SPED QUIZZES

What multi-sensory approach, using visual, auditory and kinesthetic senses, is often used to teach students with disabilities how to read?

Orton-Gillingham Approach Answer Explanation : It was discovered in the 1930's that students with some types of learning disabilities have problems with visual memories when attempting reading and spelling tasks. The Orton-Gillingham Approach is an intensive and sequential system based on phonics. It teaches the basics of word formation before teaching word meanings. The instruction is structured and repetitive. Teachers still use this approach for students with disabilities who need to focus on visual memory, using a multi-sensory system.

What is the BEST advice for a 15 year old student who is just starting to explore career and vocational information and needs help with identifying career interests and preferences?

Participate in job shadowing Answer Explanation : Although all of the choices would give the student some insight, job shadowing is a very good method to use with a younger student who is unsure about what career path to follow. In job shadowing, the student leaves the school campus for 1-2 hours on a regular basis to "shadow" someone in the community who works in a job or has a career that may be of interest to the student. The student chooses some of the areas to explore and works with the teacher to set up a schedule so that the student can be placed as a "shadow" with various community workers. Once the student has shadowed a variety of people, it will be easier for the student to narrow down his or her preferences and interests.

Which phoneme awareness task is BEST represented by the instructions below? Tell me the first sound in the word park.

Phoneme isolation Answer Explanation : Phoneme isolation is the task of identifying a particular sound, such as the 'pu' at the beginning of the word park. Phoneme blending occurs when a child can put sounds together, like c/a/t. Phoneme deletion is identified when a sound is left out, and phoneme categorization occurs when a child can compare sounds in different words.

What major issue that is not covered by a transition plan will the parents of a child with a severe disability face when their child graduates from high school?

Placement of their child in a group home setting Answer Explanation : Children with disabilities are required to have a transition plan at the high school level, and areas such as education, employment and recreation are included within this plan. Living arrangements are discussed in planning a transition, but parents are often responsible for following through with the placement of children with severe disabilities into a group home setting, and it can be very difficult for the parents to place their child outside the home.

When a child with special needs, who has an IFSP, requires services from a district preschool program, a transition conference must occur. What position is MOST responsible for collaborating with the agency to establish a program for this child?

Preschool director Answer Explanation : Most public school districts have a person identified as the lead preschool teacher or a preschool director. It is a critical responsibility of that person to collaborate with all the agencies that provide services to children with special needs under Part C of IDEA. The preschool director must coordinate meetings for the transition services and ensure that all parties meet compliance requirements on the interagency agreements.

Echolalia can be prominent in children diagnosed with intellectual disability, autism, and language disorders. What is this condition?

Repeating words and phrases Answer Explanation : Generally children without disabilities may produce echolalic speech between 18-24 months as they are in an imitative stage of development. In a child with disabilities, particularly those with mental retardation, autism, and language disorders, it may be more pronounced for a longer period of time and correlate with a mental age of 30 months. It is an indicator of a speech and language delay if it occurs after the indicated developmental stage or continues past that stage.

The parents of a child with a disability are involved in a disagreement about their child's education and believe that it cannot be resolved informally. Under IDEA, what is an available option?

Requesting a due process hearing Answer Explanation : Under IDEA, parents are provided their rights, called procedural safeguards. These safeguards ensure that the rights of the parents and child are protected during the assessment and delivery of services. Should a disagreement occur and remain unresolved at the school level, parents may request mediation, which is the first step in due process. It would be conducted by an impartial hearing officer.

Which of the following informal assessments would be helpful in observing and improving a student's fluency rate?

Running record Answer Explanation : A running record is an informal assessment tool used during an oral reading session where the teacher codes reading behavior and later analyzes the student's status regarding fluency. It also helps teachers determine a child's difficulty with comprehension, sight words and the use of syntax.

Which of the following represents a recent finding in studies on brain function and how students learn?

"Movement is the only experience that unites all brain levels and integrates both hemispheres, improving memory." Answer Explanation : In 2000, a study by Barron provided strong evidence of the importance of movement to the learning process. The chemicals released during physical activity keep students alert, enhance attention and improve memory.

Which of the following letter-sound relationships is a form of an r-controlled word pattern?

-ear Answer Explanation : In phonics instruction, r-controlled word patterns are those in which the 'r' sound is the more pronounced sound that is heard. These include: -ar, -er, -ir, -or, -ur, -oor, -ear, -our, -eer.

What is the general range of IQ scores for students diagnosed with severe intellectual disabilities?

20-40 Answer Explanation : A student in special education under the category of SMR (severe intellectual disability) would demonstrate an IQ level between 20 and 40. Although a student in this range would be able to develop independent self-help skills, the student may show difficulty with high academic achievement. These scores will be helpful when determining a student's program and writing the IEP goals.

An honor roll student recently diagnosed with epilepsy must be allowed additional time to complete work due to the student's mini-seizures. If the teacher allows the student to make up the time missed away from school work, this accommodation most likely falls under which law?

