One more day to go till the weekend! I wanted to write a quick post to share with you how to make simple math assessment accommodations for students with IEPs or on RTI plans.
First, I must tell you this was not my idea or my work. I was in a fellow teacher’s (4th grade) room when I saw this on a student’s desk. I was immediately impressed and knew I had to share it! I have always modified assessments for students in the past by removing choices and only having them complete a smaller number of questions. However, this teacher (Ms. Durst, by the way) really took it to the next level.
Here is what I LOVED:
- The student has an IEP to use a calculator. She prompted the student to use one where it was needed.
- She underlined or circled key words in the word problems and wrote out the necessary equation for the students. The students can see the key words and the equation and make the connection.
- On number 6, I love how she put the operation, but still required the student to fill in the necessary numbers.
- On number 10, she walked them through the strategy of rounding by giving them choices and providing steps and the blank lines and operation sign.
When I talked with her about this, she said that she spends time before the assessment going over each problem and the accommodations she added. She ensures the student understands the changes and how they relate to the problem.
Now, obviously, this child needs a lot of accommodations and support but this manner of differentiation could easily be replicated to meet the variety of needs in any classroom. I really felt like this way was still, in a way, teaching the student while they were being assessed. I don’t know about you, but I love it!
What are some ways that you accommodate assessments in your classroom? I would love to read your ideas!
That's such a great idea! I have two friends (who have mainly reading LDs), who will get the test read to them if it is wordy. I usually cross off problems for them…especially if it is all the same type of problem (instead of 12 long division problem, do 9 or 8), as well as eliminating one wrong answer. Thanks for sharing!
🙂 Kaitlyn
Smiles and Sunshine
Love it! I especially like how she clarified the rounding. It is obvious that she knows her students and what they are able to be successful at. Great share!
Brandi
My Teacher Friend
Jennifer–this is awesome. I'm bookmarking for future reference 🙂
Wow, this really is a great model for modifying. I'm going to share this with the Special Ed teacher I work with to see which types we can use. I can think of a student I had last year who could benefit from this level of modification.
I really like the way the teacher modified the existing test instead of creating a totally different test for their student. I would be curious to know if the student is allowed to use a calculator on testing.