Rachel Sinton

EDUC450: Modifications and Adaptations Assignment

November 2nd, 2014
Consider: Who are your learners? What are their special needs? Exceptionalities? Alternative ways of
learning? Giftedness?
In my class at Thompson Valley High School, there is a wide range of students with varying
learning abilities. While the majority of the class does not suffer exponentially from any illnesses or
learning disabilities, there are still some students who have specific learning needs. For one, two of the
students suffer from Attention Deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Another student suffers from
migraines, which is difficult for her when we are using technology or working loudly during group work
and discussions. Finally, one student is intellectually gifted, which causes him to constantly be at a higher
learning level than the other students. The rest of the class is not affected significantly from special needs;
however, not every student learns the same way. This being said, it is necessary to implement a
multiplicity of learning styles and techniques in order to meet all students needs.

Consider: What specific ways have you included to make certain student learning needs are being
met? Multiple Intelligence activities? Learning style understanding? Special seating? Special handouts?
Etc.
In order to make certain that student learning needs are being met, it is important to be flexible and
creative as a teacher. As mentioned previously, students have varying ways of how they learn best. To
address this, lessons should not include simply one or two learning techniques. Instead, different modes of
teaching should be incorporated daily. For instance, include visual, social, aural, verbal, and physical
activities and assignments. This may seem challenging, but addressing student choice can easily include it.
For instance, I will be sure to give students a choice in how they would like to learn throughout the
semester. This way, I can get a sense of how much I should incorporate visual aids or how often I should
stick to lecturing. Next, it is important to work cross-curriculum with other teachers and faculty members
in order to ensure that student needs are being addressed. By including everyone that is involved, it is
easier to keep track of a students learning. Also, to fully meet students needs, regular meetings and
conferences with that student should be had. It is important to stay updated with how students are doing
and what they need personally in order to be successful.

Include two specific examples of students (without using names) for whom you provided modifications,
adaptations and/or accommodations. Create 2 hypothetical examples if you do not have students who are
labeled.
1. One student suffers severely from migraines. These migraines cause her to act out in class
because she is frustrated which then leads to her not completed her classwork because the migraine is either
to painful or distracting for her. While this is not a daily occurrence, they affect her fairly often. In order
to help her, I have allowed her to go to the restroom to fill up her water bottle. This has helped her to get
out of the loud room and take a miniature break in between learning to calm her headache. I have also
gotten copies printed off in a light blue color (rather than the bright yellow color that Ms. Whitney usually
uses). The lighter, less vivid colors are easier for her to look at when she is suffering from a migraine. This
enables her to continue working on the assignment or activity without being in pain from looking at the
bright paper. Though these are two simple ways that I have provided modifications, they have definitely
helped her learning and have met her special needs.

2. Although I do not have an English Language Learners (ELLs) in my classroom, I feel that
because we live in a community with a large population of immigrants it is necessary to address this special
need. One way that I would do this is by having weekly conferences with ELL students. These would be a
quick, informal way to check-in with students and ask if they have any questions regarding the material that
we have been doing in class. By meeting with these students privately rather than during class, it allows
me to create a safe and respectful learning environment. Another way I would meet their special needs is
by allowing them to take notes and journal in their native language. This will help them to think critically
about a text or assignment and express themselves more easily. If they did choose this option, however, I
would require them to briefly summarize their thoughts and journals in English. That way, they are
learning how to switch between English and their native language and will give them a space to practice
this transition. Finally, if we were to watch a video or movie in our classroom, I would respectfully ask
them if theyd like subtitles to be displayed. By giving them the option, I will show them that I understand
their learning needs and that I am simply attempting to help them achieve.