Understanding Accommodations and Modifications and Partnering with Teachers

No commercial benefit may be derived from the viewing, copying or dissemination of this Hidden Sparks content, without prior permission from Hidden Sparks.

The language around struggling learners can be confusing: IEPs, 504s, accommodations, modifications. Even once you know what it all means, it’s not always easy to know which accommodations are best for your child or what they look like in the classroom. You will learn the difference between accommodations and modifications and discuss some commonly-used ones. Then, you’ll explore what they look like in practice, how to know if they’re working well, and ways for families and teachers to partner to track progress and optimize student learning.

Amanda Morin

Amanda Morin is a parent advocate and former teacher. She worked in classrooms and as an early intervention specialist for 10 years, providing education and training to parents of children with disabilities and leading multidisciplinary teams in developing and implementing Individual Family Service Plans. Since 2007, she has been working as an education writer and, more recently, as a parent advocate to empower parents and affirm the pivotal role they play in their child’s education. Morin received a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Maine and special education advocacy training from the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates. She is the author of three books: The Everything Parent’s Guide to Special Education, The Everything Kids’ Learning Activities Book and On-the-Go Fun for Kids: More Than 250 Activities to Keep Little Ones Busy and Happy—Anytime, Anywhere!