Accommodations Playbook

Assessment Accommodations

Formulas, Calculators & Distraction Zones

Note Cards & Formulas

The 3x5 Index Pass

Allow every student one 3x5 index card with handwritten notes. Tests test conceptual application rather than raw memory.

Eliminates individual card approval debates.

Separate & Quiet Setting

Perimeter Study Carrels

Set up 4 cardboard desktop carrels at outward-facing perimeter desks with noise-reduction earmuffs.

Frame as "high-focus zone" open to anyone.

Test Format & Typing

Rule of 3 + Digital Essay

Format tests with 3 answer choices instead of 4. Offer typed essay responses on LMS with spell-check enabled.

Reduces visual clutter and motor fatigue.

Transforms high-stress testing environments into predictable, quiet workspaces.

Instructional Supports

Zero-Prep Curriculum Accommodations

Tier 2 Vocabulary & Concepts

2-Minute Slide Anchor

Include 3 essential academic words (with a 4-word plain language definition and symbol) directly on the warm-up slide.

Choral-read together during the first 2 minutes. Pre-teaches vocabulary without creating separate glossaries.

Scaffolded Writing & Prompts

Permanent Group Starters

Laminate 6 universal sentence frames and tape them to the center of each desk cluster (e.g., "This evidence suggests...").

Students with graphic organizer and starter accommodations have instant access without raising hands.

Assignment Chunking: Use "Must-Do (odd numbers) / May-Do (even numbers)" to scale problem counts. Zero extra paper copies required.

Classroom Environment

Routines, Timers & Discreet Check-Ins

10-2 Pacing

Visual Timers

Project a countdown clock. Run 10 minutes of direct instruction followed by a 2-minute pause to write or confer.

Minute 5 Lap

Clipboard Lap

Circulate with a tracking clipboard at Minute 5. Whisper 10-second check-ins to priority students: "Got sentence 1?"

Side-Runner

Smart Seating

Place students along outer perimeter aisles rather than direct front-and-center. Allows quick, discreet teacher proximity.

Processing Time Hack: Institute the "30-Second No-Hands Rule" after high-level questions so all students can process before anyone answers.

Behavioral & Social Systems

Silent Cues, Transitions & Peer Pairing

Nonverbal Cues

Desk-Tap Signal

Agree on a private code (two taps on desk corner = "Take a breath, check step 2").

Zero verbal public redirection.

Hallway Transitions

2-Minute Bell Pass

Give sensory/anxiety-sensitive students a pre-signed pass to exit 2 minutes before the bell.

Avoids packed, noisy hallways.

Social Pairing

Numbered Partners

Pre-assign partners using numbered playing cards. Pair vulnerable students with calm peers.

Eliminates playground social anxiety.

Hyperfocus Pivot: When a student is locked into an off-task topic, use an index card: "Write your thought here so we don't lose it, then open page 42."

Participation & Safety

Equitable Voices & Emergency Protocols

Communication & Voice

The "Warm-Calling" Ritual

Replace high-stakes cold calling with a warm whisper during work time: "Your response on #4 is insightful. I’m calling on you to share that in 3 minutes."

Also permit private video recordings (Flip/Loom) for oral presentation grades.

Emergency & Drill Safety

Advance Notice & Sensory Plan

Give a quiet 5-minute verbal warning before scheduled fire drills. Keep noise-canceling ear defenders in a pouch beside the door.

Position sensory-sensitive students at the rear perimeter outside, away from loud alarms.

Preserves emotional and physical safety while holding high standards for participation.

Next Steps

Take Action

The Monday Morning Rollout

1

Set Up Focus Zones

Place 3 folding carrels and ear protection along perimeter desks. Announce them as available to all students.

2

Launch 5-Min Lap

Clip a roster to your board. Circulate at minute 5 of independent work to conduct 10-second check-ins.

3

Adopt Split Testing

On your next unit assessment, schedule Part A and Part B across 2 consecutive days. Solve extended time forever.

Accommodations Playbook • Secondary Education Small Systems • Enormous Impact