Accommodations and Modifications

 

The Difference Between Accommodations and Modifications

    Educators need a strong understanding of the distinct roles that accommodations and modifications play in the classroom. While the terms are often used interchangeably, they serve different purposes and are applied in different ways to support student learning.

    Accommodations are adjustments that provide students with additional support so they can access and engage with the same curriculum and learning expectations as their peers. These changes do not alter the content or rigor of the material; instead, they remove barriers to participation. Examples of accommodations include extended time on tests or assignments, preferential seating, access to audiobooks or text-to-speech tools, visual aids, or allowing students to respond orally instead of in writing.

    Modifications, on the other hand, involve changes to the curriculum itself. These adjustments alter the content, expectations, or level of difficulty to better align with a student’s individual learning needs, particularly for students with disabilities or significant learning challenges. Examples of modifications might include simplifying reading passages, reducing the number of assignments, providing alternative learning goals, or assessing a student on a different standard than the rest of the class.