504 Answer Explanation : This student apparently only needs an accommodation for time missed during school. Since the student is on the honor roll, it appears that the epilepsy does not affect the student's academic achievement level. The student should be placed under a 504 accommodation so time missed from seizure activity may be made up. The other laws mentioned are specifically related to special education services and this student does not demonstrate the need for those services.

What strategy will assist students with learning disabilities with the recursive process?

A checklist Answer Explanation : Students with learning disabilities benefit from the use of a checklist with the steps clearly outlined. Remembering the writing process and the detailed steps can be a challenge for a student with a learning disability, so creating a checklist that is individualized for the student will aid in the student's ability to follow the steps.

According to IDEA, which of the following are examples of "related services"?

A speech therapist and transportation Answer Explanation : Under IDEA, students are entitled to services that meet their educational needs based on their types of disability. Speech therapy and transportation are two types of services considered appropriate for students with disabilities under the related services section of the IEP. Other related services may include: nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, interpreting services and a vision specialist.

Which of the following is the BEST example of social reinforcement geared toward a student?

A teacher's smile Answer Explanation : Social reinforcement uses other people's behavior to increase the frequency that a student produces a behavior. When used appropriately, social reinforcement is a simple but effective method. Other examples are: head nod, shaking hands, verbal praise, eating lunch together.

Which of the following ethnic groups is MOST often labeled as a mildly intellectual disability?

African-American Answer Explanation : African-Americans are identified as mildly mentally retarded more often than other ethnic groups. This issue is of concern to educators. While it is believed that discrimination is one factor, there are other factors as well. Research shows that the effects of poverty can hinder typical development and, in a comparison among ethnic groups, a higher percentage of African-Americans live in poor urban and rural areas. However, research has also determined that many of the assessments and methods in the assessment process are often biased against certain ethnic groups. Educators must be cognizant of the validity and cultural fairness of an assessment when working with children of specific ethnic origin.

What are the expectations for students with disabilities under the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001?

All students will be proficient in reading, writing and math. Answer Explanation : The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act addresses the issue of accountability in the schools. The expectations under NCLB cover ALL children unrelated to any disability. The NCLB Act states ALL children will be proficient and at grade level in reading, writing and mathematics.

Which type of individual student data is a record of unanticipated events, classroom successes, and skill acquisition?

Anecdotal records Answer Explanation : Anecdotal records are brief statements or descriptions of events or other class occurrences. Teachers can jot written accounts in a notebook, or on small slips of paper to place in a student's file for later reference when assessing progress.

An elementary child with intellectual disability has just told the special education teacher that the family lives in a car. The child often comes to school unkempt and hungry. How should the special education teacher respond?

Ask the school nurse and social worker to follow up Answer Explanation : Most schools have school nurses and some have social workers who are trained in accessing community agencies for families in need. They often have a list of agencies that can offer assistance and they may even have funding from community service clubs to help families in the community.

Which of the following describes a duty of a paraeducator who works in a special education classroom?

Assist the students Answer Explanation : Paraeducators are placed in classrooms with children who have disabilities to assist the students under the direction and supervision of the teacher. The other answers listed are duties of a teacher and should not be performed by a paraeducator.

How should punctuation be taught when teaching the writing process?

Both in context of real writing and in isolation. Answer Explanation : Punctuation is a complicated system. The rules and samples should be taught in isolation; however, it is a continual process and punctuation should also be taught in the context of real written work.

Which of the following is an example of an appropriate annual goal on an IEP?

By May, the student will increase visual recognition of vocabulary words by adding 10 additional words from the present level with 80% accuracy as assessed by The Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test. Answer Explanation : Choice D is an appropriate goal because it contains all of the required components. The goal is measurable because it can be assessed by the teacher. It also includes the skill to be targeted, the projected achievement and specifically how it will be assessed.

What conflict resolution technique requires both parties agree to cooperate so that each party saves face, but also gives up a little of what each wanted?

Compromise Answer Explanation : The skills of compromise are not the simplest to master, but it is the most common conflict resolution technique. Both parties must understand the concept of compromise, knowing that they each must give something up and allow the other person to have something. Each student may not have exactly what they wanted, but will have come to an agreement on what is acceptable. Techniques for conflict resolution between students should be taught at the elementary school level.

A middle school student has just been suspended. What is the IEP team required to do?

Conduct a functional behavior assessment and develop a behavior intervention plan Answer Explanation : IDEA requires a FBA (functional behavior assessment) and a BIP (behavior intervention plan) for any student who has been suspended. If the student already has a BIP, the team should re-evaluate using an FBA model and then review the current BIP for any appropriate changes.

A five year old child is identified as having a speech and language delay. The child has attended a district preschool for two years and is ready to transition into kindergarten at the local elementary school. What is required of the team in order to provide the child with an appropriate program?

Conduct an evaluation to determine the need for continued services. Answer Explanation : Children who are leaving a preschool setting to attend a program under the K-12 system must have an evaluation to determine the need for continued services and to possibly identify a new category label. Preschool labels are usually different from those for K-12. Children who receive speech language services in preschool often do not require further therapy once they transition to kindergarten. An assessment would provide this team with the necessary information to meet this child's educational needs.

