In regards to education, at a high level, accommodations are modifications or adjustments to processes, materials, or facilities intended to support students' equal access to education. Rather than a change in learning objectives, they are an adaptation in how a student learns. The expectations are the same, but the accommodation is intended to remove barriers beyond the student's control. Some common accommodation examples are:
- ASL interpreters
- Extended time for assignments
- Providing separate rooms for examinations
- Assistive devices and technologies
Here are a few ways that teachers can ensure that students are benefitting from their accommodations.
Become familiar with a student’s needs
Teachers can access the most information about a student’s needs through a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). The IEP will detail the needs of the student, their current academic goals, and the necessary accommodations to ensure the student’s success. Teachers should take this opportunity to learn more about the accommodations outlined in the IEP. Teachers should also familiarize themselves with any equipment that their students may use as part of their accommodation plan. This way they can prepare themselves to best serve their students.
If necessary, teachers should reach out to their school’s Disability Resource Office (or equivalent department) for any questions they may have.
Implement accommodations effectively
Accommodations are the most effective when properly implemented. Part of successful implementation is communication. Teachers should make sure that students know what their accommodations are and what to expect from them. This includes allowing students to become familiar with accommodations outside of class or exam time. For example, practice using a communication device with a student during recess or before school starts.
Teachers should also make sure that their classrooms are in a position to allow the student to access their accommodations. This includes necessary seating arrangements, for example, if a student needs to be close to the board or near a power outlet for equipment. This also includes proper storage and maintenance of any and all equipment a student may need.
Know how to measure results
To make sure that a student is getting the most benefit from their accommodations, it’s important to measure how effective they are in practice. The teacher should first measure a student’s performance without accommodations. There are a few ways to do this. A few questions to be asked, for example:
- How long does a student take to complete an assignment or problem?
- How many questions did the student correctly answer?
- How many times did the student engage the class without a prompt?
The teacher should then analyze these criteria after the implementation of the accommodation. Afterward, the teacher can make an evaluation based on a comparison of all the data. When evaluating the data, the instructor should take the following into consideration:
- Did the student consistently utilize the accommodation?
- Did the accommodation allow access to equal opportunity?
- Did the student like using the accommodation?
Consider the Student's Feelings about the Accommodation
The benefits of accommodations depend on whether they are utilized. If the student dislikes the accommodations and doesn’t use them, any potential benefits are rendered null. A student’s feelings toward their accommodation can be a good indicator of their effectiveness.
For example, a student’s accommodation may state that they need to take exams in a separate room. This kind of accommodation has the potential for making the recipient feel singled out or isolated. As such, they may feel disinclined to utilize the accommodations given to them and thus won’t receive the intended benefit.
Sometimes, a student may just need the opportunity to communicate these feelings. The teacher should facilitate this opportunity. It may provide the student perspective and incentive to engage and utilize the accommodation. It may also indicate to teachers whether or not the current accommodation plan is sustainable.
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