Common Accommodations and Modifications in Independent Study

• Access to pre-made lessons and assignments:
  • Prepared notes/reviews/study guides
  • Clear rubrics for assignments and projects

• Flexibility in scheduling and deadlines:
  • Extended time on lessons and tests 
  • Flexibility in assignment start and end dates 
  • Opportunities for remediation and assignment resubmission

Implementing Adaptations and Supports in Virtual Settings

• Student Skill Development:
  • Teach Self-Advocacy: Since independent study relies heavily on the student's autonomy, teaching self-advocacy skills is important. Some students may need scaffolding to gradually become more comfortable requesting accommodations or seeking clarification on assignments. This can start with providing a concise list of a student’s current accommodations to be reviewed and explained in detail. Training and support should also be given to the adults who will support them while regularly checking in to ensure they are being used effectively.
  • Explicitly Teach and Reinforce Executive Functioning Skills: Executive functioning skills, which include planning, organization, time management, task initiation, and self-regulation, are critical for success in an independent study learning environment. Unlike traditional classroom settings, independent study requires students to take greater responsibility for their learning, often working with minimal direct supervision. Strong executive functioning skills enable students to set goals, manage schedules, prioritize tasks, and stay focused on their assignments. These skills also help students overcome procrastination and adapt to challenges, ensuring they can meet deadlines and achieve academic success in a self-directed framework. Many students may lack the skills to organize and work independently in an independent study environment. Parents and students may need support breaking tasks into manageable parts, using tools like timers and to-do lists, and organizing their schedules effectively.
• Technology and Tools:
  • Use of Technology Tools: Ensure students can access assistive technology that supports their learning, such as speech-to-text software, audiobooks, or organizational apps. Offer training and guidance on using these tools effectively in an independent study setting. Below are some commonly used tools and platforms and the support they offer (The El Dorado County Charter SELPA does not specifically endorse any specific program or tool.):
    • Reading & Writing Support:
      • Read&Write – Text-to-speech, speech-to-text, and word prediction
      • NaturalReader – Converts text to audio for auditory learning
      • Speechify – Reads digital text aloud
      • Grammarly – Provides grammar and spell check for writing assistance
    • Visual & Hearing Accessibility:
      • Closed Captioning (YouTube, Zoom, Microsoft Stream) – Provides subtitles for videos
      • Voice Dream Reader – Reads aloud digital text with customizable settings
      • BeeLine Reader – Uses color gradients to improve reading flow
    • Assistive Communication & Note-Taking:
      • Dragon NaturallySpeaking – Speech-to-text for hands-free writing
      • Microsoft OneNote & Google Keep – Digital note-taking with audio and text features
      • Otter.ai – Transcribes lectures and meetings in real-time
    • Focus & Time Management:
      • Forest & Pomodone – Focus timers to assist with attention challenges
      • Google Calendar & Todoist – Task and schedule management
      • StayFocusd & Freedom – Website blockers to minimize distractions
    • Audiobooks & Digital Reading:
      • Learning Ally – Audiobooks for students with dyslexia or visual impairments
      • Bookshare – Free accessible ebooks for eligible students with disabilities
      • Audible – A vast collection of audiobooks across all subjects
      • Libby & OverDrive – Free digital audiobooks and ebooks via public libraries
      • Voice Dream Reader – Converts text-based content into audio with customizable settings
• Feedback and Stakeholder Communication:
  • Instructions and Expectations: Provide clear and explicit instructions for assignments and expectations. Some students may need accommodations, such as instructions written in simplified language or presented visually.
  • Regular Feedback: Provide timely, constructive feedback on students' work to help them improve and maintain engagement. Check in frequently with students who are struggling with coursework or engagement to determine if different adaptations are needed. Use digital platforms to give immediate feedback on assignments, such as comments in Google Classroom, or schedule regular video calls to review progress.
  • Frequent Communication with Families: Families often play a crucial support role in an independent study setting. Keep lines of communication open between the educator, student, and family to ensure that the accommodations are effective and sustainable. Offer a digital family toolkit with resources such as:
    • Checklists for setting up physical and digital workspaces 
    • Videos explaining how to use assistive technology tools
    • Guides for families on fostering executive functioning skills at home
  • Staff Collaboration: Ensure ongoing collaboration and/or professional development between general and special education staff and related service providers so accommodations and modifications can be implemented effectively. Consider hosting monthly workshops for staff to share best practices and outcomes. Utilize shared documents to track and provide feedback on the success of accommodation implementation for individual students. 
• Environmental and Physical Needs:
  • Breaks and Movement: Encourage students to take breaks, especially for those with attention challenges or sensory needs. These breaks should be structured and scheduled to help them manage their workload effectively.
  • Distraction-Free Workspaces: Help students create distraction-free environments at home. This might include using noise-canceling headphones, visual schedules, or working in a quiet space. Collaborate with adults who support the student at home, especially when multiple siblings are learning at home and need to share spaces.

• Potential Challenges and Strategies to Implementation: 
  • Student Difficulty Using Tools
    • Strategy: Provide step-by-step tutorials, video guides, and written instructions. Conduct virtual workshops or one-on-one support sessions. Create a help desk or support forum for student questions.

• • Technology Accessibility and Compatibility Issues
    • Strategy: Choose tools compatible with multiple devices and operating systems. Provide offline alternatives for students with limited internet access such as printed visual schedules. Test software in advance to troubleshoot potential issues.
  • Learning Curve & User Frustration
    • Strategy: Introduce tools gradually, starting with essential features. Offer structured guidance and peer mentoring. Break down training into manageable steps to prevent overwhelm.
  • Technical Issues & Troubleshooting
    • Strategy: Provide a list of common issues and solutions. Offer IT support or a designated tech-savvy instructor. Encourage students to practice self-troubleshooting before seeking help.
  • Motivation & Engagement Challenges
    • Strategy: Explain the benefits of assistive tools with real-life success stories. Allow students to personalize settings for comfort. Use gamification, progress tracking, and incentives to boost engagement. Consider teaching students to use the embedded tools in the technology they most often use (Google voice typing, Siri/Apple speech-to-text, etc.). Students can access these tools throughout their daily lives, increasing the likelihood that they will adopt them as lifelong application tools. 
  • Privacy & Data Security Concerns
    • Strategy: Use school-approved, secure software that complies with data protection laws. Educate students on online safety and responsible technology use. Set clear guidelines for handling personal information.