Accommodations or Modifications?

Samantha has a reading disability and is reading significantly below grade level. While working on a reading unit, the teacher gives her a lower-grade-level text to read on the same topic as the class.

• Accommodation

• Modification

Answer explanation

That would be a modification because it is changing the actual content and learning.

Trey is in reading intervention, as he is a year below grade level. He has been making good progress in his intervention class, though. During the same reading unit, the teacher gives Trey a shortened version of the class text so he does not fatigue while reading the grade-level assignment.

• Accommodation

• Modification

Answer explanation

That would be an accommodation because he is still expected to read the same grade-level material, just shortened a bit.

Larissa has an intellectual disability. She joins the regular education class for group activities, science, social studies, centers, and breaks. When it is time for math, Larissa goes with the special education teacher to work 1:1 with basic foundational math skills. This is while the rest of her class learns fractions.

• Accommodation

• Modification

Answer explanation

That would be a modification because Larissa is working on a completely different modified math curriculum with unique expectations.

Jimmy has ADHD and struggles to pay attention during math class. His teacher gives him a daily point sheet where he earns points for every time he completes a problem correctly in math.

• Accommodation

• Modification

Answer explanation

This would be an accommodation because Jimmy is still expected to complete the same math concepts, but he is given supports to help him focus.

Omar has an autism spectrum disorder. His class is taking an assessment on weather. Omar’s specific test is altered with more basic information about weather to allow him to be successful.

• Accommodation

• Modification

Answer explanation

This would be a modification because the expectations about Omar’s understanding of weather are changed.

Amelia has an auditory processing disorder and gets frequently distracted by outside noises. This is challenging for her during tests and quizzes, so the teacher allows her to take assessments in a more quieter resource room.

• Accommodation

• Modification

Answer explanation

This would be an accommodation because she is taking the same test as everyone else, but needs a quieter setting to help her get through it.