IEP Modifications in Wyoming: Accommodations vs. Modifications
What is the difference between accommodations and modifications in a Wyoming IEP?
In Wyoming, modifications are changes to the curriculum content or performance expectations for a student with a disability. The IEP must document program modifications under WY Rules Ch. 7 § 7(b)(iv), 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 (WY Rules Ch. 7 § 7(b)(iv)(B); 34 CFR 300.320(a)(5)). Students with the most significant cognitive disabilities who require extensive modifications may take the Wyoming Alternate Assessment (WY-ALT) rather than the standard Wyoming Summative Assessments. LRE requirements under WY Rules Ch. 7 § 7(d) require that placement decisions always consider the least restrictive environment consistent with the student's needs.
What Wyoming Requires
The IEP must document all program modifications and supports for school personnel (WY Rules Ch. 7 § 7(b)(iv); 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 and nonacademic activities (WY Rules Ch. 7 § 7(b)(iv)(B); 34 CFR 300.320(a)(5)).
Students with the most significant cognitive disabilities may take the WY-ALT alternate assessment; the IEP must justify why the student cannot participate in Wyoming Summative Assessments (WY Rules Ch. 7 § 7(b)(v)).
The IEP team must consider LRE before recommending modifications that remove a student from general education (WY Rules Ch. 7 § 7(d); 34 CFR 300.114).
Key Timelines
Modifications must be reviewed at least annually as part of the IEP review (WY Rules Ch. 7 § 7(e)).
The IEP team must consider annually whether modifications remain appropriate and whether the student can increase participation in the general curriculum (WY Rules Ch. 7 § 7(e); 34 CFR 300.324(b)).