In a busy classroom, it is well nigh impossible to meet the learning needs of each and every student. As a parent, knowing your responsibilities for implementing instructional accommodations and modifications in your child at home, makes the task even more challenging.
Accommodations determine how your child does homework and learns at school in a way that suits them best and by using the same materials as other classmates, but with a bit of extra support.
On the other hand, modifications are changes which are deemed necessary for your child to learn as the same material used by classmates does not work. This could include introducing shorter assignments or one-on-one help apart from other assistance.
Planning for accommodation or modifications
While accommodations and modifications are key teaching approaches to meet the diverse needs of children, it is only by understanding the differences between these strategies and doing comprehensive assessments can parents and educators decide what is best for the child.
Parents should schedule meetings with class teachers several times a year to create change and especially carry out the 504 plan which caters to disabled children.
Apart from teachers, officers who work with the child should also be a part of these meetings. Since the parent knows the child better than anyone, these interactions will give them an opportunity to make sure the child has all the support needed.
The meetings will also allow parents to evaluate the child’s struggles and successes and set goals for the next school year to determine what aid your child should receive. Your child’s healthcare provider should ideally be also invited to attend the meetings or a child therapist too, if possible.
During the meetings, the parents need to pay close attention to what the child is going to be provided by way of assistance and if they have concerns, it should be brought to the notice of the teachers during the meeting itself.
In case you feel your child’s plan is not suitable enough for their development, or has modifications which are no longer needed, then speak up about these issues to ensure your child’s plans are met diligently and not just for any child with a similar disability.
After the meeting, prepare a draft of your child’s plan and go over it carefully. If necessary, talk to a doctor or a therapist. Once you and the teachers are in concurrence, then they all put their signatures of approval on it.
Once everyone has agreed and put their stamp of approval on the plan, it is now the job of the teacher to take over. Remember, by law, the school has to meet you to discuss your child’s concerns,
Parents also need to familiarise themselves with the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and 504 plan to keep tabs on what is happening at school. If you have any doubts, ask about these plans on phone or via email. If you feel something is not being done, they can resort to other measures to help the child.
All said and done, if your school is unwilling to conduct the agreed upon meetings, there are specific education attorneys who can help get you child the support they need.
