accomodation vs. modification

I might be others who will give a more concise answer but mine would be this. Modifications means changes to the actual curriculum eg fewer vocab words assigned to be memorized or a different book is assigned to be read.
Accomodations means changes in the teaching and/or testing practices. Extended time on tests is a common accomodation. Dictating your answers to someone who writes them down for you, using books on tape instead of reading, being supplied with notes rather than copying your own… all these would be accomodations to accomodate the students’ learning needs.

I agree with Sara. A quick way to remember is this: Accommadations refer to HOW and modifications refer to WHAT.

In my child’s IEP, modification means that although she is physically in 3rd grade, her academic program is modified to a 1st grade level. My understanding is if she continues on this, she would never graduate but get a certificate of attendance. Accomodations can be given to her with a modified academic curriculum. Accomodations are also given to LD children working on grade level, but who are in need of extra aids to attain that. Sharon G.

An accomidation is a way to enhance the child’s learning by providing things like preferential seating or repeating of directions. A modification is a change to the curriculum for success, such as modified assignments or reduced spelling list.
Brenda