What's the Difference?
What is the main purpose of an accommodation?
To remove barriers so the student can access the curriculum and demonstrate learning.
Student is working on reading expectations from Grade 2 while enrolled in Grade 4. Accommodation or not?
Not an accommodation, this is a modification because it is altering the grade level.
What technology allows students hear the text read aloud?
Text-to-speech software (e.g Read&Write, Microsoft Immersive Reader, Kurzweil 3000)
A student completes fewer questions on a test, but the expectations stay the same. Modification or not?
No this is not a modification, this is an accommodation because it is a reduction in workload while keeping expectations the same.
A student completes only half of the writing assignment, focusing on fewer learning goals. Accommodation or modification?
Modification, the learning goals have been reduced.
What is the main purpose of a modification?
To change what the student is expected to learn by altering the number, complexity, or grade level of expectations.
Using a scribe for a writing assignment. Accommodation or not?
Yes it is an accommodation, it supports written expression without altering expectations.
Name a tool that helps students organize ideas before writing.
Graphic Organizers (e.g Google Drawing, Lucidchart, Popplet, Jamboard)
A student in Grade 7 is working toward a personal goal like personal hygiene skills. Modification or not?
This is not a modification, this is an alternative programming goal.
Which term refers to changes to grade-level expectations? Accommodation or Modification
Modification.
True or False: An accommodation changes what a student is expected to learn.
False. It changes how the student learns, not what they learn.
A student wears noise-cancelling headphones during work time. Accommodation or not?
Yes this is an accommodation, it supports focus and self-regulation.
Is word prediction an accommodation or a modification?
It is an accommodation.
A student’s report card reflects different expectations than the Ontario curriculum. Modification or not?
Yes this is a modification, the learning expectations are not aligned with grade-level outcomes.
A student is working on a simplified curriculum with fewer expectations. Accommodation or modification?
Although there is no change in grade level, there is still a change in the number of expectations, so this is a modification.
Can a student have both accommodations and modifications on their IEP?
Yes. Some students require accommodations for access and modifications to the curriculum.
A student is given access to an audiobook version of a class novel. Accommodation or not?
Yes this is an accommodation, text-to-speech and audiobooks provide access to curriculum content.
What term is used in the IEP to refer to technology like text-to-speech?
Assistive technology.
A student in Grade 4 is identified as gifted and is working on expectations from the Grade 7 Math curriculum.
Yes this is a modification. Even though the student is working above grade level, any change to the student’s grade-level curriculum expectations, whether above or below, is a modification.
A student is able to meet grade-level expectations with supports like text-to-speech, extended time, or graphic organizers. Accommodation or modification?
This would be an accommodation because there are no changed to the curriculum or what the student is learning.
When would a student need a modification rather than just accommodations?
When the student cannot meet grade-level expectations, even with accommodations, and needs different learning goals.
A student is allowed to present a project orally instead of in writing. Accommodation or not?
Yes this is an accommodation, it is an alternative method of demonstrating learning (UDL-aligned).
Explain how using voice typing could help a student with dysgraphia access the curriculum.
It aides a student who may have difficulty handwriting, allowing the student to focus on demonstrating knowledge and completing tasks.
A student receives expectations from the Ontario curriculum that are grade-level, but with a reduced number of overall expectations for the year. Modification or not?
Yes this is a modification, it is a reduction in curriculum expectations.
How is a modification different from an accommodation?
An accommodation focuses on how a student learns or demonstrated their learning. The student can meet grade-level expectations with support.
A modification focuses on what a student learns. The student cannot meet grade-level expectations, even with accommodations.