IEP Modifications in Indiana: Accommodations vs. Modifications
What is the difference between accommodations and modifications in a Indiana IEP?
Indiana IEPs must document program modifications — changes to instruction, curriculum, or assessment that alter the content or performance expectations for a student. Under 511 IAC 7-42-6(a)(5), the IEP must include program modifications and supports for school personnel that enable the student to advance toward annual goals, be involved in and progress in the general education curriculum, and participate in extracurricular and nonacademic activities with nondisabled students. When modifications fundamentally alter what is being learned, the Case Conference Committee (CCC) must document the justification and consider the impact on diploma attainment. Indiana students may earn one of several diploma pathways: Core 40, Core 40 with Academic Honors, Core 40 with Technical Honors, or a general diploma. Students with significant cognitive disabilities may be exempt from certain coursework requirements upon CCC determination. The CCC must include an explanation of the extent to which the student will not participate with nondisabled students when removal from general education is required (511 IAC 7-42-6(a)(7)). Removal from general education is permitted only when the nature and severity of the disability prevents satisfactory achievement even with supplementary aids and services (511 IAC 7-42-10). Modifications affecting diploma pathway and long-term outcomes must be discussed with families explicitly, particularly as students approach high school.
What Indiana Requires
The IEP must include program modifications and supports for school personnel enabling the student to advance toward goals, progress in the general curriculum, and participate in extracurricular and nonacademic activities with nondisabled students (511 IAC 7-42-6(a)(5); 34 CFR 300.320(a)(4)).
The IEP must state the extent to which the student will not participate with nondisabled students in general education (511 IAC 7-42-6(a)(7); 34 CFR 300.320(a)(5)).
Removal from general education is permitted only when the nature and severity of the disability prevents satisfactory achievement with supplementary aids and services (511 IAC 7-42-10).
Modifications affecting diploma pathways must be documented by the CCC; families must be advised of diploma options and implications for graduation and postsecondary outcomes.
The CCC must consider annually whether modifications remain appropriate and whether the student can return to the general curriculum (511 IAC 7-42-7).
Key Timelines
Modifications must be reviewed at least annually as part of the IEP review at the CCC meeting (511 IAC 7-42-7; 34 CFR 300.324(b)).
For students approaching graduation, the CCC should address diploma pathway implications of modifications well in advance to protect postsecondary opportunities.