"Even Steven"

A fictional child "Steven" qualifies for academic accommodations according to his IEP.

Accommodations are changes made in instructional and assessment strategies to "even the field" for a student with learning differences. They are NOT a watering down of the curriculum. Accommodations are designed to assist students with specific, identifiable learning difficulties to complete academic activities commensurate with their peers. It allows those with disabilities to function effectively within the general education curriculum.

Another way to look at accommodations is to compare academic accommodations to a person with a visual problem - corrected with glasses. Greg can't see the chalkboard without his glasses. One day, he forgets his glasses - or they are broken. Any teacher would gladly accommodate this problem by allowing Greg to sit closer to the board or copy from a student near by. It would not be "fair" to make him struggle with seeing the board when it is a proven fact that he CAN'T SEE IT without his glasses.

Accommodations for Steven are just as necessary as the ones for Greg, Steven CAN'T do certain things either --- without accommodations. YES ... it is a proven fact - according to a legal document (the Individual Educational Plan). Teachers must realize that accommodations are designed to "even the field", for students that have diagnosed learning difficulties that the student CAN'T HELP.

Below is a chart of accommodations suggested for "academic equaling" for students like Steven. Other accommodations for social skills, attention difficulties, physical disabilities etc. are not included here.

extended time	highlighting	preview vocabulary	partial assignments	alternative assignments
taped texts or have reader	computer	calculator	grading modifications	assessment modifications
help w/ copying from board or books	handouts and study guides	take test in quiet location	have test read aloud	dictate answers to tests
TRAINED peer tutor	assignment book checked by peer or adult often	guided notes and outlines	advance organizers	para professional assistance
read into tape recorder for later study	provide "word bank" for fill in the blank	use of a scribe	study buddy	avoid fill in the bubble on a separate sheet
set of text to keep at home	frequent contact w/ parents	provide spelling guide	AlphaSmart or computer word processing	seat in non distracting area of classroom
teach note taking skills	use of headphones	stop watch	timer	accept printing - if cursive is an issue
erasable pens	videos and filmstrips	teach test taking strategies	frequent feedback on current grades	decrease # of problems required

It really irritates me when it is said,

"I can't do that for Steven, what about all the other students?"

Luckily, all the other students don't need the accommodations Steven needs. Its the LAW. We must make accommodations for persons with disabilities!

GET INFORMED ABOUT WHAT CAN BE DONE TO "EVEN" THE PLAYING FIELD FOR STUDENTS WHO LEARN DIFFERENTLY.

This information is for educational purposes only. Much of the information is from classes and workshops I've taken during my 33 years of working with ADD & ADHD students - sprinkled with my own comments, thoughts and insights

Some information is acquired from the INTERNET. Be aware that not all information on the WWW is accurate. Use your own judgment. This information is not intended to replace information from your doctor, therapist, lawyer, psychologist, nutritionist or psychiatrist. Consult your child's (or your own) doctor for additional input.

Editor: BJ Madewell
Wichita, KS area
316-733-9532
FAX not available

Email ADDchoices@aol.com or ADDchoices@yahoo.com

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