four easy prompt question

Accommodations

Modifications

Classroom instruction

Accommodations can help kids learn the same material and meet the same expectations as their classmates. If a student has reading issues, for example, she might listen to an audio recording of a text. There are different types of classroom accommodations , including presentation (like listening to an audio recording of a text) and setting (like where a student sits).

Kids who are far behind their peers may need changes, or modifications, to the curriculum. For example, a student could be assigned shorter or easier reading assignments. Kids who receive modifications are not expected to learn the same material as their classmates.

Classroom tests

Testing accommodations can be different from those used for instruction. For example, using a spell-checker might help a student with writing difficulties take notes during class but wouldn’t be appropriate during a weekly spelling test. However, this student might benefit from having extra time to complete the spelling test or using typing technology if the physical act of writing is difficult.

Modifications in testing often involve requiring a student to cover less material or material that is less complex. For example, in the case of the spelling test, if the class was given 20 words to study, the student with modifications might only have to study 10 of them. Or she might have a completely different list of words.

With the modification, what the student is tested on is different.

Standardized testing

Statewide assessments allow certain accommodations like extra time or taking a computerized exam. Ideally these are the same accommodations a child uses to take class tests.

Some students take an “ alternate assessment ” of their statewide test, which includes modifications to the regular test. The questions in this type of alternate assessment might not cover the same materials as the standard exams. Also, the results would be interpreted differently. Before you agree to an alternate assessment, find out how the results will be interpreted and what (if any) implications there will be for your child.

Gym, music and art class

Accommodations for “special” classes like gym, music and art can be helpful. These are similar to accommodations for classroom instruction. Kids might get extra time to complete assignments or be allowed to complete them in a different format.

If the school believes that an assignment within a class like gym, music or art is unreasonable for your child, modifications to that assignment are made. The gym teacher might modify the number of laps a student needs to run; the music teacher might not require a child to participate in the final performance. In some cases, students are even excused from certain classes in order to make time for one-on-one time with a specialist.