Living the Speducator Dream

  How often do teachers plan lessons and then go back to figure out how to provide access for a smaller subgroup? UDL allows teachers to target the needs of that subgroup from the beginning.  Students are presented information in different ways so that even if they don't grasp one way, there's another way they can try. And almost NEVER in UDL is a teacher standing in front of a group of students lecturing or giving information. Students are allowed multiple opportunities to get information, all from different modes. I think the best thing about UDL is that the accommodations are built in. I can give students a menu of options, but within that menu, I could give the option for students to listen to an article and complete one of tasks (that they select!) to show mastery. This is a best case scenario! This means ALL students have the option to listen to the text being read aloud. It's not a *special* accommodation for a student with an IEP or 504. ALL students may be wearing ...

  The truth is that ALL kids learn differently. That's why UDL and multi-modal teaching is best practice - Tier 1.  BUT when students have disabilities, accommodations level the playing field. Not only are we LEGALLY required to meet students' needs this way, it's the right thing to do.  Different doesn't mean easier; it means accessible.  Here are some things to consider when determining which accommodations may be appropriate:  1. Consider the impact of the student's disability on their learning. What is getting in the way? What is the barrier to the student accessing instruction or the school environment? How can we support the student in accessing grade level instruction?  2. Accommodations don't reduce or change learning expectations. That would be a modification. Accommodations allow access.  3. The entire IEP team's input is important when deciding on which accommodations are appropriate - including parents and students, as well as the school-ba...