Curriculum modifications and_adaptations
- 1. TOOLS FOR TEACHERS 15 Curriculum Modifications & Adaptations There is no recipe for adapting general education curriculum to meet each student’s needs. Each teacher, each student, each classroom is unique and adaptations are specific to each situation. Keep in mind that curriculum does not always need to be modified. By providing multi-level instruction you will find that adapting a lesson may not always be necessary. Differentiating instruction and providing multiple ways assess allows more flexibility for students to meet the standards and requirements of the class. At other times, the curriculum can be made more accessible through accommodations. In addition, supports for one student may not necessarily be the same in all situations, e.g., a student who needs full time support from a paraprofessional for math may only need natural supports from peers for English, and no support for art. And, supports should not be determined by the disability label, instead supports should be used when the instructional or social activity warrants the need for assistance. (Fisher and Frey, 2001). The forms and examples on the following pages provide information about curriculum and types of adaptations that could be considered in developing the appropriate strategy for a particular student. Examples are provided for both elementary and secondary levels.
- 2. 16 TOOLS FOR TEACHERS Curriculum Modifications & Adaptations A Curricular Adaptation and Decision-making Process This decision-making flowchart can be used to conceptualize the proces of selecting and implementing curricular adaptations. It should be used as a tool for a team in determing an individual student’s needs. Identify the student’s individual educational goals and objectives to be emphasized during general education activities Articulate the expectations for the student’s performance in general education activities Determine what to teach As a team, determine the content of the general education activity, theme or unit study Determine how to teach As a team, determine if, without modification, the student can actively participate and achieve the same essential outcomes as non-disabled classmates. If the student cannot achieve the same outcomes... Select of design appropriate adaptations Select Select Employ Select Engineer the Design Select natural instructional lesson student-specific curricular physical and modified supports and arrangement format teaching goals social classroom materials supervision strategies specific to environment arrangements the lesson If the above adaptation strategies are not effective, design an alternative activity Evaluate effectiveness of adaptations
- 3. Curriculum Modifications & Adaptations TOOLS FOR TEACHERS 17 A Curricular Adaptation and Decision-making Model Examine the Structure of the Instruction 1. Can the student actively participate in the lesson without modification? Will the same essential outcome he achieved? 2. Can the student’s participation he increased by changing the instructional arrangement? From traditional arrangements to: • Cooperative groups • Small groups • Peer partners • Peer or cross-age tutors 3. Can the student’s participation be increased by changing the lesson format? • Interdisciplinary/thematic units • Activity-based lessons, games, simulations, role-plays • Group investigation or discovery learning • Experiential lessons • Community-referenced lessons 4, Can the Student’s participation and understanding be increased by changing the delivery of instruction or teaching style? Examine the Demands and Evaluation Criteria of the Task 5. Will the student need adapted curricular goals? • Adjust performance standards • Adjust pacing • Same content but less complex • Similar content with functional/direct applications • Adjust the evaluation criteria or system (grading) • Adjust management techniques Examine the Learning Environment 6. Can the changes he made in the classroom environment or lesson location that will facilitate participation? • Environmental/physical arrangements
- 4. 18 TOOLS FOR TEACHERS Curriculum Modifications & Adaptations • Social rules • Lesson location Examine the Materials for Learning 7. Will different materials be needed to ensure participation? • Same content but variation in size, number, format • Additional or different materials/devices • Materials that allow a different mode of input • Materials that allow a different mode of output • Materials that reduce the level of abstraction of information Examine the Support Structure 8. Will personal assistance be needed to ensure participation? • From peers or the general education instructor? • From the support facilitator’? • From therapists’? • From paraprofessionals? • From others? Arrange Alternative Activities that Foster Participation and Interaction 9. Will a different activity need to be designed and offered for the student and a small group of peers? • In the classroom • ln other general education environments • In community-based environments From. Udvari-Solner, A. (1994). Curriculum Adaptations Project.
