School of Practice How to Talk About (and Normalize) Learning Accommodations
Jan 6, 2026
Join Jeremiah Kim, an enthusiastic teacher with nearly a decade of experience, and Daniel Valrath, a veteran special education consultant, as they tackle the delicate topic of learning accommodations. They share practical tips for initiating age-appropriate conversations without singling anyone out. Discover effective strategies like proactive classroom discussions, protecting student privacy, and utilizing team-building activities to normalize differences. Plus, hear about the importance of tracking accommodations and the risks of ignoring these vital conversations.
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Silence Fuels Negative Narratives
- Avoiding conversations leaves students to invent deficit-based explanations for supports.
- Transparent discussion prevents stigma and helps students understand their learning needs.
Normalize Accommodations Early
- Talk proactively about accommodations with the whole class early in the year to normalize differences and explain fairness versus equality.
- Use simple language to show accommodations help people learn, not to punish or privilege them.
Create Private Request Channels
- Provide private ways for students to request supports like a labeled "what I need" box or brief one-on check-ins.
- Make it clear who sees requests and keep communication confidential to protect privacy.