And You Don’t Even Know It

Most educators and parents think they understand accommodations and modifications.

But let me ask you this:

If I walked into your classroom or home right now, could you clearly tell me the difference—without Googling it?

Because here's what I see all the time:

  • 👨‍🏫 Teachers giving fewer math problems...
  • 👩‍👦 Parents letting their child skip reading assignments…
  • 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Support staff simplifying tasks until they’re barely recognizable...

That’s not helping. That’s modifying.

And if you're doing it under the assumption you're just “supporting” the student—you’re actually lowering the bar.

Accommodations vs. Modifications: Know the Difference 🎯

Accommodations change how a student learns — giving them access to grade-level curriculum.

Modifications change what the student is expected to learn — often reducing rigor and long-term opportunity.

❌ They Thought They Were Helping…

A student sits down for a test. The teacher says, “You only need to do half of it.”

Everyone nods. No one questions it. It sounds supportive. It feels kind.

But it might actually be a modification — and that changes everything.

Area Accommodation
(Access the Same Content)
Modification
(Changes the Content)
Reading Audiobook or text-to-speech Use a simpler book at a lower grade level
Writing Use speech-to-text software Complete a shorter writing task or skip the writing
Math Extra time or use of a calculator Reduce the number of problems or remove multi-step problems
Testing Quiet setting, breaks between sections Test with reduced difficulty or alternate format
Participation Use of AAC or visual supports Participate in a completely different activity

None of these choices are wrong by default — but when we don’t understand the difference, we risk sending a damaging message:

“We don’t expect you to keep up.”

And for many students, that message sticks longer than the lesson.

The Hidden Cost 💸

Every time a student is removed from grade-level expectations without purpose, we chip away at:

  • Their self-esteem
  • Their access to future opportunities
  • Their independence

Stop Guessing. Start Supporting. 💪

If you’ve ever said:

  • 🤔 “I just want to make sure I’m doing it right.”
  • 🤔 “I’m not sure what’s allowed in an IEP.”
  • 🤔 “I want to advocate, but I don’t know how...”

Then you need The IEP Roadmap.

It’s your guide to understanding and navigating IEPs — without confusion, overwhelm, or outdated advice.

Inside you'll learn:

  • ✅ How to build and review strong, compliant IEPs
  • ✅ Exactly when to use accommodations vs. modifications
  • ✅ How to advocate without conflict
  • ✅ What vague goals and weak supports really cost your student

This isn’t just for people who write the IEP — it’s for anyone who’s on the team.


📘 Your Next Step: Get the Roadmap

Don’t leave your IEPs to chance. Don’t assume someone else has it covered. The cost is too high — and the fix is right here.

Getting Accommodations Right Starts with the IEP

Or click here to learn more about The IEP Roadmap →

Questions? We're here to help: krystie@adapted4specialed.com 714.598.9550