Which practice best supports optimal learning for students with IEPs?

• A. adhere to goals and accommodations; extend instruction
• B. avoid accommodations; increase pace
• C. ignore IEPs; provide generalized instruction
• D. reduce support; simplify content

Answer: (A)

For students with IEPs, instruction must align with their individualized goals and the accommodations that help them access the curriculum. When you adhere to those goals, you ensure the learning targets are relevant to each student’s needs rather than applying a generic approach. Providing the required accommodations removes barriers—things like extra time, reduced task demands, or adaptations to materials—so the student can participate and demonstrate learning. Extending instruction means offering additional time, more guided practice, and supports such as scaffolding or differentiated pacing, giving the student repeated opportunities to master skills at a pace that fits them. Together, following the IEP and extending instruction create an accessible path to progress and learning gains. The other options move away from individualized supports: skipping accommodations or increasing pace without supports can leave gaps unresolved; ignoring the IEP or giving generalized instruction fails to meet the student’s specific needs; reducing support and simplifying content can underprepare the student for grade-level expectations.