Skip to content Accommodation Central Menu

Preferential Seating

Placing a student's seat in a location that is most beneficial for their learning in the classroom. The ideal seating location will vary depending on the unique needs of the student and the specific qualities of the classroom.

 

Allowable on at least one state assessment

Assistive Technology

Examples Include:

  • Seat students who are inattentive or off-task away from windows, doors, talkative classmates, or other potential distractions. 

  • Seat students with a visual impairment close to the teacher and/or any visual aids that are used for instruction. 

  • Seat students with a hearing impairment close to the teacher so they can more easily hear the teacher's voice. 

How to Implement:

  • 1.

    Assess the classroom to identify where most of your instruction is focused as well as areas that may create distractions.

    Assess the classroom to identify where most of your instruction is focused as well as areas that may create distractions.

  • 2.

    Identify the best placement for the student based on specific needs, behaviors, and preferences. 

    Identify the best placement for the student based on specific needs, behaviors, and preferences. 

  • 3.

    Teach expectations about the new seating assignment. 

    Teach expectations about the new seating assignment. 

  • 4.

    Create a plan for how the student will communicate with you about the new seating assignment.

    Create a plan for how the student will communicate with you about the new seating assignment.

  • 5.

    Monitor the student in their new seating assignment and record data about their behavior and progress. 

    Monitor the student in their new seating assignment and record data about their behavior and progress. 

  • 6.

    Provide feedback to the student. Feedback should be specific and include positive praise for correct behavior and corrective feedback for inappropriate behavior. 

    Provide feedback to the student. Feedback should be specific and include positive praise for correct behavior and corrective feedback for inappropriate behavior. 

  • 7.

    Adjust the student’s seat if necessary and continue to monitor and provide feedback. 

    Adjust the student’s seat if necessary and continue to monitor and provide feedback. 

  • 8.

    Share progress and effectiveness with the student, the educational team, and the family.

    Share progress and effectiveness with the student, the educational team, and the family.

  •