Accommodations help level the playing field in academics and may include:
• Allowing more time for assignments and during testing
• Having assignments or tests read aloud to the student
• Reduced amount of items the student is tested on
• Receiving notes from other students
• The student is allowed to answer test questions verbally
• The student is allowed to go into a quiet room for testing
Accommodations help the student show that they have knowledge of the material. Accommodations do not help the student become a better reader, better at math skills or improve their processing speed. Accommodations are work arounds. If your child is allowed an accommodation at school your child should use these accommodations to help them achieve academically; however, this is also an indication that you child has some cognitive – communication weakness. The cognitive – communication weakness may have potential to be improved and should be evaluated by a professional. The evaluation helps determine how to proceed by learning about the student’s strengths and weaknesses and developing a plan to improve their foundation skills. Brain Training and/or neurodevelopmental therapy can help build cognitive foundations skills that support academics. Addressing cognitive foundations skills such as attention, memory, auditory and visual processing, logic & reasoning – concept formation, comprehension, verbal expression, and processing speed may be a better way to improve both their foundation skills and future academic success.
Providing accommodations for a student and developing cognitive skills can work together. However, improving their skills is a more functional approach that can be used for every aspect of their life; at home, in the community, at work, and at school.
