Instructional Accommodations/ Modifications in

Cypress-Fairbanks ISD

Teacher Implementation Guide

2007 Modifications Implementation Guide 2

What Are Instructional Accommodations/ Modifications?

Individualized strategies and techniques that provide a

student with an opportunity to be successful

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IDEA on Accommodations/ Modifications

"The IEP for each child with a disability must include... a statement of the special education and related services and supplementary aids and services, based on peer-reviewed research to the extent practicable, to be provided to the child, or on behalf of the child, and a statement of the program modifications or supports for school personnel that will be provided to enable the child-

– "(i) To advance appropriately toward attaining the annual goals; – "(ii) To be involved in and make progress in the general curriculum in

accordance with 34 CFR §300.320(a)(1) and to participate in extracurricular and other nonacademic activities; and

– " (iii) To be educated and participate with other children with disabilities and nondisabled children in the activities described in this section;"

34 CFR §300.320(a)(4)

From the Regulations:

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Why Are Instructional Accommodations/ Modifications Important?

Accommodations/ Modifications– Provide students with an

appropriate education– Are a necessary

instructional strategy and not just a nice strategy to have

– Give the student a level playing field

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Are Accommodations and Modifications the Same?

• Accommodations are changes to the WAY students access instruction and demonstrate performance

• Modifications are changes to WHAT students are expected to learn

• In CFISD, the term “Modifications” is used to describe Both accommodations and modifications

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Now that we know what

accommodations/ modifications are and why they are important……..

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How Do Students Receive Accommodations/ modifications?

The Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD)/IEP Committee, made up of both general and special education campus staff, determines

– The individual educational needs of each student with a disability

– What accommodations/ modifications will be needed for that student to be successful, and

– Where the necessary accommodations/ modifications will occur

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Receiving YOUR Student’s Accommodations/ Modifications

• General and special education teachers who have the student will receive a copy of the student’s accommodations/ modifications

• Accommodations/ modifications are noted on page 4 of the IEP document

• Copies are available from your campus diagnostician or their clerical assistant

• If you did not receive a copy of a student’s accommodations/ modifications, please request your copy from the diagnosticians office

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Providing Accommodations/ Modifications for YOUR Students

• Accommodations/ modifications are necessary adjustments to the educational program as determined by the ARD Committee

• Accommodations/ modifications should be provided on an on-going basis

• Accommodations/ modifications are to be provided every day that the modification applies to the activity or task

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Documenting Modification Implementation

• Teachers who have students with accommodations/ modifications need to document the date and nature of what accommodations/ modifications were provided

• Written documentation shows that required accommodations/ modifications were provided

• Documentation should be shared with the parents and/or ARD committee as requested

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Some Ways To Demonstrate Accommodations/ Modifications

Were Provided• Completed work samples

• Teacher observation

• Grade books

• Documentation on special forms (see handout)

• Assessments and evaluations including

– Pre and post testing

– Modified testing

– Oral testing

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What if a ModificationNeeds to be Changed?

• Occasionally a modification may not be applicable in a particular class

• Accommodations/ modifications can be changed, however, all accommodations/ modifications must be considered and changed through an ARD meeting

• General or special education teachers present and share documentation in the ARD meeting about why the modification is not working or not needed

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Where Do I Get More Information?

• On Campus– CFISD accommodations/ modifications Book– Diagnostician– Special Ed Teachers– Assistant Principals– Special Ed Department Chair (secondary)– Director of Instruction (secondary)– Staff Development Opportunities

• ISC and Off Campus– Special Education District Coordinators– Staff Development Opportunities

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“If children do not learn the way we teach them,

then we must teach themthe way they learn.”

Rita Dunn