What do accommodations refer to in the context of special education?

Accommodations in the context of special education specifically refer to modifications or supports that are put in place to help students with disabilities access the general education curriculum. These can include various strategies and tools that enable students to overcome barriers resulting from their disabilities, allowing them to demonstrate their knowledge and skills effectively.

For instance, accommodations might involve providing additional time on tests, allowing for the use of assistive technology, or changing the way tasks are presented, such as offering instructions both orally and in writing. The goal of these accommodations is to level the playing field so that all students can participate meaningfully in the educational process without changing the actual curriculum content or the learning expectations.

While changes in curriculum content and extended school hours might be essential components of a broader educational strategy, they do not specifically fall under the definition of accommodations, which are focused on strategies that help students interact with the existing curriculum. Standardized testing procedures may also be relevant, but accommodations pertain more directly to the supports tailored for individual students rather than the testing process itself.