- Student learns content from audiobooks, videos, or digital media instead of reading text
- Student works with text in a larger print size
- Student has a “designated reader” — someone who reads test questions aloud
- Student hears all instructions spoken aloud
- Student records lessons, instead of taking notes
- Student is provided assignment directions or expectations in both written and verbal form
About Accommodations
Accommodations are individualized supports that help students access learning without changing what they are expected to learn.
Accommodations & Modifications
Every student learns differently, and the supports they need can vary depending on their learning profile and school environment. While available accommodations and modifications differ from school to school, understanding these options can help families have informed conversations with their child's educational team.
What's the difference?
- Accommodations are changes that help a student overcome or work around a learning challenge without changing what they are expected to learn. They remove barriers while allowing students to access instruction and demonstrate the same knowledge and skills as their peers. For example, a student who has difficulty with writing may be allowed to give answers orally instead of in writing. Other accommodations might include extended time on tests, text-to-speech technology, preferential seating, or reduced distractions during testing.
- Modifications change what a student is expected to learn or demonstrate. These adjustments alter the content, difficulty, or expectations of an assignment or course. For example, a student may complete fewer assignments, work on different learning objectives, or use instructional materials at a different grade level.
Choosing the right supports is a collaborative process involving families, educators, and other members of a student's support team. As a student's needs change, accommodations and modifications should be reviewed and adjusted to ensure they continue to support meaningful learning.
The examples below illustrate common accommodations and modifications. They are provided for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as recommendations from Hamlin Robinson School for any particular student or educational setting.
Common Accommodations
- Student gives responses in an agreed-to form (spoken or written)
- Student dictates answers to a scribe, who writes or types
- Student captures responses on an audio recorder
- Student uses a computer to type notes or give answers in class
- Student is graded based on mastery of information rather than on handwriting or spelling
- Student works or takes a test in a different setting, such as a quiet room
- Student sits where they can learn best (for example, near the teacher)
- Student is allowed to stand during class periods
- Student is allowed to use pencil grips, special paper, etc.
- Student uses a spelling dictionary or digital spellchecker
- Student is allowed the use of a calculator, number line, or table of “math facts”
- Student is allowed more time to complete a project or test
- Student has extra time to process spoken information and directions
- Student is allowed frequent breaks, such as after completing a worksheet
- Student uses an alarm to help with time management
- Student can mark texts with a highlighter
- Students uses a planner or organizer to help coordinate assignments
- Student receives study skills instruction
- Student can access posted schedules, directions, class rules, and expectations
Common Modifications
- Student is assigned a different workload, such as problems or questions to answer
- Student completes different homework problems than peers
- Student receives scaffolded (partially completed) assignments
- Student answers different test questions
- Student creates alternate projects or assignments
- Student learns different material (such as continuing to work on multiplication while classmates move on to fractions)
- Student is graded or assessed using a different standard than other students
- Student is excused from specific projects