When a teacher is working with students from diverse cultures who exhibit misbehaviors, what should the teacher do before disciplining the students or imposing a consequence?

Consider the reasons for the misbehavior and identify an appropriate consequence Answer Explanation : When working with students from diverse cultures, teachers must be prepared to understand the reasons for behaviors even though the behaviors may be unacceptable. The teacher should deal with the cultural aspect of the behavior and discipline in order to show respect for the student's concerns.

If a family repeatedly has difficulty working with the school district's special education personnel, what should the district suggest to the parents?

Consult an advocate Answer Explanation : Many state departments of education have a list of advocates who can work with parents and support them in working with the school district. These advocates are well versed on the special education process and knowledgeable about services. A positive advocate can help the parents reach a comfortable rapport with the school personnel.

When students with mild intellectual disability display reading errors while decoding, how should teachers respond?

Correct the errors that change the meaning of a sentence Answer Explanation : A teacher must decide which errors are the most valuable to correct, as not all reading errors are equal. Students, especially those with mild mental retardation, should not be expected to read every word correctly. A teacher should place most value on those errors that change the meaning of a sentence and allow students time to analyze and decode.

When an educator needs information about state-wide tests that students must pass in order to graduate, what is the BEST agency to contact?

Department of Education Answer Explanation : Many states require that all students, including students with special needs, pass a high-stakes test before they can graduate. In those states, the State Department of Education monitors and enforces the implementation. If teachers have questions or need further information they should contact a representative at the Department of Education. Not all districts have a curriculum director and even for those that do, that person may not have all the information that is needed.

What does the writing strategy represented by the acronym "COPS" teach students to do?

Detect and correct errors Answer Explanation : The acronym COPS represents an error-monitoring strategy. It stands for C-Capitalization, O-Overall appearance, P-Punctuation, and S-Spelling. Students learn the acronym so they may remember the steps when correcting their errors on written work.

When conducting shared reading activities, what is the primary skill that is being supported?

Development of fluency Answer Explanation : Shared reading is an activity where the learner follows along as a skilled reader reads the text fluently and with expression. This is not only enjoyable for the student, but it also allows the learner to make connections between print and speech, build upon the vocabulary, recognize sight vocabulary, and use prediction. Furthermore, it aids in the development of fluency and expression in reading.

Which of the following would BEST assist children who are at-risk for reading difficulties with developing reading skills?

Explicit instruction Answer Explanation : Explicit instruction is the same as direct instruction, which guides poor readers through the acquisition of additional skills. The instruction must be consistent and contain opportunities for practicing word decoding.

What behavior technique decreases the probability of a response by withholding a previously reinforcing stimulus?

Extinction Answer Explanation : Extinction is a basic principle of the behavior techniques used with students who are identified with special needs. The purpose of using this form is to eliminate the inappropriate behavior by taking away the influencing stimulus.

A student with a traumatic brain injury is required to prepare a term paper for a history class. The student is capable of gathering information and organizing it, however, the injury has affected the student's ability to write. Which of the following would be BEST to help the student complete this assignment?

Give the student access to technology supports Answer Explanation : There are many different types of technology supports available that would help this student meet the requirements for this assignment. There are computer programs that can write the paper based on voice recognition if the person speaks directly into a computer microphone. There are also programs that allow a person to type a couple of words that are then formed into a sentence. The IEP team should look for the appropriate computer program that would allow this student to complete this assignment as independently as possible.

When a child's vestibular processing is impaired, the child may have difficulty mastering which of the following skills?

Gross motor skills Answer Explanation : Vestibular processing is the sense of movement. A child with an impaired vestibular system will demonstrate difficulty with gross motor skills, such as jumping or riding a bike. The child may also have difficulty with such actions as climbing stairs and using playground equipment. These gross motor activities require coordination of both sides of the body.

What organizational skills strategy will help students with mild disabilities improve at following directions?

Have students repeat directions to check for understanding Answer Explanation : Students with mild disabilities often have trouble following directions. Students may demonstrate problems by answering the wrong set of questions, bringing incorrect materials to school, or completing an assignment inappropriately. Sometimes students tune out the directions portion of a class assignment. To help students improve, teachers should have students restate the directions after presenting them to check for understanding. Teachers should also encourage students to ask questions about the directions if they are not clear.

According to IDEA, which of the following is the team required to determine when considering IEP goals?

How the parents will be informed Answer Explanation : There are three items that federal law clarifies when considering IEP goals: 1) how the goals are to be measured 2) how the parents are to be informed 3) when to gauge progress throughout the year.

According to research on students with emotional and behavioral disabilities, what is the direct result of increasing the students' opportunity to respond?

Increased correct answers and decreased disruptive behaviors Answer Explanation : Students with emotional and behavioral disabilities often need continued positive stimulation to remain attentive. When these students were actively responding to academic situations, the number of correct responses increased and the disruptive behaviors decreased.

When instructing students on the association of phonemes and graphemes, which of the following is the MOST helpful application technique?

