CEP Special Education Fundamentals & Inclusion Strategies 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A student with autism spectrum disorder becomes distressed when the classroom schedule changes unexpectedly. What is the BEST immediate strategy for a paraprofessional to use?
- Ignore the behavior and continue with the new schedule
- Use a visual schedule to show the change and provide advance warning when possible (Correct answer)
- Remove the student from the classroom until they calm down
- Require the student to adapt without accommodations to build flexibility
Correct answer: Use a visual schedule to show the change and provide advance warning when possible
Visual schedules help students with ASD understand transitions and reduce anxiety caused by unexpected changes.
Question 2: Under IDEA, what does 'least restrictive environment' (LRE) mean?
- Students with disabilities must always be placed in general education classrooms
- Students with disabilities should be educated with non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate (Correct answer)
- Special education classrooms are always preferred for students with disabilities
- LRE is determined solely by the student's academic performance
Correct answer: Students with disabilities should be educated with non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate
LRE requires that students with disabilities be educated alongside non-disabled peers to the greatest extent appropriate given their individual needs.
Question 3: Which of the following BEST describes 'differentiated instruction' in an inclusive classroom?
- Teaching the same lesson the same way to all students
- Modifying content, process, or product based on students' readiness, interests, and learning profiles (Correct answer)
- Separating students by ability for all academic tasks
- Providing additional homework to advanced students only
Correct answer: Modifying content, process, or product based on students' readiness, interests, and learning profiles
Differentiated instruction tailors content, process, and products to meet diverse learners' needs within the same classroom.
Question 4: A paraprofessional notices a student with a learning disability is becoming frustrated during a reading task. What is the MOST appropriate response?
- Complete the task for the student to relieve frustration
- Encourage the student to skip the task and do something easier
- Break the task into smaller steps and offer targeted support (Correct answer)
- Report the student's frustration to administration immediately
Correct answer: Break the task into smaller steps and offer targeted support
Breaking tasks into manageable steps and providing targeted support helps students with learning disabilities build confidence and skills.
Question 5: What is the primary purpose of a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)?
- To punish students who exhibit challenging behaviors
- To identify the function or purpose of a student's challenging behavior (Correct answer)
- To determine if a student qualifies for special education services
- To create a permanent behavioral record for disciplinary action
Correct answer: To identify the function or purpose of a student's challenging behavior
An FBA identifies why a student engages in challenging behavior so that effective, function-based interventions can be developed.
Question 6: Which of the following is an example of a physical accommodation for a student with a mobility impairment in an inclusive classroom?
- Providing extended time on tests
- Arranging seating so the student has clear access to instructional areas (Correct answer)
- Reducing the number of questions on an assignment
- Assigning a peer to answer questions on the student's behalf
Correct answer: Arranging seating so the student has clear access to instructional areas
Arranging accessible seating ensures the student can fully participate in classroom activities without physical barriers.
Question 7: A paraprofessional is working with a student who uses augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). What is the MOST important role of the paraprofessional during instruction?
- Speak for the student to save time during activities
- Model AAC device use and allow the student sufficient time to communicate (Correct answer)
- Limit AAC use to prevent distraction for other students
- Use AAC only during speech therapy sessions
Correct answer: Model AAC device use and allow the student sufficient time to communicate
Modeling AAC use and allowing adequate response time supports the student's communication development and independence.
CEP Special Education Fundamentals & Inclusion Strategies 2
A student with autism spectrum disorder becomes distressed when the classroom schedule changes unexpectedly.
What is the BEST immediate strategy for a paraprofessional to use?