ALT Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield ALT facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which document typically guides curriculum alignment to ensure instruction meets state and national learning standards in the US? → Scope and sequence chart
2. When writing a recommendation letter for a student applying to college, a teacher should: → Decline if the teacher cannot write an honest and positive letter
3. A student with ADHD frequently calls out answers without raising their hand. Which strategy is MOST appropriate for an alternative learning setting? → Provide a private signal system the student can use to indicate readiness
4. Which scenario best illustrates the ethical principle of non-maleficence in teaching? → Refraining from using instructional practices known to harm student self-esteem
5. Which of the following is a required component of a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP)? → A statement of measurable annual goals.
6. When reclassifying an ELL student as English proficient, schools typically consider which combination of criteria? → ELP assessment score, academic achievement, teacher evaluation, and parent input
7. Which ethical principle is violated when a teacher shares a student's academic struggles with community members without parental consent? → Confidentiality
8. A student who previously enjoyed science class has stopped participating and submitting work. Which approach best addresses potential amotivation? → Hold a private conversation to explore underlying barriers
9. During a staff meeting, you learn confidential information about a student's family situation. A community member later asks you about the family. You should: → Decline to discuss any confidential student or family information
10. Which motivational framework specifically distinguishes between mastery goals (learning-focused) and performance goals (grade-focused)? → Achievement Goal Theory
11. In a differentiated classroom, flexible grouping means: → Groupings change based on task, interest, or readiness
12. When differentiating for students with IEPs, a teacher's FIRST step should be to: → Review the IEP to understand the student's goals, accommodations, and modifications
13. A student who is blind receives orientation and mobility training from a specialist who travels between schools. This specialist is providing: → Itinerant services
14. What is considered an unethical practice for teachers? → Showing favoritism or engaging in personal relationships with students
15. Under IDEA, how must the learning environment be considered when developing an IEP for a student with a disability? → The least restrictive environment (LRE) must be determined and documented
16. Which of the following is an example of a teacher violating the ethical principle of justice? → Providing more detailed feedback to students the teacher personally likes
17. Which professional behavior best demonstrates teacher accountability in an alternative learning environment? → Consistently documenting student progress and adjusting instruction based on data
18. Which term describes a student's ability to perform daily living tasks such as dressing, cooking, and managing money? → Adaptive behavior
19. Which instructional scaffold would most benefit an English Language Learner during a science reading activity? → Providing bilingual glossaries and graphic organizers
20. Which of the following is the BEST example of a curriculum modification (as opposed to an accommodation) for a student with an intellectual disability? → Reducing the number of math problems required and lowering complexity
21. Which scenario best illustrates the use of diagnostic assessment? → Giving a pre-unit survey to identify prior knowledge gaps
22. A student with strong bodily-kinesthetic intelligence learns best through movement. Which activity aligns with differentiating by learning profile? → Using manipulatives and role-play simulations
23. Which classroom arrangement BEST supports small-group collaborative learning activities? → Clusters of 3–5 desks grouped together
24. Which practice best supports a teacher's ethical obligation to communicate transparently with families? → Providing regular, honest progress updates and responding promptly to family inquiries
25. Which scenario represents an appropriate use of student data? → Using aggregated class data to adjust instructional strategies for all students
26. In special education, 'procedural safeguards' primarily exist to: → Ensure parents are informed of and can exercise their rights
27. A student with a disability is not receiving accommodations outlined in their IEP. As the classroom teacher, you should: → Immediately implement the required accommodations and notify the IEP team
28. Which of Epstein's six types of family involvement focuses on families supporting learning at HOME? → Learning at home
29. What distinguishes norm-referenced assessment from criterion-referenced assessment? → Norm-referenced tests compare student performance to a normative peer group
30. Why is maintaining boundaries with students important? → To maintain professionalism and avoid conflicts of interest