Link instruction to spelling Answer Explanation : When teaching students the use of phonemes and gradually introducing graphemes, it is helpful to link it to spelling. Teachers should model dictation and free writing for the students and have them practice and apply these skills.

At a meeting to review results of an initial evaluation on an elementary child, the parents demand that their child receive speech and language therapy. However, the other team members are not able to qualify the child for special education services under state or federal guidelines. How should the team members respond?

Listen to the parents and show respect for their opinions. Answer Explanation : Positive parent participation is vital to developing an appropriate program for a child. Parents' input, concerns, and opinions should be heard and respected. Developing mutual respect will aid in resolving conflict, so listening and respecting the parents' opinions in this situation is the proper response.

How can a regular education teacher BEST support a student with a stuttering problem in the classroom?

Maintain eye contact when the student speaks Answer Explanation : Fluency disorders are common in young children, and while varying in specificity, they can become serious. When students have a fluency disorder it is often the adult who becomes uncomfortable and tends to accommodate the child in ways that are not helpful for the child's development. The regular education teacher should work closely with the speech and language therapist to determine which adaptation is best for each student that has a fluency issue, as not all fluency disorders are the same. The most common type of fluency disorder is stuttering, and it is to the student's benefit that the teacher maintains eye contact when the student is speaking.

A student with a mild disability is often unaware of his or her own behavior issues, and doesn't know how or when to use strategies to correct these behaviors. What ability is this student lacking?

Metacognition Answer Explanation : Students with mild disabilities can have problems self-applying behavioral strategies because they are not aware of their behavior issues or how and when to use corrective strategies. Students with mild disabilities should be taught to be aware of their behaviors before being expected to change them. Metacognition is an individual's awareness of one's own cognitive performance, and how to alter behaviors based upon this awareness. Metacognitive skills include the strand of self-monitoring of behaviors.

Which of the following was included in the reauthorization of IDEA in 1997?

More requirements on discipline for students with disabilities Answer Explanation : One of the specific changes under the reauthorization of 1997 was the way in which schools were to handle the behavior infractions by students with disabilities. For example, included in the law were additional guidelines on alternative placements and administering functional behavior plans.

In an inclusion setting, what is the main reason for providing high school students with mild disabilities with an adaptation or accommodation for the class textbook?

Students with mild disabilities are often not able to comprehend materials at the textbook reading level. Answer Explanation : At times the class textbook may be so difficult for the students that they struggle with the content and the class material. The texts may be confusing or disorganized, so accessing the information can be frustrating. Often students with mild disabilities do not want to attend class due to the difficulty of the text. In this situation, teachers should modify the curriculum program by adapting or accommodating for the textbook, so that the material is accessible to these students.

Which of the following would be an example of a phonics manipulation task?

Substituting the initial sounds in simple words. Answer Explanation : Working with children who have auditory processing problems compounds the difficulty of teaching phonemes. Using a phonics manipulation task, like substituting the initial sounds in simple words, can support the child's attempts to learn the phonemes and the words. Using visual cards, the students can actually see? the sounds being changed while speaking them or hearing them. This is an excellent way to reinforce the sounds and for students to retain the information. To conduct this task, replace the first sound of the word with a card that has another sound as in ‘bat’ â€" replace the ‘b’ with ‘s’, ‘m’, and ‘f’.

An elementary teacher is reading a story for Mother's Day and a student indicates that both parents are female. What should the teacher do?

Take the opportunity to explain all the different types of families that exist. Answer Explanation : There are different types of diversity that exist in classrooms and children enter classrooms with varying values that have an impact on their educational experiences. It is important for teachers to be comfortable with and demonstrate respect and acceptance for the diversity of the students and families they will work with. Teachers must be able to recognize the various types of diverse backgrounds that exist in our society. The cultural factors of each home will have a tremendous impact on a child's life. Some other types of diversity include: racial and ethnic diversity, gender and sexual orientation, religious diversity, intellectual differences, and linguistic differences.

What strategy should be used to help students who struggle with spelling to feel confident about their writing?

Tell students to draw a circle around words that may be misspelled and come back to them later Answer Explanation : As students learn to write, they need strategies to aid in generalizing their spelling. To aid students in becoming strong writers, the teacher should allow students to continually gain confidence in their writing and not interrupt their thoughts and fluency. It is critical that teachers do not constantly point out mistakes such as misspellings. Students will improve their spelling with practice. An excellent technique to use to promote both writing and spelling skills is to allow the student to draw a circle around the word that is thought to be misspelled and come back to it later. The student can check the spelling later when the writing piece is completed.

When working with a special needs child from a divorced family, what must the educator determine?

The custody arrangements Answer Explanation : In any case which involves a family separation, an unwed mother, or a divorce, the educator must determine the legal status of both parents through the examination of a court document. Parents should provide a copy of the legal information agreed upon by both parties showing how each is to be involved in the child's education. The special education teacher will then be better prepared to handle various communications and meetings with the family in an appropriate and legal manner. Knowing the status of the family situation and how to manage it is necessary to meet the requirements of the law.

