Modifications for ESL Students in Content-Area Classroom

Modification of materials includes:

- decreasing the amount of work presented or required;

- using videos, illustrations, pictures, and drawings to explain or clarify.

Modification of instruction includes:

- teaching key aspects of a topic. Eliminate nonessential information.

- tutoring by peers;

- taping classroom lectures;

- having peers take notes or providing a copy of the teacher’s notes;

- providing study guides.

Modification of assignments/homework includes:

-allowing students to correct errors (looking for understanding);

- marking students’ correct and acceptable work, not the mistakes;

- using computer word processing spell check and grammar check features;

- reducing or omitting lengthy outside reading assignments;

- allowing students to select from given choices.

Modification of assessment includes:

-allowing products (projects, timelines, demonstrations, models, drawings, dioramas, poster boards, charts, graphs, slide shows, videos, etc.) to demonstrate student’s learning;

-modifying tests to reflect selected objectives;

-using authentic assessments with real-life problem-solving;

- using true/false, matching, or fill in the blank tests in lieu of essay tests;

- reducing the number of answer choices on a multiple choice test;

- allowing the use of note cards or open-book during testing;

- collaborating (general education teacher and specialist) to modify vocabulary, omit or modify items to reflect objectives for the student, eliminate sections of the test, and determine how the grade will be determined prior to giving the test.