Curriculum Modification and Differentiated Instruction Flashcards

Which of the following BEST distinguishes a 'modification' from an 'accommodation' in special education?

Answer: Modifications change what is expected of the student; accommodations change how the student accesses or demonstrates learning

Modifications alter the content or performance expectations, while accommodations change the delivery, format, or environment without altering the standard.

A teacher uses 'anchor activities' in a differentiated classroom. What is the primary purpose of these activities?

Answer: To provide meaningful, independent work for students who finish early while the teacher works with others

Anchor activities are ongoing, independent tasks students work on when they complete their primary assignment, keeping all students productively engaged.

When developing differentiated instruction for a student with autism who is a strong visual-spatial learner, which approach is MOST aligned with learning profile differentiation?

Answer: Using visual schedules, diagrams, and graphic representations to deliver content

Visual schedules, diagrams, and graphic representations leverage the student's visual-spatial strength to enhance comprehension and engagement.

A co-teaching team is planning a math lesson. The special education teacher will work with a small group on a modified version of the lesson while the general education teacher leads the class. This is an example of which co-teaching model?

Answer: Alternative teaching

Alternative teaching involves one teacher working with a small group on different or modified content while the other teaches the larger class.

Which of the following is an example of differentiating by 'product' in an inclusive classroom?

Answer: Allowing students to choose to demonstrate their understanding through a poster, oral presentation, or written report

Differentiating by product means offering students choices in how they demonstrate mastery — the format of the final demonstration varies.

A student with a moderate intellectual disability is in an inclusive 5th-grade classroom during a unit on American history. His IEP goal focuses on identifying community helpers. Which approach BEST exemplifies appropriate curriculum modification?

Answer: Connecting the history unit to the student's IEP goal by having him identify historical figures as community helpers and their roles

Linking historical figures to the concept of 'community helpers' connects the grade-level topic to the student's IEP goal in a meaningful, inclusive way.