When developing an IEP for a student with special needs, what are the first three factors to consider?

The goals, the present levels of performance, and related services. Answer Explanation : There are about ten statutory additions to consider in the development of the IEP. The main three are listed in answer B. Others include: behavior needs, second language needs, the need for Braille instruction, communication needs and assistive technology needs.

A special education teacher is preparing to write student progress reports. One third of the teacher's students are from culturally diverse homes. What should be the teacher's MOST important consideration when writing these reports to the students' parents and families?

The language and culture of the home Answer Explanation : A teacher should make an effort to write a progress report or any other communication for a set of parents or a family with the language and the culture of the home in mind. Some written expressions would not be clear for some families of other cultures and some reports might need to be translated into another language.

When using a standardized test, what happens as the standard error of measurement increases?

The level of uncertainty increases Answer Explanation : The SEM (standard error of measurement) is the amount of error in the test scores. If there is a large SEM, it increases the likelihood that scores will be considered uncertain.

A child with a mild hearing impairment is provided with a program of full inclusion according to the IEP. Who should be primarily responsible for the transition into the regular education classroom, the collaboration among team members and the progress reports?

The special education teacher Answer Explanation : The special education teacher will be the primary contact for this student's education program. All team members will provide support and services but the special education teacher will accept the primary responsibility of case management to ensure compliance with the IEP and appropriate services for the student.

Which of the following service delivery models is described below? "An environment that addresses students' needs through a highly individualized, closely supervised program utilizing specialized instruction ."

Self-contained program Answer Explanation : The majority of the time, a self-contained program is located within a regular school. Students with moderate to severe disabilities may spend part of the day or the full day in this setting. Many times the students are placed here because they cannot be educated appropriately in the regular classes. They are often placed in a self-contained class with the same categorical grouping.

In addition to conflict resolution skills, what other skill set promotes responsible behavior for students with disabilities as they move across various settings?

Self-management skills Answer Explanation : In a 1996 research study by Dollard, two skills were identified as having the most value to students with disabilities as they move across diverse settings. Students were found to perform and adjust better to the various environments if they possess conflict resolution and self-management skills.

What should students use in order to determine the meaning of a word that is used in several different contexts?

Semantic cues Answer Explanation : Semantic cues aid a student in understanding the meaning of language. The student is able to read unknown words and understand the meaning based on the other words that are in the sentence.

How often should a teacher require student responses?

Several times per minute Answer Explanation : To ensure that student participation is at a constant and highly interactive level, it is critical for teachers to ask for student responses several times per minute. Such responses might be requested by saying, writing or doing something related to the concept being presented. Students who remain actively engaged experience greater success in the classroom.

Which of the following is an effective instructional strategy to utilize with students diagnosed as having emotional disabilities?

Social skills training Answer Explanation : Students classified with emotional disabilities generally exhibit either externalizing or internalizing behaviors and these students require specialized instructional programs. One program that focuses on the development of appropriate social skills involves social skills training.

What resource would be MOST helpful for a student with a learning disability as the student edits a written assignment?

Spell Check Answer Explanation : Students with learning disabilities often have difficulty with spelling. The use of a computer generated spell check program will ease the frustrating task of checking all the words in the document before finalizing the copy.

A student with a disability was placed in a self-contained program and the parents later contested the placement. Which component of IDEA should the school district impose until the issue is resolved?

Stay-Put provision Answer Explanation : The Stay-Put provision of the law is imposed when there is some discrepancy between the parents and the school district about the student's program. The parents have the right to pursue mediation or due process proceedings to further debate the situation. Until the issues are resolved, the student shall "stay-put" (or remain) in the current program.

An elementary student with mild multiple disabilities is placed in a general education classroom for most of the day. The student attends a special education class for reading. Both the special education teacher and regular education teacher need to monitor the student's progress. Which of the following is the BEST example of collaboration between the two teachers?

They keep daily/weekly records of student progress and share it with one another on a regular basis. Answer Explanation : To monitor ongoing student achievement and progress toward goals, teachers should share information on a regular and consistent basis. By compiling information daily or weekly throughout the semester, it will be easier to create a joint progress report for the parents. It is most beneficial for parents to receive one report so they do not feel that their child's program is split.

What must teachers be aware of when utilizing standardized tests to assess all students?

They may discriminate against culturally diverse students. Answer Explanation : Standardized tests used in schools can contain content that may be slanted toward one cultural perspective, and diverse populations are not always represented when the scoring criteria are established. Therefore, standardized tests can discriminate against culturally diverse students.

When encouraging reading skill development in students, what is the role of visual cues?

They promote word recognition. Answer Explanation : A visual cue is a shape or visual configuration that permits a reader to recognize a word or group of words automatically.

What is the greatest concern for teachers who must use standardized achievement tests?

To allow them equal access to the information on the assessment Answer Explanation : Accommodations are provided to students with disabilities through the IEP process so that these students can gain access to the general education curriculum. Under federal law, students with disabilities are allowed accommodations in the classroom and on district and statewide assessments.

Why should students with disabilities be allowed accommodations on state and district assessments?

