ATSW Special Populations 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under IDEA, which term describes the process of placing students with disabilities in the least restrictive environment alongside non-disabled peers?
- Mainstreaming
- Inclusion (Correct answer)
- Integration
- Co-teaching
Correct answer: Inclusion
Inclusion refers to educating students with disabilities in general education classrooms with appropriate supports, reflecting the IDEA least restrictive environment mandate.
Question 2: A teacher notices a student who is an English Language Learner struggles with reading comprehension but excels in oral discussions. The BEST first step is to:
- Refer the student for special education evaluation immediately
- Provide sheltered instruction with visual supports and sentence frames (Correct answer)
- Place the student in a lower reading group
- Assign only oral assessments going forward
Correct answer: Provide sheltered instruction with visual supports and sentence frames
Sheltered instruction techniques such as visuals and sentence frames support ELL comprehension while keeping grade-level content accessible.
Question 3: Which federally mandated document outlines the specific educational goals and services for a student with a disability?
- 504 Plan
- IEP (Correct answer)
- ELL Plan
- Behavior Intervention Plan
Correct answer: IEP
The Individualized Education Program (IEP) is required by IDEA and documents measurable goals, services, and placement for students with disabilities.
Question 4: A gifted student finishes classwork far ahead of peers and begins disrupting others. The MOST appropriate strategy is to:
- Move the student to a higher grade permanently
- Provide curriculum compacting and enrichment activities (Correct answer)
- Assign extra worksheets at the same level
- Allow free time as a reward
Correct answer: Provide curriculum compacting and enrichment activities
Curriculum compacting removes mastered content and replaces it with enrichment, keeping gifted students engaged without simple busy work.
Question 5: Which accommodation is MOST appropriate for a student with a visual impairment taking a standardized test?
- Extended time only
- Large-print or Braille version of the test (Correct answer)
- Oral administration by a peer
- Reduced number of questions
Correct answer: Large-print or Braille version of the test
Large-print or Braille formats allow students with visual impairments to access test content without altering what is being measured.
Question 6: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act differs from IDEA primarily because 504 plans:
- Require a multidisciplinary team evaluation
- Provide accommodations without requiring specialized instruction (Correct answer)
- Apply only to students in private schools
- Mandate annual IEP meetings
Correct answer: Provide accommodations without requiring specialized instruction
Section 504 provides accommodations and modifications to ensure equal access but does not require the specialized instruction components of an IEP under IDEA.
Question 7: When designing instruction for students who are culturally and linguistically diverse, teachers should PRIMARILY focus on:
- Ensuring students adopt mainstream cultural norms quickly
- Building on students' home languages and cultural funds of knowledge (Correct answer)
- Separating ELL students for dedicated language-only instruction
- Using the same materials as native English speakers without modification
Correct answer: Building on students' home languages and cultural funds of knowledge
Leveraging students' home languages and cultural backgrounds as assets supports deeper learning and validates students' identities.
ATSW Special Populations 2
Under IDEA, which term describes the process of placing students with disabilities in the least restrictive environment alongside non-disabled peers?