Examples of Modified Assignments for Students with Special Needs

Here are some examples of modifications. Remember, that a modified lesson in an inclusive classroom is a lesson where the objective and/or learning materials have been changed to meet the needs of a special learner.  However, the overall concept or activity remains the same so that the learner can experience the curriculum alongside his or her classmates.




This math sheet has been easily modified by providing alternate questions.
Photo from www.teachingtoinspirein5th.blogspot.com.




This math sheet can be modified by having the student complete
alternate math operations with the numbers on the page.





This Grade 8 science vocabulary activity has become a YES/NO activity.




An alternate activity is provided for the student
using the same handout as the rest of the class.
Photo from www.whalenmom.blogspot.com.




Alternate text can be placed over the original text in a class novel.

In addition, you can modify a lesson by using the following strategies:

Tracing
Matching
Fill in the Blank
Word Banks
Multiple Choice
Illustrating
Highlighting
Reduced work

Hope this is helpful!  Let me know if you have any questions. Also, feel free to share any modified activities you may have!






Sunday, October 26, 2014

Is it an Accommodation or a Modification?

Accommodations and modifications are two different types of strategies teachers use to help students with learning needs access the curriculum.  These strategies are used frequently in an inclusive education system. With the goal to include students of various abilities in a general education classroom and have the same learning opportunities, the teacher needs to adjust either the objective of a lesson and/or the materials used for the lesson.

Accommodations and modifications are determined by the school support team (including the classroom teacher and parents) and written into a plan usually outlined in a 504 Plan or Individual Education Plan. To help clarify the difference between the two, here is a brief overview below. (Note: Click on the image for a free download.)



To help you further understand the difference, here are some examples:

Accommodation





An overlay is used to help the words on the page become much clearer for the student to read. 

Note that the content has not changed.



Modification


In this example, the activity stays the same but the learning outcome has changed.

Hope this helps you understand the difference between the two! For more detailed information and strategies to modify curriculum, check out, Inclusion in Action: Practical Strategies to Modify Your Curriculum.