Equity 9 types of Accommodations and Modifications

Accommodations: According to TEA, accommodations are changes to materials or procedures that provide effective and equitable access to grade level curriculum instruction and testing. Accommodations are intended to enable students with special needs, disabilities or who are learning English to participate meaningfully in instruction, assignments, and testing. The following are examples of 9 accommodations students are allowed to use in the state assessment. 1.) Large Print- A students that has an impairment in vision and uses large print materials in the classroom may use a large- print version of the test. 2.) Reading Test Aloud to Self- A student may read aloud or read into a recording device during testing and play it back while working. 3.) Multiple or Frequent Breaks- A student who cannot concentrate continuously for an extended period or who becomes frustrated or stressed easily may need frequent or extended breaks. 4.) Visual, Verbal, or Tactile Reminders to Stay on Task- A student who loses focus easily may need general visual, verbal, or tactile reminders to stay on task. 5.) Extended Time- Some examples of students who may need extended time on a test include those who take a braille version of the test, have a serious medical condition, a severe physical impairment, or a severe emotional disturbance. 6.) Individual Administration- A student may receive an individual administration. 7.) Small Group Administration- A student may be tested in a small group. 8.) Manipulatives- Manipulatives are concrete objects that a student can move and touch in order to visualize abstract concepts. 9.) Calculation Devices- The use of a calculation device as an accommodation does not replace the teaching of basic computation skills as outlined in the state curriculum.

Modifications: According to Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities, modifications refer to changes made to curriculum expectations in order to meet the needs of the student. Modifications are made when the expectations are beyond the student s level of ability. Modifications may be minimal or very complex depending on the student performance. Modifications must be clearly acknowledged in the IEP. The following are 9 examples of general modifications that can be used in the classroom. 1. Projects - Have student complete projects instead of written reports. 2. Outlines- Allow outlining, instead of writing for an essay or major project.

3. Supplemental curriculum - Use of alternative books or materials on the topic being studied. 4. Answer choices- Word bank of choices for answers to test questions. 5. Shorter assignments- Modified workload or length or assignments/tests. 6. Shorter time- Modified time demands. 7. Simple questions- Reworded questions in simpler language. 8. Highlight vocabulary- Highlighting important words or phrases in reading assignments. 9. Grading- Modified grades based on IEP.