- 5. Curriculum Modifications & Adaptations TOOLS FOR TEACHERS 19 Curriculum Adaptations It is important to correlate adaptations with the IEP. In other words, we are not adapting for adaptations sake but, to meet the student’s needs as identified on an IEP. a. Curriculum as is. This is the type we forget most frequently. We need to constantly Move in be looking at the general education curriculum and asking if the students on IEPs may this gain benefit from participating in the curriculum as is. We need to keep in mind that direction incidental learning does occur. Curriculum as is supports outcomes as identified in only when standard curriculum. necessary b. Different objective within the same activity and curriculum. The student with an IEP works with all the other students in the classroom participating in the activity when possible but, with a different learning objective from the other students. This is where the principle of partial participation fits. Examples include. • A student with a short attention span staying on task for 5 minutes. • Using a switch to actis ate a communication device to share during a class discussion. • Expressing one’s thoughts by drawing in a journal instead of writing. • Holding a book during reading time. • Understanding the effect World War II has on the present rather than knowing the names and dates of key battles. c. Material or environmental adaptations. The material or environmental changes are utilized so that participation in the general education curriculum by the student with the IEP may occur. Examples include: • 5 spelling words from the weekly list instead of the standard 20. • Completing a cooking assignment by following picture directions rather than written directions • Changing the grouping of the class from large group to small groups (possible with the additional support staff). • Changing the instructional delivery from lecture to the cooperative learning format • Using a computer to write an assignment instead of paper and pencil. • Reading a test to a student. • Highlighting the important concepts in a textbook. • Having the student listen to a taped textbook. • Using enlarged print • Using an assistive technology device • Using visual cues such as picture and/or word schedules for those who have difficulty staying on task. • Using a note taking guide listing the key concepts during a lecture.
- 6. 20 TOOLS FOR TEACHERS Curriculum Modifications & Adaptations d. Providing Physical assistance. Assistance from another person may be needed for a Move in student to participate in a classroom activity. If possible, it is better to use natural supports this (peers) as these will be the people always present in the student’ life. If the use of peers is direction not possible, then either the support teadcher, the paraprofessional, the classroom teacher, only when the classroom aide, or a parent volunteer may provide the assistance. Most peers and staff necessary will need training in the correct way of providing physical assistance. In addition, we need to keep in mind the principle of partial participations. Examples include: • Starting a computer for an student with an IEP to use. • Guiding a hand during handwriting. • Assisting in activating a switch. • Completing most of the steps of an activity and having a student with an IEP do the remainder • Pushing a student in a wheelchair to the next activity. e. Alternative/substitue curriculum. This is sometimes referred to as functional curriculum as it usually involves the acpuisition of “life skills.” The decision to use alternative/substitute curriculum is a major change and needs to be reflected on the IEP. This decision should be carefully made after weighing all of the pros and cons of using an alternative curriculum. The alternative curriculum may or may not take place in the general education classroom. Examples include: • Community-based instruction (which all students may benefit from!) • Learning job skills in the school cafeteria. • Learning how to use a communication device. • Doing laundry for the athletic department • Learning cooking/grooming skills at the home. Overlap does occur among the five types of curriculum adaptations. McFee, K. & Torrey, Z. (1992-1995). ABCs of inclusion. A VI-B project awarded to HPEC by the Kansas State Board of Education.
- 7. Curriculum Modifications & Adaptations TOOLS FOR TEACHERS 21 Nine Types of Adaptions Input Output Time Adapt the way instruction is Adapt how the learner can Adapt the time allotted and delivered to the learner. respond to instruction allowed for learning, task completion or testing. For example: For example: Use different visual aids; plan Allow a verbal vs. written For example: more concrete examples; response; use a communication Individualize a timeline for provide hands-on activities; book for students; allow completing a task; pace place students in cooperative students to show knowledge learning differently (increase or groups. with hands-on materials. decrease) for some learners. Difficulty Level of Support Size Adapt the skill level, problem Increase the amount of personal Adapt the number of items that type, or the rules on how the assistance with specific learner. the learner is expected to learn learner may approach the work. or compete. For example: For example: Assign peer buddies, teaching For example: Allow a calculator for math assistants, peer tutors or cross- Reduce the number of social problems; simplify task direc- age tutors. studies terms a learner must tions; change rules to accom- learn at any one time. modate learner needs. Degree of Participation Alternate Goals Substitute Curriculum Adapt the extent to which a Adapt the goals or outcome Provide the different instruction learner is actively involved in expectations while using the and materials to meet a the task. same materials. learner’s individual goals. For example: For example: For example: In geography, have a student In social studies, expect one Individualize a timeline for hold the globe, while others student to be able to locate just completing a task; pace learning point out the locations. the states while others learn to differently (increase or locate capitals as well. decrease) for some learners. From: Ebeling, D.G. , Ed.D., Deschenes, C., M.Ed., & Sprague, J., Ph.D. (1994). Adapting curriculum and instruction The Center for School and Community Integration, Institute for the Study of Developmental Disabilities.
