How do modifications differ from accommodations in educational settings?

The correct response highlights a crucial distinction in educational settings regarding support for students with disabilities. Modifications represent changes to the curriculum itself, specifically what is being taught to students. This could involve simplifying the content, reducing the number of concepts taught, or providing alternative assignments that align with students' individual learning needs.

This is different from accommodations, which typically adjust how instruction is delivered or how assessments are administered without altering the learning goals or expectations. For example, accommodations might include changes such as giving a student additional time for tests or allowing them to use assistive technology, but the underlying curriculum remains the same.

Understanding this difference is vital for educators in planning effective instruction and assessment strategies for students who are deaf or hard of hearing, ensuring that they receive the appropriate level of support to succeed. The other options presented do not accurately capture the essence of modifications versus accommodations, as they either focus too narrowly on aspects of assessment or wrongly categorize the scope of students involved.