To allow them equal access to the information on the assessment Answer Explanation : Accommodations are provided to students with disabilities through the IEP process so that these students can gain access to the general education curriculum. Under federal law, students with disabilities are allowed accommodations in the classroom and on district and statewide assessments.

In addition to providing information about students' career interests and abilities, what is the other important way that team members should use vocational assessment results?

To determine the present levels of performance in an IEP Answer Explanation : There are many types of vocational assessments and career exploration inventories and there are different reasons for using them. Transition assessments offer an abundance of information that may be very helpful in developing the student's annual IEP. The present levels of performance (PLP) portion must include a student's strengths and needs. Gathering data from the vocational assessments will aid in identifying the students academic, vocational and career interests, which will be valuable in a PLP.

What is the teacher's primary reason for collecting data on correct student responses?

To guide instructional decisions Answer Explanation : Teachers should be familiar with data-based decision making and they should use this process in the classroom. Although it may seem cumbersome at first to record the students' correct responses, the documented figures will make a powerful impact on instructional decisions that must be made in the classroom.

Under IDEA, what is the school's specific responsibility regarding those students who are approaching majority age?

To inform students of their rights one year prior to reaching majority age Answer Explanation : The ultimate goal for students with disabilities is to encourage them to seek and maintain independence so they can function as contributing members of society when they become adults. The majority age is that age which is set by each state that defines when a child is considered an adult. In many states that age is 18 years. Under IDEA, the school is responsible for notifying all students of the rights that will be transferred to them once they are of majority age. The school must inform the students one year prior to the majority age birthday and also provide parents with the notice that they will no longer have those rights, unless they have legally been granted authority.

What is the primary role of a special education teacher when developing transition plans at the secondary level?

To provide information about the student's disability, needs, and abilities, and to assist the student in establishing accommodations. Answer Explanation : The special education teacher is in a prime position to explain the student's disability and how it impacts daily function and academic learning. The special education teacher should provide information about the student's strengths and needs, and relate how these needs might be met through services and accommodations.

Which of the following is a right allowed to parents of a child with a hearing impairment according to the related service section of the federal law IDEA?

To receive counseling and guidance related to the hearing loss Answer Explanation : Related services are defined as services necessary for the student to benefit from special education. Usually related services are focused on the student, but they can also be provided for the family's benefit. In the regulations under IDEA, audiology is defined to include counseling and guidance for parents related to a hearing impairment.

Which of the following describes the use of analytic scoring for evaluating student writing?

Two or more raters independently score the same sample Answer Explanation : Analytic scoring is based on a scale or rubric that provides a detailed analysis of the written sample. It involves two or more raters who independently score the same sample and compare the scores.

What is BEST way to ensure that a student's need for special services is valid?

Use multiple measures Answer Explanation : When assessing a student for possible placement in special education, assessments need to be non-discriminatory for use with all types of children. The use of multiple measures increases the validity of the data, which is especially important during an initial evaluation for placement. A student might not be performing well one day, so administering another measure on a different day will offer a good comparison. It is best practice to administer multiple tests by different evaluators on different days in different settings, in order to obtain the finest data on a student.

Which of the following is a strategy used in pre-teaching?

Utilizing advance organizers and concept maps Answer Explanation : Pre-teaching is a process used when students have limited background knowledge or experience with a topic. This is a particularly helpful strategy to use with learning disabled students. Pre-teaching can assist students with learning a new topic, vocabulary and concepts. Some of the strategies used in pre-teaching are: utilization of advance organizers and concept maps, recollection of prior experiences, and teaching new vocabulary.

A high school student with a learning disability is in need of a transition plan. The school will invite the state vocational agency to participate in the development of the plan. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate meeting invitation?

We request the presence of a representative from your agency to assist in the development of a transition plan for this student. Your input would be most welcome. Answer Explanation : Inviting a representative from a vocational agency to attend the development of a student's transition plan will develop a strong rapport that will be valuable in years to come. Additionally, asking for their input will allow them some time to research the student's needs and bring pertinent information to the meeting. The agency should already know they are required to attend under the law, so such a reminder would not be appropriate.

In a classroom setting, which of the following should be considered when using praise to respond to students' correct answers?

When praise is only given to a few students, others feel negative about themselves. Answer Explanation : Research by Ginott and Gordon (1970's-1989) showed that when a select group of students in a classroom (for example the lower achieving students) are the only ones receiving praise, others in the class feel as though they are not performing at the level that is acceptable and begin to develop negative feelings about themselves. Teachers should find ways to praise all students, but only when students have accomplished a task well.

What will students be able to determine once they choose the audience for their writing assignments?

Which writing strategy to use Answer Explanation : By choosing an audience prior to writing, a student will be able to choose the writing strategy that will work best with the piece. It also simplifies other decisions the student will have to make during the writing process. The student would be able to identify the style of the piece, the detail to use, the technical needs of the sample and whether it should be formal or informal.

Which of the following set of consonant blends should be taught first in phonics instruction?

br, cr, dr, fr Answer Explanation : The less difficult blends are generally taught first. Of all the choices listed above, the blends "br", "cr", "dr", and "fr" are the least difficult.

