A and M Create Rigor in Learning

Accommodations and modifications are sometimes necessary for people to achieve rigor or function at a higher level than their current baseline. Sometimes.... A/M's can feel good (reinforcing), and make the day easier or more productive (enabling). That's ok, too. Take it day by day.

We use A/M's when we have lagging (or diminishing) skills. Remember, as we age, the more accommodations/modifications we will need. It isn't always about ability...but ease and efficiency.

My (and, probably, your) accommodations & modifications

• I am able to grow my own food but I lack the time and resources to do so, so I go to the grocery store. Same for clothing and anything else I could make myself but don't for various reasons.

• My legs work fine and I could walk to get most places but it isn't practical most days so I use my car or public transportation.

• I write just fine and have YEARS of experience with it but I use a word processor most days.

• If I forget to bring a pen with me I know most businesses will provide me with one...because they want me to fill out all their crazy forms.

• I could wash my clothes by hand, but why?!?

• Sometimes I cook my food over a fire! Unless the weather is bad then its stove, microwave, or restaurants for me.

• My eyes don't see well so I use contacts or glasses (or appologize to everyone who has to come closer or read something to me).

• If I broke my leg today...I would use crutches or a wheelchair

You get the idea.

I usually don't have to ask permission to use my accommodations. Sometimes they are provided for me freely. I may have to wait for a certain time or save up my money for the more expensive gadgets but otherwise I don't have many barriers to access my "tools".

Accommodating our students to achieve their highest ability to learn and function:

• Creates a welcoming environment when made available

• Reduces school anxiety and associated behaviors

• while they learn to overcome or

• work around lagging skills

• Is useful to people as they age

• if they can explore their options and

• practice using them early in life

• ENABLES the student to focus on completing tasks

• Can and should separate higher level learning (rigor) as its own skill

• Benefits everyone in the long run

• Is the law if it's listed on their IEP, behavior support plan, or 504 (how to track data; Accommodation rubric doc)

What Accommodations and modifications do you use?

How would you feel if someone told you you didn't

​really ​need an accommodation/modification that you find highly useful?

#accommodations #modification #laggingskills #teachingstrategies #coaching #learning