CEP Special Education Fundamentals & Inclusion Strategies 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A student with an emotional disturbance begins to escalate during a math lesson. According to a crisis prevention approach, what should the paraprofessional do FIRST?
- Immediately remove the student from the room by force
- Use calming strategies and de-escalation techniques as outlined in the student's BIP (Correct answer)
- Call the principal to have the student removed
- Ignore the escalation and continue with instruction
Correct answer: Use calming strategies and de-escalation techniques as outlined in the student's BIP
Following the student's Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) with de-escalation strategies is the appropriate first response during an escalation.
Question 2: Which federal law prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in programs receiving federal funding and applies to schools beyond just special education services?
- IDEA
- Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Correct answer)
- No Child Left Behind Act
- Elementary and Secondary Education Act
Correct answer: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
Section 504 prohibits disability discrimination in federally funded programs and provides accommodations even for students who do not qualify for IDEA services.
Question 3: A paraprofessional is fading prompts for a student learning to independently complete a daily living task. What is the CORRECT sequence for fading prompts?
- Physical → Gestural → Verbal → Independent (Correct answer)
- Verbal → Gestural → Physical → Independent
- Independent → Verbal → Gestural → Physical
- Gestural → Verbal → Physical → Independent
Correct answer: Physical → Gestural → Verbal → Independent
The most-to-least prompt hierarchy fades from most intrusive (physical) to least intrusive prompts, then to independence.
Question 4: What is 'peer-mediated instruction' and why is it beneficial for students with disabilities in inclusive settings?
- A strategy where teachers use peers to discipline students with disabilities
- A structured approach where trained peers provide academic and social support to classmates with disabilities (Correct answer)
- A method where students with disabilities tutor their non-disabled peers
- An approach where peers complete assignments on behalf of students with disabilities
Correct answer: A structured approach where trained peers provide academic and social support to classmates with disabilities
Peer-mediated instruction uses trained peers to support academic learning and social integration, promoting natural inclusion and reducing stigma.
Question 5: A student with a visual impairment is included in a science lab activity. Which accommodation would MOST directly support the student's safe participation?
- Excuse the student from the lab activity entirely
- Provide tactile materials, large-print instructions, or a lab partner trained in sighted guide techniques (Correct answer)
- Ask the student to observe only and write a report afterward
- Have the paraprofessional complete all lab steps for the student
Correct answer: Provide tactile materials, large-print instructions, or a lab partner trained in sighted guide techniques
Tactile materials and trained peer support allow the student with visual impairment to actively and safely participate in the lab.
Question 6: Under IDEA, what is the timeline for completing an initial evaluation after parental consent is received?
- 30 calendar days
- 45 school days
- 60 calendar days (or state-specified timeline) (Correct answer)
- 90 school days
Correct answer: 60 calendar days (or state-specified timeline)
IDEA requires initial evaluations to be completed within 60 days of receiving parental consent, unless the state has established a different timeline.
Question 7: Which behavior management approach focuses on teaching replacement behaviors rather than simply eliminating problem behaviors?
- Punishment-based intervention
- Positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) (Correct answer)
- Token economy without teaching new skills
- Exclusionary discipline practices
Correct answer: Positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS)
PBIS emphasizes teaching and reinforcing appropriate replacement behaviors rather than solely using consequences to suppress problem behaviors.
CEP Special Education Fundamentals & Inclusion Strategies 4
A student with an emotional disturbance begins to escalate during a math lesson.
According to a crisis prevention approach, what should the paraprofessional do FIRST?