- 8. 22 TOOLS FOR TEACHERS Curriculum Modifications & Adaptations Adaptations ADAPTATIONS Instructional Ecological Curricular Adapt how it is taught Adapt the setting- Adapt what is and how learnign is where, when and taught demonstrated with whom Supplementary Simplified Alternative Instructional Student When Where Who Add social, Change level of teach functional stimulus or response or Adapt the place Adapt the Adapt staffing, communication, difficulty or skills plus input output schedule grouping study or processing include fewer embedded Difficulty/amount Difficulty/amount skills to general objectives social, Modality Modality curriculum communication Format/materials Format/materials and motor skills Stages of Adaptations Stage 1 Stage 2 General Adaptations Specific Adaptations Blueprints or formats for Time-limited adaptations for a adapting predictable activities particular lesson, activity or unit and routines From: Janney, R., Ph.D., and Snell, M., Ph.D. (2000) Modifying Schoolwork; Baltimore, MD; Paul H. Brooks Publishing Company
- 9. Curriculum Modifications & Adaptations TOOLS FOR TEACHERS 23 Creating Ways to Adapt Familiar Lessons - Elementary 1. Select the subject area (and grade level) to be taught: reading math science social studies writing music health P.E. art Grade Level: ........................ 2. Select the lesson topic to be taught (on one day): 3. Briefly identify the curricular goal for most learners: By the end of this class, most students will know ......................................................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................................................... 4. Briefly identify the instructional plan for most learners: As teacher, I will .............................................. ......................................................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................................................... 5. Identify the name(s) of the learner(s) who will need adaptations in the curriculum or instructional plan: ......................................................................................................................................................................... 6. Now use “Nine Types of Adaptations” as a means of thinking about some of the ways you could adapt what or how you teach to accommodate this learner in the classroom for this lesson. Input Output Time Difficulty Level of Support Size Degree of Participation Alternate Goal Substitute Curriculum Center for School & Community Integration, Institute for the Study of Developmental Disabilities, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
- 10. 24 TOOLS FOR TEACHERS Curriculum Modifications & Adaptations SAMPLE FORM Creating Ways to Adapt Familiar Lessons - Elementary 1. Select the subject area (and grade level) to be taught: reading math science social studies writing music health P.E. art 4 Grade Level: ........................ 2. Select the lesson topic to be taught (on one day): Vocabulary comprehension 3. Briefly identify the curricular goal for most learners: By the end of this class, most students will know ......................................................................................................................................................................... the meaning of new vocabulary works from their story. 4. Briefly identify the instructional plan for most learners: As teacher, I will ask students to complete ......................................................................................................................................................................... a matching activity in which they match words and definitions on paper. The students will also choose one word and write a sentence using the word on the bottom of their paper. 5. Identify the name(s) of the learner(s) who will need adaptations in the curriculum or instructional plan: Kim 6. Now use “Nine Types of Adaptations” as a means of thinking about some of the ways you could adapt what or how you teach to accommodate this learner in the classroom for this lesson. Input Output Time Place students in Allow the student to Ask the student to cooperative groups and record all or part of the complete the assignment at divide the task between assignment on tape. home and return it the group members. Each member next day. teaches their vocabulary work to team members. Difficulty Level of Support Size Select different Ask a classmate, peer Select fewer (or more) vocabulary words for the tutor or teaching words for the student to student to learn; words assistant to assist in learn, but leave the as- that are less difficult or completing the assignment. signment the same as for in some cases more other students. difficult. Degree of Participation Alternate Goal Substitute Curriculum Ask the student to check Set the goal as being to Choose a different story classmates’ definitions write the words only, or for the student to read against as answer key. being able to pronounce and identify one or the words, or just several words the learner listening to the words and needs to know. definitions. Center for School & Community Integration, Institute for the Study of Developmental Disabilities, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
