IEP Modifications in Hawaii: Accommodations vs. Modifications
What is the difference between accommodations and modifications in a Hawaii IEP?
In Hawaii, modifications are changes to curriculum content, complexity, or performance expectations for a student with a disability. The IEP must document all program modifications under HAR § 8-56-28(b)(4), including curriculum modifications and supports for school personnel. When modifications are employed, the IEP must explain the extent to which the student will not participate with nondisabled peers in regular classes and nonacademic activities under HAR § 8-56-28(b)(5). Students with the most significant cognitive disabilities who require extensive modifications to the general curriculum may take the Hawaii State Alternate Assessment (HiSAA). Because HIDOE operates as both the SEA and sole LEA, decisions about modifications are guided by a single set of statewide policies, reducing inconsistencies that can arise in multi-LEA states. Least restrictive environment (LRE) principles require that placement decisions always consider the full continuum of options before selecting a more restrictive setting with greater modifications (HAR § 8-56-36).
What Hawaii Requires
The IEP must document all program modifications and supports for school personnel to be provided to enable the student to be involved in and make progress in the general curriculum (HAR § 8-56-28(b)(4); 34 CFR 300.320(a)(4)).
The IEP must explain the extent to which the student will not participate with nondisabled peers in regular classes, extracurricular activities, and other nonacademic activities (HAR § 8-56-28(b)(5); 34 CFR 300.320(a)(5)).
Students with the most significant cognitive disabilities may take the HiSAA alternate assessment; the IEP must justify why the student cannot participate in the regular SBAC assessment (HAR § 8-56-28(b)(6); 34 CFR 300.320(a)(6)(ii)).
The IEP team must consider LRE before recommending modifications that remove a student from general education (HAR § 8-56-36; 34 CFR 300.114).
Modifications must be reviewed at least annually as part of the IEP review to determine whether the student can increase participation in the general curriculum (HAR § 8-56-32).
Key Timelines
Modifications must be reviewed at least annually as part of the IEP review (HAR § 8-56-32).
LRE considerations must be revisited annually to assess whether less restrictive settings have become appropriate (HAR § 8-56-36; 34 CFR 300.114).