Teacher Checklist

The following are some ways to modify the classroom environment for students with special needs:

• Reduce the number of assignments.
• Decrease the amount of writing in an assignment.
• Modify tests (e.g., read math problems to student).
• Extend time for assignment completion.
• Participation at homework center.
• Use a timer to determine the amount of time to be spent on a particular assignment.
• Use visual aids when giving instruction.
• Use short, concise directions.
• Have a buddy repeat the directions to the student.
• Student uses a personal chalkboard/whiteboard.
• Provide a special study area.
• Provide a special learning partner.
• Have the student use a notebook/contract for organization.
• Demand an organized desk area and notebook.
• Timeout to another classroom.
• Provide “activity breaks.”
• Have the student dictate thought or story to an aide. Aide writes it down and student copies it.
• Encourage student to use a marker while reading.
• Change seating.
• Put fewer problems on each page.
• Assign short period of concentrated effort.
• Shorten assignments.
• Provide student with the opportunity to take the assignment home or to the homework center.
• Provide written directions.
• Encourage student to repeat your question before answering it.
• Teacher lists assignment on board and student copies it.
• Break complex directions into one- or two-step tasks.
• Change class assignments.
• Allow student to use earphones to screen out distractions while involved in a paper and pencil task.
• Vary test format.
• Deploy the student within classroom.
• Have the student work with an aide or cross-age tutor.
• Have the student use a computer for writing assignments.