Children identified as having language impairments are BEST served in an instructional program where language and remediation are

emphasized throughout the curriculum. Answer Explanation : Children with language impairments must learn to maintain and generalize skills they learn in therapy from a speech/language pathologist. However, therapy in isolation is not the best program for these children. The teacher and the pathologist must work together to share information and techniques that work. The teacher needs to know how these children's language delays impact learning and discover the relationship between the children's language, the teacher's language, and the language in the environment.

The type of feedback that is MOST important to students is feedback that

helps students notice their own progress. Answer Explanation : Students must receive feedback, but it should be provided in an appropriate manner. When students can see that they are making progress and acquiring new skills based on the feedback they receive, they are more apt to perceive their learning process positively and continue to progress.

When developing a positive behavioral support system, what is the initial step?

helps students notice their own progress. Answer Explanation : Students must receive feedback, but it should be provided in an appropriate manner. When students can see that they are making progress and acquiring new skills based on the feedback they receive, they are more apt to perceive their learning process positively and continue to progress.

According to IDEA, the IEP team must write goals for a student that address

only the areas in which the student demonstrates a delay. Answer Explanation : Under IDEA, an IEP team only needs to address the areas of need for the child when developing goals. Although the team will create a present level of performance statement, the areas identified as strengths or those on target with other children of the same age will not need a corresponding goal.

Testing alone does not adequately represent a child's present levels of performance. The results of one test may be a misrepresentation of the child if not supported by medical information, school records, classroom performance, and ______________.

parent input Answer Explanation : Under federal law, parent involvement is a required component for evaluation, identification, and placement of the child. Without input from the parents, a school may not accurately identify a child. Parents can supply schools with information about the child in a separate setting, information on family history, and opinions regarding cultural influences, all of which will give a clearer picture of the child. The other choices listed are items found in school records and would not all be necessary for all children.

A team that carefully reviews the results of student evaluations, discusses the educational implications, brainstorms ideas for programming and services, and then develops appropriate goals for a child with special needs is practicing _____________________.

positive decision-making Answer Explanation : IEP teams are required to develop appropriate programs and identify appropriate services for students with special needs. There are standards and guidelines set by federal law to guide team members in positive decision-making. However, the decisions must rely on the knowledge and judgment of individual team members. Practicing positive team work and constructive decision-making will lead the team toward outcomes that are designed to benefit the student.

Which of the following is MOST likely to cause a problem for a student with an articulation disorder who is learning consonant blends and digraphs?

sh Answer Explanation : Consonant blends and digraphs are comprised of two or more consonants which create a pattern for use in more than one word. These combinations generate a particular sound and therefore we say these have a letter-sound relationship. Voiced patterns, which may cause problems for students with an articulation disorder, consist of "ch", "sh" and "th".

The most successful phonics programs possess the same key elements, some of which include information connected to actual readings, planned and concise instruction, and review and application. The programs that exhibit these elements are considered to be __________________________ programs.

systematic Answer Explanation : A systematic phonics program is considered to be a successful student approach. The elements that the program includes are structured and consider the learner. These programs feature information connected to actual readings, planned and concise instruction, not too many rules, a good pace for the audience, and review and application.

Which spelling strategy is MOST useful when studying specific content areas?

Word list Answer Explanation : Word lists allow students to identify the new and unfamiliar words for a particular subject area. These word lists can be placed in the student’s notebook or placed on the desk for reference. As students see these words repeatedly and use them in context of the subject area, they are likely to remember them.

What words should be selected when fostering word awareness in young learners?

Words from the children's environment Answer Explanation : Children are motivated by their world and the things that are found within it. When children begin to learn about words, it is recommended that the first words be taken from the child's environment. These are words that are commonly seen and heard by the children in stores, restaurants, and home.

An elementary teacher completed a unit on insects by administering a brief quiz. The teacher will use the quiz data to determine which portion of the unit to reteach and to identify students that will be grouped for instructional review. The unit quiz is being used as

a curriculum-based measure. Answer Explanation : A curriculum-based measure is used to assess learning from a particular unit of study so that the teacher can gain information about the students' educational achievement levels. Then the teacher may make alterations to the instruction for the next unit if needed.

Research has determined that invented spelling should be

accepted and encouraged. Answer Explanation : There are several stages with regard to invented spelling that eventually lead to more accurate spelling by a student and improved word attack skills. In the studies on invented spelling , it has been discovered that students who are allowed to use invented spelling wrote more often and, overall, spelled more words correctly. They also read more often and had better word attack skills.

Which of the following is an example of "people first" language?

Children with autism Answer Explanation : "People first" language has emerged as the most appropriate manner in which to label or refer to both a child and an adult with a disability. "People first" language places the gender, name of the person or the group first and then the label or name of the disability. Some examples are: the boy with cerebral palsy, the child with a hearing impairment, and the children with mental retardation.

The transition team for a high school student with moderate to severe intellectual disability is preparing for the student to leave high school and enter a program for adults. Which program would be BEST for this student?

