HSC Special Education and Inclusive Practices 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What federal law mandates that students with disabilities receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment?
- No Child Left Behind Act
- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (Correct answer)
- Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Correct answer: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
IDEA is the primary federal law that guarantees FAPE and mandates appropriate special education services in the least restrictive environment.
Question 2: What does IEP stand for in the context of special education?
- Individual Evaluation Plan
- Individualized Education Program (Correct answer)
- Integrated Education Protocol
- Instructional Enhancement Plan
Correct answer: Individualized Education Program
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legally binding document outlining the special education services and goals for a student with a disability.
Question 3: Under IDEA, how frequently must an IEP be reviewed and updated at a minimum?
- Every six months
- Every two years
- Annually (Correct answer)
- Every three years
Correct answer: Annually
IDEA requires that an IEP team review and revise the IEP at least once per year to ensure it continues to meet the student's needs.
Question 4: Which disability category is the most prevalent among students served under IDEA?
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Intellectual Disability
- Speech or Language Impairment
- Specific Learning Disability (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Specific Learning Disability
Specific Learning Disability (SLD), which includes conditions like dyslexia and dyscalculia, is consistently the largest disability category served under IDEA.
Question 5: What is the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) principle?
- Students with disabilities must be placed in separate classrooms
- Students with disabilities should be educated alongside non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate (Correct answer)
- Students with disabilities should only receive instruction at home
- Students with disabilities must attend specialized schools
Correct answer: Students with disabilities should be educated alongside non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate
LRE requires that students with disabilities be educated with non-disabled peers as much as possible while still receiving appropriate services.
Question 6: A student who does not qualify for services under IDEA may still receive support through which plan?
- An RTI Plan
- A 504 Plan (Correct answer)
- A Behavior Support Plan
- A Gifted Education Plan
Correct answer: A 504 Plan
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act provides accommodations for students with disabilities who do not meet IDEA eligibility criteria but whose disability substantially limits a major life activity.
Question 7: What age range does IDEA cover for special education services?
- Birth to age 18
- Ages 3 to 21
- Birth to age 21 (Correct answer)
- Ages 5 to 18
Correct answer: Birth to age 21
IDEA covers special education services from birth through age 21, with Part C covering birth to age 3 (early intervention) and Part B covering ages 3 to 21.
HSC Special Education and Inclusive Practices 1
What federal law mandates that students with disabilities receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment?