Accommodations Check Up
Just as you take your child for an annual check up at the pediatrician, your child's accommodation plan needs an annual check up as well! Accommodations are granted to students with learning disabilities to help them access the general education curriculum. Accommodations don't change what is learned but how it is learned; they don't change what is tested but how it is tested.
The Evolving Nature of Accommodations
Accommodation plans are typically created after a student receives an educational evaluation, either through the Initial Eligibility Process in a public school or through private outside testing. While these initial plans are a great starting point, they should not be viewed as set in stone. Accommodations must change every year (sometimes even more frequently) to meet the evolving needs of each individual student. For example, if a student was tested in 3rd grade, the initial accommodation plan likely encouraged teachers to assign fewer words on spelling tests. By 6th grade, the same student may no longer have spelling tests, but he or she might benefit from a provision to provide a word bank on content area tests like science or social studies. Accommodations must change over time to meet the ever-increasing demands of each grade, as well as respond to ways the student has improved substantially due to successful therapy and intervention.
Identifying New Challenges
In addition to changing over time, accommodation plans should respond to new areas of difficulty. Pull up your child's grades. Are there particular types of assignments on which he consistently earns low grades? For example, some students might have an overall high grade in a course but consistently struggle on tests compared to classwork, homework, and projects. This would warrant a discussion with your child's teacher: What about the test made them more difficult for him than the classwork and homework? It could potentially be formatting, the types of questions asked, the way he studied for them, or time constraints. It is helpful to have several work samples to review to find patterns. Once a challenge such as formatting has been identified, an effective accommodation can be created to address that problem.
Navigating Annual Review Meetings
For parents of students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 plans in public schools, annual review meetings are a key part of the academic calendar. It’s an opportunity to discuss your child’s progress and set goals for the upcoming year. While parents of students in private schools may not have formal meetings scheduled, it’s still beneficial to initiate one. Before attending these meetings, conduct an accommodations check-up. Prepare to advocate for 2-3 new accommodations tailored to your child’s needs. By being proactive, you can ensure your child’s plan remains effective and supportive of their learning journey.
Taking Action for Your Child
Armed with insights from the accommodations check-up and equipped with knowledge of your child’s needs, it’s time to take action. Be assertive in advocating for the accommodations necessary to support your child’s learning. Remember, you are your child’s strongest advocate, and it’s essential to speak up on their behalf to ensure they receive the support they need to succeed academically.
The Importance of Ongoing Communication
The accommodations check-up shouldn’t be a one-time event—it’s an ongoing commitment to your child’s education. Maintain open lines of communication with teachers and school administrators throughout the year. Address any emerging challenges promptly and adjust accommodations as needed. By staying engaged and proactive, you can ensure your child’s accommodation plan remains responsive to their evolving needs, fostering their academic growth and confidence.
Consider One-on-One Academic Tutoring
In addition to accommodations, consider the benefits of one-on-one academic tutoring for your child. Tutoring can provide personalized support tailored to your child’s unique learning style and needs. Whether it’s reinforcing concepts, improving study skills, or building confidence, tutoring can complement accommodations and enhance your child’s academic success.
By staying proactive and involved in your child’s education, you can ensure their accommodation plan continues to support their learning journey effectively. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s school if you have any concerns or questions about their accommodations. With your support and advocacy, your child can thrive academically and reach their full potential.
