The Importance of Accommodations, Modifications, & IEPs in Assessment

What does IEP mean and what does it stand for:

According to the Ontario Ministry of Education's Policy and Resource Guide for Special Education, an IEP (also known as an Individualized Education Plan) is "a written plan describing the special education program and/or services required by a particular student, based on a thorough assessment of the strengths and needs that affect the student’s ability to learn and to demonstrate learning " (2017, pg.153).

Accomodations VS. Modifications?

According to the Ontario Human Rights Commision,

• Accommodations refer to "the special teaching and assessment strategies, human supports, and/or individualized equipment required by students with special education needs to enable them to learn and demonstrate learning. The provision of accommodations in no way alters the curriculum expectations for the grade level or course" (2019). This can include supports during assessments.

while,

• Modifications are "changes made in the grade-level expectations for a subject or course in order to meet a student's learning needs." (2019). This can include changing how students complete an assessment.

Accomodation Examples in Assessment:

Based on a students IEP or arrangements prior to an assessment, supports they may have access to can include:

• Extra time (e.g. time and a half)

• Frequent breaks

• A seperate / quiet space to complete the assessment (with monitoring)

• Use of noise cancelling headphones or music if needed for concentration

• Assistive Technology (e.g. screen readers, speech-to-text, or AAC devices)

• An alternative format for completing the assessment (e.g. braille, audio/spoken format, large font)

• Ability to take the test earlier or later if needed (arranged prior to day of assessment)