Language Matters

Understanding the difference between what you want to say and how to say it can make all the difference in your IEP.

Language Matters: Accommodations Versus Modifications

KNOW YOUR TERMINOLOGY! Here is a handy infographic comparing the differences between an Accommodation and a Modification.

Accommodations versus Modifications chart

Accommodations and Modifications are often thought of as synonymous terms. However, when it comes to IEPs, the nuanced differences between these terms have significant implications with regard to the type of support offered and sometimes even have long-term ramifications. Ensuring everyone at the IEP table understands the differences will facilitate creation of an appropriate IEP document.

ACCOMMODATION

An Accommodation is a technical term for adjustments that affect how the student will learn material or share their knowledge.  An Accommodation is meant to help a student access the grade level curriculum and material.

Examples of Accommodations include:

  • extending time for the student to complete work or tests
  • presenting a report orally instead of in written form (or vice-versa)
  • reducing the amount of problems assigned or tested (without altering the content or core lesson)
  • allowing a student to stand, sit, change seating, use a fidget device, etc.
  • allowing a student to use a basic calculator to work on higher level math problems, when accessing simple addition/multiplication isn’t core to the lesson and the device merely speeds the student along

MODIFICATION

A Modification is a technical term for adjustments that affect what the student is being taught.  Modifications are used to alter the content, assignment, grading system, or basic learning method of the material.

Examples of Modifications include:

  • changing the content of the lesson, such as teaching the student basic multiplication tables while the rest of the class is working on the quadratic formula
  • changing the assignment in a way that alters the learning standards, such as having the student submit a single sentence about the discussion topic while the rest of the class works on a 3-page essay
  • changing the grading system, such as basing the grading of assignments on the IEP goals instead of the standard applied to the rest of the classroom

It is important to understand that the use of Modifications may affect the student’s ability to graduate on track with their grade-level peers. Having this discussion with the IEP team is an important part of making informed decisions.

Language Matters image/infographic © 2019 Healthy Minds Consulting