modification
mod-uh-fuh-KAY-shuhn
/ˌmɒd.ɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/
An alteration to the curriculum or performance expectations that changes what a student is required to learn.
Unlike accommodation, a modification substantially alters learning expectations, target standards, or content difficulty.
The story behind the word. From Latin modificatio, combining modus (measure or limit) and facere (to make), meaning literally 'to give measure or limit to something'. In educational law, it came to signify making adjustments to academic requirements.
Word relationships
- alteration: 'Alteration' is a general term for change, whereas 'modification' in education specifically refers to changing standard academic expectations.
- standardization: 'Standardization' maintains identical criteria and expectations for all learners without exception.
Commonly confused with
- accommodation: 'Accommodation' adjusts conditions without lowering expectations, whereas 'modification' changes the learning content or standards itself.
Word family
- modify (verb): To alter or lower learning requirements for a student.
- modified (adjective): Altered or adjusted in learning difficulty or content scope.
Collocations
- curriculum modification
- substantial modification
- make a modification
- modification plan
Example sentences
- "The IEP team agreed that a modification to the reading level was necessary for the history assignment." Curriculum Administration
Memory hook
MODIFICATION MODIFIES the actual standards, changing what is taught. Making a new measure for what a student must learn.
When not to use
Do not confuse with accommodation, which changes physical or format conditions without lowering academic expectations.
Fun facts
- A student receiving modifications may earn a different diploma track depending on local state educational regulations.
- Educational audits closely monitor modifications to ensure students are not stripped of challenging content unnecessarily.
Related words
Explore more words
intervention, amendment, Adjustment, mutation, adapt, biotechnology
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