Listed below are appropriate legal accommodations that teachers can use with their ESL students.
We understand that not all ESl students will need these accommodations. However, we strongly
encourage the use of these accommodations with the students who truly need them in order to
succeed. These accommodations are allowable on daily work, exams, and benchmarks. They are
Not allowable on TAKS.
ESL ACCOMMODATION LIST
INSTRUCTIONAL
1) Cut the length of the assignment (Give enough to understand the meaning of the lesson, cut
some repetitious or unnecessary material)
2) Allow extra time for completion
3) Reduce the number of answer choices (ex. 2 multiple choice answers instead of 4)
4) Simplify work problems-eliminate unnecessary information
5) Use alternate forms of assessment (ex. pictures, oral assessment, or a permanent product rather
than a worksheet)
6) Outline key points of the lesson (state "This is the important part. Here is the main idea"
7) List key vocabulary
8) Explain information or directives in several different ways
9) Use simpler language (ex. use "work" instead of "stay on task" or "picture" instead of
"illustration")-you do not have to simplify concept
10) Make the lesson mulitsensory -i.e. visual (pictures), auditory (song, rhyme, sing-song), tactile
(objects)
11) Use movies, videotapes, and audio books
12) Do a comprehension check (don't ask "Do you understand?" Ask specific questions
13) Use simple sentences (verb-article-noun)
14) Don't correct every error (focus on a particular error to avoid frustration and shutting down)
15) Stay away from idioms (ex. He spilled the beans)-they only confuse students
16) Write directions for student
GENERAL
1) Have the student work with a buddy
2) Speak where they can see your mouth move
3) Speak slowly
4) Repeat information
5) Pause for understanding (longer time than for typical students)
6) Use gestures to accompany directives-act out meaning
7) Label classroom items with note cards or sticky notes
8) Do not ask students to perform in front of class unless they are very comfortable with the task-
allow them to present privately
9) Have routines
10) Use heterogeneous grouping with supportive students
CULTURAL
1) Pronounce names correctly
2) Appreciate the student's language and heritage
3) Allow and encourage students to share aspects of their culture
4) Learn "Hello" and "Goodbye" in their native language
5) Smile
INDEPENDENT WORK
1) Use auditapes
2) Visit ESL websites
3) Reading books on lower levels
4) Flashcards
5) Label objects
6) Language computer games and exercises