- 11. Curriculum Modifications & Adaptations TOOLS FOR TEACHERS 25 Creating Ways to Adapt Familiar Lessons - Secondary 1. Select the subject area (and grade level) to be taught: math science history literature business P.E. fine arts health Grade Level: ........................ 2. Select the lesson topic to be taught (on one day): 3. Briefly identify the curricular goal for most learners: By the end of this class, most students will know ......................................................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................................................... 4. Briefly identify the instructional plan for most learners: As teacher, I will .............................................. ......................................................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................................................... 5. Identify the name(s) of the learner(s) who will need adaptations in the curriculum or instructional plan: ......................................................................................................................................................................... 6. Now use “Nine Types of Adaptations” as a means of thinking about some of the ways you could adapt what or how you teach to accommodate this learner in the classroom for this lesson. Input Output Time Difficulty Level of Support Size Degree of Participation Alternate Goal Substitute Curriculum Center for School & Community Integration, Institute for the Study of Developmental Disabilities, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
- 12. 26 TOOLS FOR TEACHERS Curriculum Modifications & Adaptations SAMPLE FORM Creating Ways to Adapt Familiar Lessons - Secondary 1. Select the subject area (and grade level) to be taught: math science history literature business P.E. fine arts health Grade Level: ........................ 10 2. Select the lesson topic to be taught (on one day): Concept comprehension 3. Briefly identify the curricular goal for most learners: By the end of this class, most stu- dents will be able to define and explain the relevance of five concepts from their text chapter. 4. Briefly identify the instructional plan for most learners: As teacher, I will ask the students to read the chapter, identify five key concepts and write a short paragraph describing each concept they have chosen. 5. Identify the name(s) of the learner(s) who will need adaptations in the curriculum or instructional plan: John 6. Now use “Nine Types of Adaptations” as a means of thinking about some of the ways you could adapt what or how you teach to accommodate this learner in the classroom for this lesson. Input Output Time Provide a review of the Allow the student to use Allow the student an chapter prior to having a tape recorder to dic- extra day to complete the student complete the tate the assignment the task either in written work. instead of having to study hall or at home. write the answers. Difficulty Level of Support Size Identify the key concepts Place the students in Select fewer or more for the student but keep cooperative groups to concepts for the stu- the remainder of the complete this assignment. dent to learn, but asssignment the same. Group members can assist leave the assignment the student with reading the same as for other or writing. students. Degree of Participation Alternate Goal Substitute Curriculum Ask the student to pick Set the goal as being to During this lesson the out related books from the write the key concept student can work on library that will provide words only, or being able keyboarding skills in the supplementary information to pronounce the words, or computer lab. for classmates. just listening to the words and descriptions. Center for School & Community Integration, Institute for the Study of Developmental Disabilities, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
- 13. Curriculum Modifications & Adaptations TOOLS FOR TEACHERS 27 (Elementary) PEAK Parent Center, Inc. 1999
- 14. 28 TOOLS FOR TEACHERS Curriculum Modifications & Adaptations SAMPLE FORM PEAK Parent Center, Inc. 1999
- 15. Curriculum Modifications & Adaptations TOOLS FOR TEACHERS 29 SAMPLE FORM PEAK Parent Center, Inc. 1999
- 16. 30 TOOLS FOR TEACHERS Curriculum Modifications & Adaptations SAMPLE FORM (Secondary) Academic Unit Lesson Plan PEAK Parent Center, Inc. 1999
- 17. Curriculum Modifications & Adaptations TOOLS FOR TEACHERS 31 PEAK Parent Center, Inc. 1999
- 18. 32 TOOLS FOR TEACHERS Curriculum Modifications & Adaptations SAMPLE FORM PEAK Parent Center, Inc. 1999