Once your child has their goals set for the year, the discussion will include what accommodations and modifications will be made in order for your child to be successful in reaching their goals. Accommodations allow a student to complete the same assignment or test as other students, but with a change in the timing, formatting, setting, scheduling, response and/or presentation. As we have mentioned in earlier modules, accommodations don’t change what your child is expected to know or learn. Instead, the accommodations allow your child to access the content in a format that works best for them. Simple ideas like using the audio version of a text, using the elevator instead of the stairs, or allowing a child to type instead of handwrite are considered accommodations.

 

Modifications can also be recommended on an IEP. Modifications make a change to what your child is learning, as compared to their peers. Modifications could change the instructional level, the content or curriculum covered, the performance criteria (objective) and/or the assignment structure. For instance, the class is expected to read a grade level text and write a multiparagraph essay, but your child is expected to read a text that is below grade level and complete a worksheet about the story instead. It is important to be an active listener during this section to be sure you agree to the information being shared. If your child is in need of a behavior intervention, this will be explained, as well.

 

 

Please explore at least one of the resources below to better understand your student’s IEP accommodations and modifications and Behavior Intervention Plan.

 

 

Read Something	Listen to Something	Watch Something
Explore this resource from Understood.org outlining what some common accommodations and modifications are in classrooms. The PENT website is dedicated to supporting positive educational environments which use evidence based, positive strategies to achieve high outcomes for all students by disseminating resources and materials for educators throughout the state of California.	Listen to the podcast, Accommodations vs Modifications (& How to Make Sure Everyone Follows Them!) It’s important to understand the difference between the accommodations and modifications and the impacts they have on an individual student receiving specialized services.	Watch this video, Accommodations and Modifications for Students with Disabilities. For students with disabilities, the right accommodations and modifications can be as important to school success as appropriate IEP goals. These educational supports are similar, but they are not the same. Learn more about these supports and be prepared to discuss your child's needs. Video: Behavioral Intervention Plans in Special Education discusses the purpose of these plans, the when, why and how of behavior intervention, and strategies and options for behavior plans.