What is the main difference between accommodations and modifications?

The main difference between accommodations and modifications lies in how each addresses the educational needs of students. Accommodations are designed to provide support to students in accessing the general curriculum without altering the content or learning goals. For instance, a student may receive extra time on tests or be allowed to take tests in a quieter environment. These adjustments help the student perform to their potential without changing what they are expected to learn.

On the other hand, modifications adjust the actual learning goals or outcomes. This might involve simplifying tasks, altering assignments, or setting different benchmarks for students based on their individual capabilities. For example, a student might be expected to learn fewer or different content standards compared to their peers.

This distinction is crucial in developing effective individualized education plans (IEPs) as it ensures that each student’s educational experience is tailored to their specific needs while maintaining appropriate expectations.