modifications

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Home : 2002 : February : 10

modifications
By MA

Cheryl,
I agree with your concern regarding memorized vocab. definitions, but I am surprised that your son is being asked to do this. I personally don't think it is the most educationally sound technique or even valid
assessment anyway, but I am even more surprised that this part of the test (if not the whole test) is not being modified for him. There are MANY other possibilities for more sound assessment in general, and making modifications for students with LD, which I used successfully when I was working with 5th graders.
Granted, I do not know your son and therefore, don't know the specifics

of his learning disability. What kind of special ed. supports does your son receive? What does his IEP say about this? If it is in there and not being done, you ought to call his service provider. If it is not and you really feel there's a problem, still, call his service provider so this can be addressed.

As for setting the definitions to music, if your son is a strong auditory learner, this may be a good idea. If he is a visual learner, you might try mneumonic picture clues and/or visualization techniques. Also, keep this in mind as he is preparing for the tests-- for example, if he is a much better visual learner than he is auditory, then verbally quizzing him on definitions will not be that helpful. If you can, get him practicing these words visually, auditorally, and kinesthetically-- even if this means chanting the words/definitions as you write them down. One easy way to make this less painful is to let him write them on a mini-drye erase or chalkboard, use gel pens/markers/etc., or let him type, if he prefers and/or handwriting is an issue. I hope something in this long rambling helps you. Let us know if you need more help! Good luck!