Accommodation Vs Modification : The Ultimate Showdown

A student with ADHD sits at the front of the classroom, away from distractions.

• ACCOMMODATION

• MODIFICATION

Answer explanation

This is an environmental ACCOMMODATION. It changes where the student sits but doesn't alter what they're expected to learn.

A student uses large-print textbooks for all subjects.

• ACCOMMODATION

• MODIFICATION

Answer explanation

It is an ACCOMMODATION ! The student is accessing the same content as peers, just in a format that addresses their visual needs.

A Grade 3 student completes only half of the spelling words on weekly tests while classmates do all 20 words.

• ACCOMMODATION

• MODIFICATION

Answer explanation

It is a MODIFICATION ! The quantity of work has been reduced, changing the grade-level expectation for this student.

A student is given extra time to complete tests and assignments.

• ACCOMMODATION

• MODIFICATION

Answer explanation

It is an ACCOMMODATION ! Extra time doesn't change what the student must demonstrate, just allows more time to do so.

A Grade 8 student works on Grade 4 math concepts while peers learn algebra.

• ACCOMMODATION

• MODIFICATION

Answer explanation

It is a MODIFICATION. The student is working on completely different curriculum from a much earlier grade level, clearly changing what they're expected to learn.

A student with writing difficulties uses a scribe who writes exactly what the student dictates for essay assignments.

• ACCOMMODATION

• MODIFICATION

Answer explanation

It is an ACCOMMODATION ! Although the method of producing work is different, the student is still working on the same level of content as peers and demonstrating the same knowledge.

A Grade 10 English teacher assigns a graphic novel to a struggling reader while the rest of the class reads a traditional novel with the same themes.

• ACCOMMODATION

• MODIFICATION

Answer explanation

It is a MODIFICATION. While the themes may be similar, changing the text format from a traditional novel to a graphic novel changes the reading complexity and text analysis expectations.

A student with executive functioning challenges is given a checklist to help organize and complete multi-step assignments.

• ACCOMMODATION

• MODIFICATION

Answer explanation

It is an ACCOMMODATION ! The checklist is a support tool that helps the student meet the same expectations as peers by addressing organizational difficulties.

A student's spelling errors are not counted in grading writing assignments.

• ACCOMMODATION

• MODIFICATION

Answer explanation

It is a MODIFICATION. This changes the evaluation criteria for the student compared to grade-level expectations, which typically include spelling as part of writing assessment.

A Grade 7 student with dyslexia is allowed to listen to an audiobook version of the novel while following along with the text.

• ACCOMMODATION

• MODIFICATION

Answer explanation

It is an ACCOMMODATION. This provides multi-sensory access to the same content. The student is still engaging with the complete, grade-level text, just with additional auditory support.