An accommodation changes how information and concepts are presented or practiced ensuring that each student has the opportunities and support needed to learn. Accommodations do not reduce the learning expectations and should be chosen based on the student’s individual needs and not applied arbitrarily to all MLs. Accommodations are not to be viewed as an advantage to the student; accommodations provide access to the content for the student.
Accommodations:
- Provide access to grade-level curriculum;
- Alter the environment, not the curriculum;
- Do not change the learning outcomes;
- Happen in the content-area classroom; and
- Should not impact grading, though how learning is assessed may change.
Description
Using more simplified language may benefit multilingual learners as they are navigating new information. Teachers should speak slowly and clearly, and provide students with enough time to formulate their responses, whether in speaking or in writing. Teachers should modify the language without too much simplification.
Examples:
- Use synonyms to explain new vocabulary/concepts
- Rephrase or restate the information
|
Teacher |
Student |
 |
The teacher uses different visuals/descriptions to simplify the new learning without changing the meaning. |
The student utilizes their prior knowledge/vocabulary to build new concepts/vocabulary. |
|
Teacher |
Student |
 |
"Let's review this new concept. Who can restate the objective in student language for us?" |
"Can someone explain this to me?" |
| Recommended Domain(s) |
Recommended Level(s) |
| Listening, Speaking |
Entering (1) through Emerging (2) |
Scaffolding
When should the accommodation be removed?
The Teacher's Use of Simplified Language accommodation may be removed when the student develops more proficient vocabulary. Most MLs do not require simplified language beyond the Developing level (3), but students should always be encouraged to ask for clarification. If you have questions, or feel your ML requires a change in their ILAP regarding this accommodation, please reach out to the Multilingual Learner Program Specialist (MLPS) in your building to discuss the student's needs.
