In the world of special education, it’s not uncommon to see academic rigor removed from students who don’t appear to be thriving in traditional learning environments. However, as an occupational therapist working in a high school setting, I firmly believe that students should stay on an academic track for as long as possible to support their cognitive, social, and personal development. Too often, the assumption is made that if a student isn’t succeeding, the academics must be the issue. But what if the problem isn’t the academics themselves, but rather the way they are being introduced?
I have seen firsthand the transformational power of adaptation and modification in education. Many students who were once slated for “life skills” classrooms whom I have worked with have taken the leap and gone on to earn Regents diplomas in New York State. Their success wasn’t because the material became easier but because it was presented in a way that aligned with their learning styles, needs, and abilities. It’s not a question of whether they can handle academics, but rather, how we as educators, therapists, and parents can ensure they are taught in a way they can understand and engage with.
I will give you an example: Imagine being a 7th grader with high functioining Autism. As 8th grade comes around the questions are asked whether or not a "less demanding" academic rigor would be more beneficial and instead, maybe a "life skills" placement would better suit their needs. That was one of my students years ago. This was a student with significant learning disabilities, a history of a TBI, and other impairments that left his emotional skills "needing more". Mom was insistent that he need to be ready for the world when he graduate and his team agreed. However, his team had thoughts that this student may have more success in an academic environment because the student had an interest in new information. So it was trialed....and you know what? He flourished. He graduated in four years with a regnets diploma. And today he is working towards becoming OSHA certified in HVAC. And believe me when I tell you there are so many more stories like that one.
The Role of Adaptation in Academic Success
Adaptation is everything. But understand this, adaptation doesn’t mean lowering expectations—it means changing the way information is delivered. Research supports the idea that differentiated instruction, scaffolding, and multisensory learning approaches can significantly impact student success. A study published in Exceptional Children found that students with learning disabilities perform significantly better when taught using evidence-based instructional strategies such as explicit instruction, visual supports, and hands-on learning experiences.
As an occupational therapist, my role extends beyond direct interventions; I collaborate with teachers to modify curriculum and classroom environments to make learning more accessible. Whether it’s breaking down complex tasks, providing alternative ways to demonstrate knowledge, or incorporating functional cognitive processes into lessons, there are countless ways to ensure students remain engaged in academic learning.
The Critical Role of Occupational Therapy in Academic Success
Occupational therapy (OT) plays a key role in academic success by helping students overcome functional cognitive deficits that impact learning. Research in The American Journal of Occupational Therapy highlights how OT interventions improve executive functioning, self-regulation, and fine motor skills, all of which are essential for academic engagement. Occupational therapists assist in adapting learning materials, improving sensory integration for better focus, incorporating assistive technology, and developing strategies to enhance working memory and task management. By embedding these supports into the educational process, OT ensures students can access and retain academic content effectively.
The Importance of a Growth Mindset in Educators and Collaboration Among Professionals
One of the most critical components of keeping students on an academic track is having educators who are open to new ideas and instructional strategies. The best teachers are those who not only understand their subject matter but are also willing to explore innovative ways to deliver it. However, the key to true student success lies in collaboration between special educators and related service professionals as they are able to share their wealth of knowledge together to create something amazing.
A report from the National Center for Learning Disabilities highlights that students with disabilities are more likely to succeed academically when general education teachers receive training in differentiated instruction and inclusive practices. This underscores the importance of professional development and interdisciplinary collaboration within schools. When educators, OTs, and SLPs work together, students receive a well-rounded approach that supports both their academic and functional learning needs.
I had the opportunity to work with an educator, an ELA teacher, who successfully captured his students' interest in classic literature by leveraging their love for movies. Using Batman: The Dark Knight Rises and A Tale of Two Cities, he created a comparative essay assignment designed to help students engage with the text while preparing for Regents expectations. Recognizing that this material was beyond the comprehension level of many of his students, he collaborated with an occupational therapist to develop a graphic organizer. This organizer included visuals of characters and simple block outlines, helping students structure their introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion by piecing together smaller components. As a result, the students produced responses that demonstrated academic growth—growth that was initially considered unlikely. Because of this teacher’s ability to adapt the curriculum and his willingness to collaborate, the book became a success for his students.
The Science of Learning: The Brain Develops into the Late 20s
Another crucial factor to consider when making academic placement decisions is brain development. Neuroscience tells us that the human brain continues to develop well into the late 20s, particularly in areas responsible for executive functioning, problem-solving, and higher-order thinking. This means that even students with significant delays still have the capacity to learn, grow, and develop academically. Instead of removing academic content from their education, we should be asking: How can we make this content accessible to them?
The Long-Term Impact of an Academic Foundation
While not every student will pursue college, academic learning extends beyond preparing for higher education. Literacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills are essential for daily living, employment, and overall independence. A solid academic foundation can enhance self-esteem, open doors to vocational training opportunities, and improve lifelong adaptability.
As CSE (Committee on Special Education) meetings and program placements are discussed, I encourage parents and educators to challenge the notion that a student’s learning potential is fixed. Rather than focusing on limitations, let’s focus on possibilities. How can we adapt, modify, and scaffold learning experiences so that all students have the opportunity to engage with the same curriculum as their peers?
Conclusion: Keep the Focus on Learning
Academics are not just for students on a college track. Every child, regardless of ability level, deserves access to knowledge and the opportunity to learn alongside their peers. If a student is struggling, the answer isn’t to remove them from academic learning—it’s to find new ways to teach them. Reading, writing, and learning are essential life skills, and with the right supports, every student can grow. It's with these tools that our children and our students, can open doors to bigger and better opportunities.
So to parents and educators: don’t give up on academics. Instead, ask how education can be adapted to best serve the student. When we shift our focus from what students can’t do to how we can teach them effectively, we unlock their true potential and give them the opportunity to thrive. Collaboration among educators, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists ensures that all students receive the comprehensive support they need to succeed.