Accommodations: Instructional and Testing Supports for Students with Disabilities
Challenge
Review the movie below and then proceed to the Initial Thoughts section (time: 1:36).
Transcript: Challenge
Ms. Potter, a first-year teacher, is having an eventful school year. She was hired by Hamilton Middle School two-weeks after the start of the semester to take over for a 6th-grade teacher who has gone on extended leave. Now Ms. Potter is having to adjust quickly to a new school and unfamiliar students.
They’re a diverse group with a wide range of ability levels, though one of them—Liam, who has low vision—has suddenly become the focus of her attention. When Ms. Potter first began, the special education coordinator went over the contents of Liam’s IEP, and explained that she needs to provide preferential seating and copies of presentation slides to address Liam’s needs.
A few weeks later, the special education coordinator stops by to see how Liam is doing. Ms. Potter expresses concern that Liam is not finishing science reading assignments in class in the allotted time, although he reads at grade level. She wonders what she can do to help Liam be more successful in her class.
Here’s your Challenge:
What should teachers know about accommodations for students with disabilities?
What types of accommodations are commonly used for students with disabilities?
And…
What are the teacher’s responsibilities for students with disabilities who use accommodations?
