IEP Modifications in Idaho: Accommodations vs. Modifications
What is the difference between accommodations and modifications in a Idaho IEP?
In Idaho, modifications are changes to the curriculum content or performance expectations for a student with a disability. The IEP must document program modifications under IDAPA 08.02.03.110.05 and 34 CFR 300.320(a)(4), including any modifications to the general curriculum along with supports for school personnel. When modifications are employed, the IEP must also explain the extent to which the student will not participate with nondisabled peers in the regular class and nonacademic activities (IDAPA 08.02.03.110.05; 34 CFR 300.320(a)(5)). Students with the most significant cognitive disabilities who require extensive modifications to the general curriculum may take the Idaho Alternate Assessment (IAA) rather than the standard ISAT. The IEP team must consider least restrictive environment (LRE) requirements before recommending modifications that significantly reduce a student's time in general education (IDAPA 08.02.03.120; 34 CFR 300.114).
What Idaho Requires
The IEP must document all program modifications and supports for school personnel needed to allow the student to participate in the general curriculum (IDAPA 08.02.03.110.05; 34 CFR 300.320(a)(4)).
The IEP must explain the extent to which the student will not participate with nondisabled peers in the regular class and nonacademic activities (IDAPA 08.02.03.110.05; 34 CFR 300.320(a)(5)).
Students with the most significant cognitive disabilities may take the IAA alternate assessment; the IEP must justify why the student cannot participate in standard ISAT (IDAPA 08.02.03.110.06; 34 CFR 300.320(a)(6)(ii)).
The IEP team must consider LRE before recommending modifications that limit a student's participation in general education settings (IDAPA 08.02.03.120; 34 CFR 300.114).
All teachers and service providers must be notified of their responsibilities for implementing modifications (34 CFR 300.323(d)).
Key Timelines
Modifications must be reviewed at least annually as part of the IEP review (IDAPA 08.02.03.110; 34 CFR 300.324(b)).
The IEP team must consider annually whether modifications remain appropriate and whether the student can increase participation in the general curriculum (IDAPA 08.02.03.110; 34 CFR 300.324(b)).