What is the primary purpose of accommodations in education?

The primary purpose of accommodations in education is to help students learn at the same expectations as their peers. Accommodations are modifications or adjustments to teaching strategies, assessments, or instructional materials that enable students with disabilities to access the general education curriculum. They aim to level the playing field by providing supports that address specific needs without altering the essential learning goals.

By focusing on enabling access to the same curriculum and learning expectations as their peers, accommodations allow students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills under conditions that can effectively mitigate their individual challenges. This principle ensures that all students have equitable opportunities to succeed in their education, regardless of their learning differences.