CDT Regulatory Compliance & Standards 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under IDEA 2004, which evaluation component is specifically required before a child can be identified as having a specific learning disability?
- A standardized IQ test must be administered
- The child must fail at least two grade levels
- The school must obtain informed written consent from parents prior to evaluation (Correct answer)
- A private neuropsychological assessment must be completed
Correct answer: The school must obtain informed written consent from parents prior to evaluation
IDEA 2004 mandates that schools obtain informed written parental consent before conducting any initial evaluation for special education eligibility.
Question 2: Which federal law prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in programs receiving federal financial assistance, directly affecting how public schools serve students with dyslexia?
- IDEA 2004
- Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Correct answer)
- The Americans with Disabilities Act Title II
- ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act)
Correct answer: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits disability-based discrimination in federally funded programs, requiring schools to provide accommodations for eligible students.
Question 3: When a CDT practitioner maintains client records, which standard governs the minimum retention period for educational records of minors in most states?
- Records must be kept until the student graduates high school
- Records must be kept for 3 years after services end
- Records must be kept until the student turns 21 or for 3-7 years post-service, per state law (Correct answer)
- Records must be permanently archived by the school district
Correct answer: Records must be kept until the student turns 21 or for 3-7 years post-service, per state law
Most states require educational and treatment records for minors to be retained until the client reaches adulthood (age 21) or for a set number of years after services conclude, as specified by state law.
Question 4: A parent requests to see all records the school holds about their child's dyslexia evaluation. Under FERPA, the school must provide access within how many days?
- 7 days
- 30 days
- 45 days (Correct answer)
- 60 days
Correct answer: 45 days
FERPA requires educational agencies to provide parents access to education records within 45 days of the request.
Question 5: Which body issues the CDT credential and sets the ethical and professional standards that certified dyslexia therapists must follow?
- The International Dyslexia Association (IDA)
- The Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA) (Correct answer)
- The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD)
- The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
Correct answer: The Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA)
The Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA) issues the CDT credential and maintains the professional and ethical standards for Certified Dyslexia Therapists.
Question 6: A CDT working in a private practice setting receives a subpoena for a client's treatment records. What is the most appropriate first step?
- Immediately release all records to comply with the legal order
- Destroy the records to protect client confidentiality
- Consult with a licensed attorney before releasing any records (Correct answer)
- Notify the client and obtain written consent before any action
Correct answer: Consult with a licensed attorney before releasing any records
Consulting an attorney before responding to a subpoena ensures the practitioner understands legal obligations and protects both client rights and professional standing.
Question 7: Under the IDA Knowledge and Practice Standards, which type of structured literacy instruction must a CDT be qualified to deliver?
- Whole language immersion programs
- Orton-Gillingham-based or equivalent explicit, systematic, multisensory literacy instruction (Correct answer)
- Balanced literacy with leveled readers
- Computer-assisted reading programs exclusively
Correct answer: Orton-Gillingham-based or equivalent explicit, systematic, multisensory literacy instruction
IDA Knowledge and Practice Standards require CDTs to be proficient in Orton-Gillingham-based or equivalent structured literacy methods that are explicit, systematic, and multisensory.
CDT Regulatory Compliance & Standards 2
Under IDEA 2004, which evaluation component is specifically required before a child can be identified as having a specific learning disability?