Strategies for Curricular Accomodations

sample list

1. PHYSICAL ARRANGEMENT OF ROOM

  • seat student near the teacher
  • seat student near a positive role model
  • stand near student when giving directions or presenting lessons
  • avoid distracting stimuli (air conditioner, high traffic area, etc.)
  • increase distance between desks

2. LESSON PRESENTATION STRATEGIES

  • pair students to check work
  • write key points on the board
  • provide peer tutoring
  • provide visual aids
  • provide per note taker
  • make sure directions are understood
  • include a variety of activities during each lesson
  • break longer presentations into shorter segments
  • provide written outline
  • allow student to tape record lessons
  • have child review key point orally
  • teach through muli-sensory modes
  • use computer assisted instruction
  • stress major points in the regular assignment
  • preteach vocabulary
  • provide outline for lectures
  • highlight books/materials
  • use adapted textbooks

3. ASSIGNMENT/WORKSHEET/STRATEGIES

  • provide extra time to complete tasks
  • simplify complex directions
  • hand worksheets out one at a time
  • have teacher check homework sheet
  • provide written list of homework assignments in advance
  • allow student to tape record assignments/homework
  • provide structured routine in written form
  • provide study skills training/learning strategies
  • give frequent short quizzes and avoid long tests
  • shorten assignments; break into smaller segments
  • allow typewritten or computer printed assignments
  • monitor closely as student begins to work to assure understanding
  • avoid assignments requiring copying
  • stress major parts in writing
  • provide advanced organizers
  • provide graphic organizers
  • use self-monitoring devices
  • reduce homework assignments
  • allow use of word processor
  • allow use of calculator
  • allow use of spell checker
  • provide visual/verbal prompts
  • have student dictate work
  • ask questions requiring short answers
  • let student type, record or give answers orally, not written
  • assign tasks at the appropriate level (lower level of difficulty)
  • reduce reading level of regular assignments (reword, paraphrase, edit)
  • provide books on tape
  • provide student with written copy of notes from board/overhead
  • accept alternate form of communication (demonstration, exhibits, art, charts)
  • provide alternate methods of completing assignments (buddy system within classroom, older student, teacher aide assistance, group assignments)
  • allow classmate to make carbon copies for student

4. CLASSROOM ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES (a.k.a. Testing Modifications)

  • administer tests in several sessions
  • include some take home tests
  • allow students to give answers on tape recorder
  • give frequent short quizzes, not long exams
  • allow extra time for exams
  • administer test in separate location
  • consider alternative assessments (portfolios, etc.)
  • ask questions requiring short answers

5. ORGANIZATIONAL STRATEGIES

  • provide peer assistance with organizational skills
  • assign volunteer homework buddy
  • send daily/weekly progress reports home
  • develop reward system for in-schoolwork and homework completion
  • provide student with a homework assignment notebook

6. BEHAVIORAL STRATEGIES

  • praise specific behaviors
  • use self-monitoring strategies
  • give extra privileges and rewards
  • keep classroom rules simple and clear
  • make prudent use of negative consequences
  • allow for short breaks between assignments
  • cue student to stay on task (nonverbal signal)
  • mark student's correct answers, not his mistakes
  • implement a classroom behavior management system
  • allow student time out of seat to run errands, etc.
  • ignore inappropriate behaviors not drastically outside classroom limits
  • implement procedures for a period of time away from the classroom
  • allow legitimate movement
  • contract with student
  • increase immediacy of rewards