What is the difference between accommodations and modifications in special education?

The distinction between accommodations and modifications in special education is crucial for understanding how to effectively support students with disabilities. Accommodations are changes made to the way a student learns or demonstrates their knowledge, allowing them to access the same curriculum as their peers without altering the content itself. For example, a student might receive extra time on tests or be allowed to use a calculator on math assignments.

In contrast, modifications change the actual expectations of what a student is expected to learn or achieve. This could involve reducing the complexity of assignments or adjusting the learning objectives to match the individual student's capabilities. Therefore, while accommodations help students engage with the same material as their peers, modifications adjust the learning goals to better align with a student's unique needs.

This understanding enables educators to tailor their instruction and assessments to support each student effectively, ensuring that all learners can succeed in their educational environment.