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

Independent

Independent study inherently provides more opportunities for customization and personalization of instruction for all students, which also benefits students with disabilities. For additional insights, refer to resources like the CAST UDL Guidelines that offer strategies to enhance engagement, representation, and action/expression in learning for students with diverse needs.

 

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: