Modifications That Promote Successful Learning

All students can learn.  Some students, however, require modifications in order to be successful learners.  As teachers, we need to figure out how to adapt our classroom practices in ways that help all children feel successful.  Last spring, Dr. Nielsen, our Special Needs professor, brought us to Parents Reaching Out (PRO), a non-profit organization that coordinates with families, caregivers, educators, and state and community agencies to promote a variety of positive experiences for families and children throughout New Mexico.  While visiting PRO, we were given a number of resources, including a booklet called Tips for Student Success.  Included in this booklet is a long list of modifications that promote successful learning in the classroom.  Listed below are a handful of the modifications from that list.  Take a look.  Maybe there’s something you’ll find useful for one or more of the students in your classroom.

Modifications that Promote Successful Learning

Test modifications

Extended time

Oral responses

Take test in another room at the school

Test read to student with oral response

Answer list for fill in the blanks

Answers dictated on essay tests

Provide a study guide

Grading Modifications

No penalty for spelling errors

No penalty for handwriting (use cursive, printing, or computer)

Extended time for major assignments

Reduced learning load (set number of key facts for each unit or chapter)

Classroom modifications

Preferred seating

Provide copy of teacher’s notes or another student’s notes

Tape record class lectures

Allow oral reports instead of written

Color code or underline important concepts

Students repeats directions to check for understanding

Provide student with alternative reading on a topic at an easier reading level

Homework modifications

Allow student to dictate answers to parents.  Parents write dictated work.

Allow student to type homework or use computer

Allow the student to write the word in the blank rather than write the entire sentence

Make sure the student has the assignment in writing