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Modified Assignments for Students with Disabilities (Real Classroom Examples)

Making Curriculum Modifications That Truly Include Every Learner


Teachers ask me all the time: “How do I teach a student who is working 3 or 4 grade-levels below the rest of the class?"


One of the most effective ways to make that happen is through curriculum modifications. Providing curriuclum modifications can help a student access the most important part of the lesson in a way that fits their current learning needs.


Below you’ll find real examples of modified classwork and homework that help students with disabilities participate meaningfully, show what they know, and experience success.


A modified lesson isn’t about lowering expectations or watering down the content. Instead, it’s about adjusting the objective and/or learning materials so that students with unique learning needs can successfully participate and show what they know.


The core concept or classroom activity remains the same, giving all students the opportunity to explore the same idea, work alongside peers, and contribute meaningfully in ways that reflect their individual strengths.



Teacher Shortcut: Modified Assignments 


Use modifications when: a student is not yet able to successfully complete the task even with accommodations/supports.

👉 Do this tomorrow (quick win):


  1. Keep the same topic
  2. Keep the same learning goal when possible
  3. Change the output (less writing, more choice, clearer structure)


🚫 Don’t do this:

  • Give unrelated “busy work”
  • Remove all thinking
  • Assign something that doesn’t connect to the standard or the IEP


Best practice: tie modifications to IEP goals and real classroom outcomes.


Example: While one student might write a paragraph about the life cycle of a butterfly, another could label diagrams or record a short video explanation. Both students engage with the same science concept, but the learning path and product are customized to meet their needs.


These intentional shifts make inclusion not only possible, but powerful!


Real Examples of Modified Assignments 









Want More Examples + Step-by-Step Guidance?


If you want even more real examples of curriculum modifications and how to plan them intentionally, check out my book: Inclusion in Action: Practical Strategies to Modify Curriculum.




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Comments

  1. AnonymousOctober 29, 2014 at 4:14 PM

    Thanks for this post. I will be sharing with my daughter's teachers.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousOctober 31, 2014 at 5:23 AM

    Yes yes yes! More more please... are there other links you suggest for MORE examples! Other websites or blogs??? this is a large need for school teams. THANKS

    ReplyDelete
  3. West Kentucky MomSeptember 18, 2015 at 11:50 AM

    How
    Do you know when your modification/adaptation is too much vs just right for a student?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nicole EredicsSeptember 27, 2015 at 10:18 AM

      You can use the IEP goals to help you decide how to modify the work.

      Delete
  4. West Kentucky MomSeptember 18, 2015 at 12:07 PM

    http://teachingtoinspire.com/2013/01/differentiating-math-assessments-made.html

    ReplyDelete
  5. MooreResourcesSeptember 30, 2015 at 12:54 PM

    Very nice article. (Middle School Math/Science) I've cut sheets in half, had some students do 5 problems in a section first then go back and do more if they can, 2 day testing as opposed to one day tests, cut homework in half, created guided notes, handouts, allowed word bank usage, open book quizzes, use of notes/guides during classwork, station time etc, had them work in pairs, use as many visuals as possible, color coded formulas and the numbers we inserted into formulas, created tiered lessons.... easier level problems leading up to harder problems, calculator usage..... the list can go on. Thank you so much for the article.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousOctober 25, 2025 at 4:10 AM

      How will these suggestions work for fourth grade students and do you use these modifications for whole class? such as the guided notes or handouts

      Delete
    2. The Inclusive ClassOctober 26, 2025 at 7:44 PM

      Thank you for such a thoughtful question! Yes, these suggestions absolutely work for fourth-grade students. In fact, upper elementary is a perfect time to begin introducing modifications that help students access grade-level concepts while building independence. The key is to think about what part of the lesson truly needs to be modified versus what can be supported through accommodations (like guided notes or handouts).
      For example, guided notes are a great tool for all students, not just those with IEPs. They help learners focus on key concepts, improve organization, and reduce the cognitive load of writing everything down. When I use guided notes or structured handouts, I often start with the whole class, then differentiate as needed giving some students more scaffolding (e.g., word banks or visuals) while others fill in more independently.
      When you modify, you’re adjusting the goal or expectation not the opportunity to participate. So if the class is writing multi-paragraph essays, a student working on a modified goal might create a detailed paragraph or record their ideas verbally. The activity is shared, but the outcomes are tailored.
      The bottom line: guided notes and handouts can be powerful universal supports, while true modifications are reserved for students who need them to make progress toward their learning goals. Both strategies can,and should, coexist in a thriving inclusive classroom.

      Delete

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