Page 8 - DEDU506_SPECIAL_EDUCATION_ENGLISH

Special Education

Notes Some students may be working at the pre-kindergarten grade level, others at the first, second, or
third grade level. There may be students whose special education focuses primarily on speech and
language development, cognitive development, or needs related to a physical or learning disability.
Special education for any student can consist of:
• an individualized curriculum that is different from that of same-age, nondisabled peers (for
example, teaching a blind student to read and write using Braille);
• the same (general) curriculum as that for nondisabled peers, with adaptations or modifications
made for the student (for example, teaching 3rd grade math but including the use of counting
tools and assistive technology for the student); and
• a combination of these elements.
Self Assessment

1. Fill in the blanks:
(i) ........................ is instruction that is specially designed to meet the unique needs of a child
with a disability.
(ii) Each child is ......................, it is difficult to give on overall example of special education.
(iii) A .............................. results from a medical social of or learning in difficulty that interferes
significantly with normal growth and analysis.

1.2 Adaptations and Modifications

The individualization of instruction is an important part of special education. Instruction and
schoolwork are tailored to the needs of the child. Sometimes a student may need to have changes
made in class work or routines because of his or her disability. Modifications can be made to:
• what a child is taught, and/or
• how a child works at school.
Sometimes people get confused about what it means to have a modification and what it means to
have an accommodation. Usually a modification means a change in what is being taught to or
expected from the student. Making an assignment easier so the student is not doing the same level
of work as other students is an example of a modification. Allowing a student who has trouble
writing to give his answers orally is an example of an accommodation. This student is still expected
to know the same material and answer the same questions as fully as the other students, but he
doesn't have to write his answers to show that he knows the information.
What is most important to know about modifications and accommodations is that both are meant to
help a child to learn. For example:
Sonu is an 8th grade student who has learning disabilities in reading and writing. He is in a regular
8th grade class that is team-taught by a general education teacher and a special education teacher.
Modifications and accommodations provided for Sonu's daily school routine (and when he takes
state or district-wide tests) include the following:
1. Sonu will have shorter reading and writing assignments.
2. Sonu's textbooks will be based upon the 8th grade curriculum but at his independent reading
level (4th grade).
3. Sonu will have test questions read/explained to him, when he asks.
Modifications or accommodations are most often made in the following areas:
Scheduling. For example:
• giving the student extra time to complete assignments or tests
• breaking up testing over several days
Materials. For example:
• providing audiotaped lectures or books
• giving copies of teacher's lecture notes
• using large print books, Braille, or books on CD (digital text)

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