CEP Special Education Fundamentals & Inclusion Strategies 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A student who receives special education services transitions to a new grade. Which document ensures that the student's services and accommodations continue without interruption?
- A new referral for special education evaluation
- The current IEP, which transfers with the student (Correct answer)
- A teacher recommendation letter
- A 504 Plan created by the new teacher
Correct answer: The current IEP, which transfers with the student
The student's current IEP remains in effect and transfers with the student to ensure continuity of services during transitions.
Question 2: Which of the following is an example of 'instructional scaffolding' for a student with a language processing disorder?
- Giving the student less time to complete tasks to build speed
- Pre-teaching key vocabulary before a lesson and using graphic organizers during instruction (Correct answer)
- Removing all verbal instruction and using only written materials
- Having the student repeat instructions back until memorized
Correct answer: Pre-teaching key vocabulary before a lesson and using graphic organizers during instruction
Pre-teaching vocabulary and graphic organizers provide language scaffolds that support comprehension for students with language processing difficulties.
Question 3: A paraprofessional overhears a student with a disability being verbally bullied by peers. What is the MOST appropriate immediate action?
- Wait to see if the student handles it independently before intervening
- Intervene calmly, stop the bullying behavior, and report the incident to the supervising teacher (Correct answer)
- Ask the student with a disability to move to another area
- Tell the bullying students they will be punished later
Correct answer: Intervene calmly, stop the bullying behavior, and report the incident to the supervising teacher
Paraprofessionals must intervene immediately in bullying situations and report them to teachers, as students with disabilities are at higher risk for bullying.
Question 4: Which of the following communication disorders is characterized by disruptions in the flow of speech, such as repetitions, prolongations, or blocks?
- Articulation disorder
- Language disorder
- Fluency disorder (stuttering) (Correct answer)
- Voice disorder
Correct answer: Fluency disorder (stuttering)
Fluency disorders, including stuttering, involve disruptions in the rhythm and flow of speech rather than sound production or language comprehension.
Question 5: When a paraprofessional observes a student exhibiting signs of abuse or neglect, what is the CORRECT course of action?
- Investigate independently before reporting to avoid false accusations
- Report observations immediately to the appropriate school personnel or authorities, as paraprofessionals are mandated reporters (Correct answer)
- Speak directly with the student's parents about the concern
- Document the concern privately and monitor the situation for several weeks
Correct answer: Report observations immediately to the appropriate school personnel or authorities, as paraprofessionals are mandated reporters
Paraprofessionals are mandated reporters required by law to report suspected abuse or neglect to designated school staff or authorities immediately.
Question 6: An IEP team is discussing transition services for a 16-year-old student with a disability. Under IDEA, what must transition planning address?
- Only post-secondary education options
- Post-secondary education, vocational training, employment, independent living, and community participation as applicable (Correct answer)
- Only the student's current academic performance levels
- Career options chosen solely by the student's parents
Correct answer: Post-secondary education, vocational training, employment, independent living, and community participation as applicable
IDEA requires transition planning to address a coordinated set of activities focused on post-secondary education, training, employment, and where appropriate, independent living.
Question 7: Which of the following BEST describes the paraprofessional's role in promoting student independence during inclusion activities?
- Staying as close to the student as possible at all times to prevent errors
- Gradually fading proximity and support as the student demonstrates competence (Correct answer)
- Always completing the most difficult steps of tasks for the student
- Avoiding all feedback so the student learns from natural consequences only
Correct answer: Gradually fading proximity and support as the student demonstrates competence
Fading proximity and support as competence grows builds student independence and prevents learned helplessness.
CEP Special Education Fundamentals & Inclusion Strategies 5
A student who receives special education services transitions to a new grade.
Which document ensures that the student's services and accommodations continue without interruption?