IEP Modifications in Mississippi: Accommodations vs. Modifications
What is the difference between accommodations and modifications in a Mississippi IEP?
In Mississippi, modifications are changes to the curriculum content, expectations, or performance standards for a student with a disability. Unlike accommodations, which provide access without changing the standards, modifications alter what the student is expected to learn or demonstrate. The IEP must document all program modifications and supports for school personnel under 34 CFR 300.320(a)(4) as adopted by Mississippi. The IEP must also explain the extent to which the student will not participate with nondisabled peers in regular classes and nonacademic activities (34 CFR 300.320(a)(5)). Students who require extensive curriculum modifications due to the most significant cognitive disabilities may qualify for the MAAP-A alternate assessment pathway; the IEP team must document the basis for this determination. Mississippi's least restrictive environment (LRE) requirements mandate that placement in more restrictive settings be justified; the IEP must document why education with supplementary aids and services in a less restrictive setting cannot be achieved satisfactorily (Miss. Code Ann. § 37-23-5; 34 CFR 300.114).
What Mississippi Requires
The IEP must document all program modifications and supports for school personnel (34 CFR 300.320(a)(4); Miss. Code Ann. § 37-23-9).
The IEP must explain the extent to which the student will not participate with nondisabled peers in regular classes and nonacademic activities (34 CFR 300.320(a)(5)).
Students requiring modified curriculum may qualify for the MAAP-A if the IEP team determines they have the most significant cognitive disabilities; the IEP must document this determination (34 CFR 300.320(a)(6)(ii); MS Sp. Ed. Regs.).
LRE requirements mandate that modifications removing a student from general education must be justified based on the student's individual needs (Miss. Code Ann. § 37-23-5; 34 CFR 300.114).
Mississippi schools must make available the full continuum of alternative placements including regular classes with supplementary aids, resource rooms, separate classes, separate schools, and home/hospital instruction (34 CFR 300.115; MS Sp. Ed. Regs.).
Key Timelines
Modifications must be reviewed at least annually as part of the IEP review (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.