Classroom Modifications and Accommodations for Students with Learning

Disabilities
Students with learning disabilities have different learning styles and rates, strengths and weaknesses. The Individuals
with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that an Individualized Education Program (IEP) be developed for each
child with a disability so that these individual differences can be addressed. Accommodations offer alternative ways for
students to acquire information or share what they have learned with you. Accommodations do not lower the difficulty
level nor expectations for the student's achievement, although there may be changes in teaching materials used, testing
materials, or even in the instructional environment. Educators often make accommodations for individual students
informally as they teach, but children with special needs may require more formally documenting the need for specific
accommodation through an IEP or a 504 plan. Modifications are more intensive changes to the difficulty level and /or
the quantity of material to be learned. Modifications also may, in fact, change the way material is presented and the
nature of testing. Modifications create a different standard for children whose disabilities require more intense
adjustments. Modifications are also typically included in the IEP. An example of the modification may be seen in a
spelling test that reduces the number of words to be studied. This list of classroom modifications and accommodations
may be considered when developing the IEP:

Extended time for completion of assignments or

Highlighted textbooks

tests

Large print material

Additional time for reading assignments

Word processor/spell checker; calculator

Time for repeated review or drill

Assistance with note taking

Small groups

Taped lectures

Reduction of paper/pencil tasks

Self-testing

Shortened assignments

Grade only on completed classwork

Assignment notebooks

Credit for class participation, effort and

Study sheets/summary sheets/outlines of most

attendance

important facts

Additional time for test preparation

Supplemental aids (vocabulary, multiplication

Review/testing matched to student pace

cards, etc.)

Test directions read/explained thoroughly

Visual demonstrations

Fewer repetitive test items

Presentation of material in small steps

Test format allowing more space

Read or paraphrase subject matter

Oral, short-answer, modified tests

Instructions/directions given in different

Manuscript writing rather than cursive

channels (written, spoken, demonstration)

One-to-one contact for at least 10-20 minutes

daily

Visual or multisensory materials

Mnemonic aids/devices

Tutoring assistance (peer, pal, teacher, etc.)

Overhead/outline for desk use

Assistance with organization and planning of

Taped textbooks

class work and/or homework

Emphasis on successes

Seating to reduce distractions

Use place marker

Frequent breaks

Use color overlay

Clearly defined limits

Use magnification device

Cooling-off period

Exact oral translation of directions as needed

Behavior check cards

Read items for math or writing in English

Concrete, positive reinforcers

Provide translation dictionary

More Breaks

Administer large-print edition of test

Administer in several shorter sessions

Administer Braille edition of the test

Administer in separate location, separate room,

Use of an abacus on math portion by a student

or study carrel

who is blind

One on one testing

Braille writers

[Student] given preferential seating

Record or dictate responses to a scribe orally -

Administer the test under special lighting

reading/math only. Scribe may not alter

[Student] wears noise buffers (after directions)

[Student] responses in any way - must record

[Student] uses special furniture

word for word

Familiar test administrator

Extended testing time (same day).

Repeat directions

Answers recorded or typed by [Student] using

Clarify or simplify language in directions in

assistive technology - spell check and grammar

English

check turned off and predict ahead functions

Read or sign directions

turned off

Use amplification equipment

*Note if items are repeated throughout the list I

apologize.