Darlene Holt 2016

Nine Types of Curriculum Adaptations

Quantity
Adapt the number of items the
learner is expected to learn or
activities they are expected to
complete. For example reduce
number of terms to learn or add
more practice activities.

Time
Adapt the time allotted for learning,
completing tasks or testing.
Examples: individualized timeline,
increase or decrease pace of learning.

Input
Adapt the way the instruction is
delivered. Such as use different
visual aids, large print text, more
examples, hands on activities,
cooperative groups, pre-teach key
concepts or terms before the
lesson.

Difficulty
Adapt the skill level, problem type, or
rules on approaching the assignment.
Two examples are using a calculator,
or simplified instructions.

Output
Adapt how the student responds to
the instruction. For example allow
student to answer verbally rather
than in writing, use a
communication book, let students
demonstrate knowledge with
hands on activities.

Alternative Goals
Adapt the goals or expectations for the
same materials. This is routinely utilized
only for students with moderate to severe
disabilities. Example the student
identifies colors on the map rather than
location names.

Substitute Curriculum
Sometimes called functional
curriculum
Provide different instruction and
materials to meet a learners
individual goals. This is routinely
utilized only for students with
moderate to severe disabilities. An
example would be a student learning
a life skills lesson with an aide while
the class works on an academic
lesson

Participation
Adapt the extent of the learners active
participation in a task, like letting a
geography student hold the globe
while others point to the locations, or
make the student the group leader.

Blue equals accommodation and Red equals modification

Level of Support
Increase amount of personal
assistance to keep students on task
and reinforce skills. Enhance the
teacher-student relationship, physical
space and environmental structure.
Examples include peer buddies,
teaching assistants, peer tutors, cross
age tutors.