End-of-Day Tips for Special Education Teachers

Accommodations vs. Modifications: Understanding the Key Differences

In this episode of Teach Task Box Inspire, Lisa Hollady dives into a crucial topic for special education teachers: accommodations vs. modifications. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they serve distinct purposes in supporting students with diverse learning needs.

Accommodations vs. Modifications: What’s the Difference?

Accommodations help students access the same curriculum as their peers by providing necessary tools and supports, such as sensory supports, text-to-speech systems, or extended time on tests. These adjustments change how a student learns but not what they are expected to learn.

Modifications, on the other hand, involve altering the curriculum itself to meet a student’s unique needs. This could include simplified assignments, alternate curricula, or adjusted grading scales to ensure students can engage with content at a developmentally appropriate level.

How to Implement Accommodations vs. Modifications Effectively

Lisa shares practical strategies for identifying, documenting, and adapting these supports, ensuring that students receive what they need to thrive. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration with IEP teams, ongoing progress monitoring, and flexibility in instructional approaches.

Understanding accommodations vs. modifications is essential for special education teachers looking to create an inclusive classroom where every student can succeed. Tune in to this episode for real-world examples and expert insights on making meaningful adaptations for your students!

Episode Highlights:

• Accommodations vs. Modifications: Accommodations adjust how students learn without changing the content, while modifications adjust what students learn to match their ability levels.
• Examples of Accommodations: Tools like visual supports, Core Boards, sensory diets, text-to-speech systems, and extended time help students access the curriculum.
• Examples of Modifications: Alternate curricula, simplified tasks, reduced assignments, and slower pacing tailor learning to meet students' current needs.
• Implementation Tips: Train your team, document supports clearly, start small, and revisit accommodations and modifications as students progress.

Resources Mentioned:

• Free training: 3 Simple and Powerful Ways to Cultivate Independence in Your Special Education Classroom 
  

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More About Teach, Task Box, Inspire: The Podcast:

Teach, Task Box, Inspire: The Podcast is your go-to educational podcast dedicated to making your job as a special education teacher easier and more enjoyable. Your host, Lisa Hollady, is a veteran special education teacher with a passion for helping teachers like you make a real difference in the lives of your students.

In your demanding roles, you’re constantly juggling various responsibilities, from differentiated instruction and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) to data collection, and, of course, teaching. That’s where task boxes come in.

Task boxes aren’t just teaching tools. They’re the key to unlocking student independence, student engagement, and personalized learning. Through this podcast, you’ll uncover the incredible task box benefits for your special needs students and practical implementation tips that you can take to your classroom.

Tune in each Monday for a new episode that will equip you with essential strategies and motivation to approach your week with confidence and enthusiasm. Topics will include task box activities, social and emotional development, adaptive teaching, inclusive teaching, supporting diverse learners, classroom management, scheduling, visual aids, and more.

If you’re looking for more special education resources and support to increase student independence, check out Lisa's FREE training.