In the context of special education, what does a modification refer to?

A modification refers to adjustments made to the curriculum expectations or performance standards for a student. This concept is central to special education as it recognizes that some students with disabilities may require different educational expectations to accommodate their unique learning needs. Modifications can involve altering the complexity of the material, changing the learning objectives, or adjusting the assessments to better align with a student's abilities.

This practice ensures that students with special needs have equitable access to education and can achieve meaningful learning outcomes, even if their path looks different from that of their peers. Such adjustments can be crucial in helping students succeed and demonstrating their understanding in ways that honor their individual strengths and challenges.