Community Rehab Center Program Answer Explanation : Since this student has a moderate to severe disability, the best program is the Community Rehab Center. It provides adult interactions with an employment model designed for persons with more severe disabilities. The Vocational Program is a high school program that provides a series of courses to develop skills prior to leaving high school. The Work Study Program teaches functional skills at the secondary level with both typical students and students with special needs through actual on and off campus jobs. Tech Prep is a designed course of study that leads to an AA degree or a 2 year certificate from a vocational school.

Which of the following is the BEST alternative to traditional test taking?

Completing a project Answer Explanation : Since many students with disabilities have been shown to struggle with taking tests, an alternative method may be used to better evaluate student knowledge and understanding of the content. The best alternative to traditional test taking is to assign a project for completion. Students who have difficulty taking tests could work with the teacher to establish guidelines for completing a project that would encompass all areas and skills that the teacher needs to evaluate. Although a teacher could use the other answer choices listed above, none of these would provide the breadth of information that completing a project offers.

A 16 year-old high school student has received special education services under the category of moderate intellectual disability since kindergarten. While the team is working on a transition plan for the student, the student states that one goal is to buy a car and learn to drive. The parents are supportive. Others on the team have concerns. What would be the team's BEST response to this situation?

Encourage the parents to obtain a book on the rules of the road, help the student study and allow the student to take the test Answer Explanation : It is sometimes difficult for parents and a team of professionals to find a balance between holding realistic, but high expectations. The professionals representing the school would not want to deny the student a chance at achieving his or her goals and they want the parents to know that they support such a family decision. More than likely this student will have difficulty learning the rules of the road and completing the test with a passing grade. However, it would be appropriate for the team to encourage the family to proceed and to make themselves available for discussion should the student fail this test. At this time, it would open the discussion to the areas that are most difficult for this student and help the entire team focus on the student's appropriate plan.

Which of the following is the MOST effective strategy for helping parents to provide homework support to their students with disabilities?

Establish a regular communication log that accompanies the homework assignments Answer Explanation : Students with disabilities can experience significant problems with homework due to their short attention spans and lack of organizational skills, and they may require support for this task. Establishing a regular communication log is an excellent strategy to use with parents of children with disabilities, not just for homework assignments, but for behavior management and daily activities. Providing a log for the homework assignments will give parents a place to jot down questions and comments about how well the child performed and record their opinions about the progress their child is making. It will be useful documentation to use at a parent-conference, particularly when holding an annual review conference.

According to federal law, a transition plan developed for a high school student with a disability should discuss the responsibility of which of the following support services?

Interagencies Answer Explanation : Federal law requires that transition plans include a statement describing the responsibility of the interagencies that will support the student while in school and provide necessary services after leaving school.

Which of the following is the BEST way to create a learning environment that embraces the diversity of students in the classroom?

Introduce cultures through books, tapes, movies, and projects Answer Explanation : The best way to embrace diversity in a learning environment is to provide students with information on a variety of cultures through multimedia sources and to involve them in projects about the cultures. Letting the children research and participate in the exploration of the subject will make the subject more meaningful.

What is the purpose of using the instructional model called cooperative grouping with a classroom of students?

It emphasizes academic and social objectives. Answer Explanation : In cooperative grouping students are enagaged in face-to-face interaction, which helps them to develop social skills. Students are ensured a model that reflects positive interdependence and group processing while requiring individual accountability. This model has been shown to increase student achievement scores.

Which of the following is a proven benefit of an effectively organized classroom environment?

It improves the quality of student interactions. Answer Explanation : The manner in which a classroom is organized affects student learning and behavior. A study from 1999 showed that effective organization of a classroom contributes to increased academic learning, lessens disruptions, and improves student interactions.

A student with autism is placed in a general education classroom and is doing well academically. However, the student often exhibits self-destructive behavior at transition times. What strategy might the teacher try to use to prevent this behavior?

Provide a picture schedule and announce the schedule change 5 minutes ahead of time while setting a timer Answer Explanation : Providing a picture schedule each day to a student with autism will assist in overcoming the language barrier and allow the student to manipulate the schedule independently as the day moves forward. Announcing each change ahead of time gives the student time to process the pending change, and setting a timer will aid the student in being visually aware of the coming event.

What is a research based strategy for increasing student motivation?

Provide classroom performance expectations and behavior requirements in consistent and clear terms. Answer Explanation : Skinner and Belmont (1991) researched various aspects related to student motivation. They determined that one of the better ways to increase students' motivation to learn was to help each student understand the criteria for class assignments and the expectations for acceptable classroom behaviors.

What should a special education teacher do if instructed by the principal to dismiss the students with disabilities from a state assessment?

Provide the principal with a summary of federal legislation Answer Explanation : Sometimes principals do not know the laws regarding special education and most of them will appreciate information that clarifies the responsibilities of the school within the high stakes testing arena. By providing the principal with a summary of the law, specifically regarding access to general education and statewide testing, this will allow the principal a chance to rethink the situation and do the right thing.