Katie Roskovensky

SLM 521

Instructional Modifications

Instructional Modifications

For a student with a reading disability:

1. If text is from an online source that has distracters (links, blinking text, colorful backgrounds, etc.) copy and paste the text into a blank word document with fewer distractions for reading.

2. Print out important text to be read from paper rather than the screen.

3. Select sites that are at an appropriate reading level.

4. Allow additional time to complete assignments.

5. When possible record readings on tape or use sites where information is read aloud.

6. Prepare links in advance to the sites being used to avoid copying website URL’s from the board.

7. Hold frequent conferences to “check in” on the student.

8. Give directions in orally and in print several times.

9. Select online activities focusing around topics that the student has a great deal of background knowledge in.

10. Reduce the volume of the assignment to account for the student’s reading troubles.

For a student with ADHD:

1. Seat the student at a computer that is near the least amount of distractions.

2. Seat the student at the same computer each session.

3. Tell the student the goal for the assignment, but have a checklist available for each direction on the screen that the student can actually delete as he/she completes the step.

4. Provide an example of the desired outcome that the student can access on his/her computer.

5. Use the same language and routine for logging on to the computer and getting to the appropriate program or website each time.

6. Create links in advance to avoid students mistyping URL’s into the computer.

7. Set up clear time limits for each direction. After each direction is met, the student may take a quick (1 minute or so) break.

8. Set up a “check your work” session after a desired amount of time, to be certain that the student has carefully completed the steps to the assignment.

9. Have the student repeat directions as they are given.

10. If a website is full of distractions, copy and paste the important information to a word document with fewer distractions.