The Game Has Changed: Do Accommodations Level the Playing Field, or Alter the Sport?
Open Access
Author:
O'brien, Sean T
Area of Honors:
Biology
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Richard Cyr, Thesis Supervisor William Carlsen, Thesis Honors Advisor Dr. Stephen Wade Schaeffer, Faculty Reader Richard Cyr, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
accommodations modifications students with special needs education UDL Braille extended time
Abstract:
Accommodations and modifications are two words frequently confused or misused in the educational world. This mistake can lead to harmful consequences for students when it comes to state standardized testing. Even when the distinction between accommodations and modifications is known, there is still a wealth of problems and lack of evidence for the ten most common accommodations: Braille, Computer/machine response, dictation, extended time, interpreter for instructions, large-print edition, mark answers in the test booklet, oral accommodations, clarifying directions, and test breaks. Currently there are many issues relating to the use of accommodations in the classroom: a dearth of evidence, most studies are conducted in elementary schools, teacher accommodation selection pitfalls, and the use of blanket accommodations. With the implementation of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), a proactive approach to try and alleviate the current downfalls of accommodations, schools may be able to better level the playing field.
