The Importance of Accommodating Students

In a classroom buzzing with diverse minds, backgrounds, and learning styles, the word “accommodation” shouldn’t be reserved for IEPs or 504 plans. It should be a mindset—a default setting for educators who understand that equity isn’t about treating every student the same. It’s about giving each student what they need to thrive.

No matter the classroom or setting, I’ve learned that being accommodating isn’t a soft skill—it’s a strategic one. It’s the difference between compliance and connection, between checking boxes and changing lives.

Accommodation is Not Lowering the Bar

Let’s debunk the myth: accommodating students doesn’t mean watering down rigor. It means scaffolding access to rigor. When I give extended time on a mock trial prep or allow a student to present their understanding through a visual storyboard instead of a written essay, I’m not compromising standards. I’m honoring the learner.

In fact, accommodations often reveal deeper understanding. A student who struggles with timed writing might shine when allowed to rehearse their argument orally. A multilingual learner might grasp complex legal concepts through collaborative role-play before they can articulate them in academic English. These aren’t shortcuts—they’re bridges.

The Long Game: Building Resilience and Agency

Being accommodating isn’t just about today’s lesson—it’s about tomorrow’s confidence. When students feel seen and supported, they’re more likely to take risks, ask questions, and persist through challenges. That’s not just good pedagogy—it’s neuroscience. Safety and belonging are prerequisites for learning.

I’ve watched students who once hesitated to speak in class become leaders in peer simulations. I’ve seen reluctant writers become passionate advocates when given the chance to write about issues that matter to them. These transformations don’t happen in rigid environments. They happen in classrooms where flexibility is baked into the culture.

Practical Moves That Make a Difference

• Offer choices in how students demonstrate learning—video reflections, graphic organizers, debates, or written responses.
• Use tiered vocabulary supports for ESL students, but let them grapple with authentic texts.
• Build in recovery opportunities—retakes, revisions, and reflection aren’t signs of weakness; they’re signs of growth.
• Check in often—not just academically, but emotionally. A quick “How are you doing today?” can unlock a world of insight.

Final Thought: Accommodation is a Form of Respect

At its core, being accommodating is about respecting the learner’s journey. It’s about saying, “I see you. I believe in your potential. Let’s find a way forward together.” That’s the kind of classroom I want to build—not just for today’s lesson, but for a lifetime of learning.