In speaking with a new client the other day I was reminded that we sometimes get confused with ‘school speak’. Just like any industry we use language in a specific way. When it comes to IEP’s and 504’s it is important to be clear.
So to clarify the difference between an Accommodation and a Modification, here is the easiest way to remember. We accommodate the learner - access becomes easier. We modify the curriculum - what is learned can be changed.
We Accommodate The Learner. What does the learner, your student, need to make learning and the demonstration of that learning accessible? What needs to be learned is not changed. More time, a different mode of assessment, smaller workload (same amount of learned material), utilization of technology, etc. all are accommodations. A ramp, an elevator, a quiet work space all are accommodations. The list is virtually endless and never changes the learning outcome.
Accommodations are on both IEP’s and 504’s.
We Modify The Material. What we expect a child to learn, the pace of the learning including the depth of the learning all are modifications to the actual learning expectation. Sometimes modifications, because of the scope and depth of the change need to be presented in a different setting. Modifications can be minimal to so extreme that diplomas - the guarantee of learning - are not awarded.
Modifications to academics are only available on an IEP.
Changing what is learned - Modification. Providing support to a child so they can learn (what everyone else is learning) - Accommodation.
We accommodate and support the learner. We modify and change the material.
Have a question or concern - reach out - message or call for a 15 minute free consult.
So to clarify the difference between an Accommodation and a Modification, here is the easiest way to remember. We accommodate the learner - access becomes easier. We modify the curriculum - what is learned can be changed.
We Accommodate The Learner. What does the learner, your student, need to make learning and the demonstration of that learning accessible? What needs to be learned is not changed. More time, a different mode of assessment, smaller workload (same amount of learned material), utilization of technology, etc. all are accommodations. A ramp, an elevator, a quiet work space all are accommodations. The list is virtually endless and never changes the learning outcome.
Accommodations are on both IEP’s and 504’s.
We Modify The Material. What we expect a child to learn, the pace of the learning including the depth of the learning all are modifications to the actual learning expectation. Sometimes modifications, because of the scope and depth of the change need to be presented in a different setting. Modifications can be minimal to so extreme that diplomas - the guarantee of learning - are not awarded.
Modifications to academics are only available on an IEP.
Changing what is learned - Modification. Providing support to a child so they can learn (what everyone else is learning) - Accommodation.
We accommodate and support the learner. We modify and change the material.
Have a question or concern - reach out - message or call for a 15 minute free consult.
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