Some students with AD/HD can be successful in school with basic supports or accommodations that teachers often provide just because the child needs a little extra help. These strategies are often labeled "good teaching strategies." Other students who are struggling require services under Sections 504 or IDEA ( Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). Many students can be served successfully under Section 504, but others with more challenging struggles require but others with more challenging struggles require support pursuant to IDEA. If the multidisciplinary team decides that the student would benefit from services afforded by the IEP process, the child will probably qualify under the Other Health Impairment (OHI) category. (IDEA and Section 504 are discussed.

Educational Plans

Teachers can develop an informal educational plan for students who are struggling. On a more formal basis, IEPs and Section 504 plans are developed for eligible students. IEPS and some 504 plans.

1. describe the disability

2. detail how services will be provided

3. list who will be responsible for each task

4. list the recommended accommodations

All team memebers as well as parents often have input on the educational plan. Parent input is mandated for IEPs and is often solicited for 504 plans as a matter of best practice principles. Everyone at the team meeting signs and receives a copy of the final educational plan. A copy is kept in the student's cumulative record for future reference, and the plan is modified and changes as skills are mastered and obtained.

Accommodations

Typical accommodations that are provided to students with AD/HD includes:

1. Preferential seating

2. Reduction of copying or written tasks, including homework assignments

3. Support in recording homework assignments in a plan book

4. Use of compensatory tools in the classroom, for example, a computer or calculator

5. Advance notice sent to parents of due dates, especially on long-term projects

6. Daily note sent home

7. Additional copies of textbooks for home use

8. Supplementing verbal instruction with visual information

9. Alternative testing measures, including oral testing, or support on bubble sheet scan tests such as using a ruler to keep the row in line or writing answers directly on the test copy to later be transferred to the bubble sheet by an aide

10. Breaking tasks into shorter chunks or segments

11. Additional time for timed tasks or eliminating the time factor entirely

Teachers may also receive consultation or assistance from a school psychologist or other professionals who are familiar with AD/HD to implement the educational plan.

written by maryanne

August 14, 2008