What are accommodations in education?

Accommodations in education refer to modifications made to teaching methods or assessments that enable students with disabilities to access the curriculum more effectively. These adjustments might include changes in the way information is presented, the means by which students respond to assessments, or alterations in the environment in which learning takes place. The purpose of accommodations is to level the playing field for students who may be at a disadvantage due to their disabilities, allowing them to demonstrate their knowledge and skills without being hindered by their individual challenges.

For instance, a student with a visual impairment might receive materials in braille or large print, while a student with a learning disability may be given extra time to complete assignments or tests. These adaptations are intended to meet the unique needs of each student while maintaining the integrity of the learning objectives.

In contrast to this concept, high expectations for all students and standardized assessments aim to ensure a unified standard of learning, which does not specifically address the individual needs of students with disabilities. Additional homework for advanced learners, while a method of differentiation, does not provide the necessary adjustments for students needing accommodations to support their learning effectively.