Top 10 List of Accommodations and Modifications

1. For highly gifted students providing problems and assignments that develop understanding of
course content beyond what is typical for the course. This is especially relevant in the AP
Physics C and AP Calculus BC courses I teach. These assignments and questions provide access
to the same course content but at a higher level of thinking. Without such challenges gifted
students often fall into negative patterns, including but not limited to being afraid to fail,
boredom with the course, and spending very little time grappling with difficult concepts (which
leads to the inability to persevere on difficult problems). These effects come from the student
not facing sufficient challenges, and thus the student does not learn that through effort such
challenges can be overcome.

2. Pacing AdjustmentsFor students with certain learning disabilities or challenges, including but
not limited do ADHD, processing disabilities, and developmental disabilities, allowing breaks
while completing an assignment or taking an exam, as well as providing more time can be useful
modifications.

3. Environment AdjustmentsSome special needs students are much more successful on exams
when they can take them in a quiet and more isolated environment outside the normal
classroom. Additionally, some students benefit from preferential seating, and the reduction or
minimization of visual or auditory distractions.

4. Presentation of MaterialAllowing students to record lectures, or receive notes or instructions

in a variety of modalities (visual, auditory, tactile, ect). Additionally, providing small group or
one on one instruction can be useful.

5. Materials and EquipmentThe utilization of calculators, translators, teacher provided notes,

the ability to type notes instead of handwriting. Also, providing students with a wide range of
resources which communicate course content in a variety of modalities.

6. AssignmentsGiving directions in small bursts, adjusting the length of assignments, and

breaking assignments into smaller assignments can be helpful. Additionally, providing
differentiation regarding assigned questions or tasks so that all students can be successful
accessing course content, while still being challenged with high expectations.

7. Test AdaptationsSome students with dysgraphia may have difficulty with complicated math
computations, particularly those requiring excellent organization to be successful. Writing
problems that involve simplified computations while still challenging the students critical
thinking skills, and providing access to the same level of course content is an effective
accommodation.
8. Tutoring Teachers at our school provide 1:1 instruction after school to many students with
special needs. Some students with special needs benefit from tutoring from peers. Our school
provides peer tutoring services through the counseling department.

9. World WallOur classroom contains a world wall with content vocabulary in English, Mandarin
Chinese and Korean (first languages of my students). The word wall helps ELL students access
content vocabulary.

10. In addition to these, some students with special needs may be more able to provide oral or
recorded explanations of ideas than written ones. This modification allows students to access
course content, when there are learning disabilities related to reading or writing.