What is the correct distinction between an accommodation and a modification?

• A. Modification changes how a student learns the material.
• B. Accommodation changes how a student learns the material.
• C. Accommodation changes what a student is taught.
• D. Modification changes what a student is taught or expected to learn.

Answer: (B)

The key idea is how the student engages with the material, not what is being taught. An accommodation changes how the student learns or demonstrates understanding while keeping the same learning goals and standards. For example, giving extra time, using a calculator or text-to-speech, or providing a whispered explanation helps the student access the content without changing what they are expected to learn. A modification, in contrast, changes the content or the level of expected outcomes—the student is taught or assessed on different material or a lower standard. So the main distinction is that accommodations adjust the method of learning, while modifications adjust the content or expectations.