NPC Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield NPC facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. When assisting English Language Learners (ELLs) in the classroom, a paraprofessional should: → Use visuals, gestures, and simplified language while encouraging English production
2. A paraprofessional who uses social media to post photos of students without parental consent is violating which principle? → Student confidentiality and privacy rights
3. A student scores 18 out of 25 on a quiz. What percentage did the student earn? → 72%
4. A student with dyslexia struggles to decode written text during a science test. Which accommodation is MOST appropriate? → Provide text-to-speech software or read the test aloud
5. Which is an example of proactive classroom management? → Setting clear routines
6. A student refuses to complete a writing assignment and puts their head down. The paraprofessional should FIRST: → Quietly check in with the student to identify the barrier to engagement
7. What does PBIS stand for in a school context? → Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports
8. Which of the following is an antonym for the word 'abundant'? → Scarce
9. What is a key component of early reading instruction? → Phonemic awareness
10. What does the term 'duty of care' mean for a paraprofessional? → The legal obligation to take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable harm to students
11. What does the prefix 'pre-' mean in the word 'preview'? → Before
12. A student with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) has difficulty with memory and organization. Which support strategy is MOST appropriate? → Provide visual checklists, graphic organizers, and frequent review of information
13. A paraprofessional is supporting a student with a visual impairment in an art class. Which is the MOST inclusive approach? → Adapt materials with tactile elements so the student can participate alongside peers
14. Which best describes a sight word? → Words recognized instantly
15. An effective paraprofessional-teacher relationship is best characterized by: → Clear communication, mutual respect, and defined roles guided by the teacher's direction
16. A student consistently acts out right before math class. A paraprofessional who understands behavior function would first consider: → Whether the behavior is escape-motivated to avoid a difficult task
17. Which developmental theorist proposed that children progress through stages of cognitive development, including sensorimotor and preoperational stages? → Jean Piaget
18. A classroom has 4 rows of desks with 6 desks in each row. Three desks are empty. How many desks are occupied? → 21
19. A student has a seizure during class. After ensuring the student is safe and has not been injured, a paraprofessional should: → Time the seizure, stay calm, keep others away, and report to the nurse
20. Active listening in a school setting means: → Fully concentrating, understanding, and responding thoughtfully to what is being said
21. What action shows respect for diversity in the classroom? → Valuing diverse backgrounds
22. What is the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) as defined by Vygotsky? → The gap between what a learner can do alone and what they can do with guidance
23. Which action demonstrates a paraprofessional's commitment to student dignity? → Providing personal care assistance discreetly and respectfully
24. When writing notes or documentation about a student, a paraprofessional should: → Use objective, behavioral language and avoid labeling
25. The role of the paraprofessional during a student behavior crisis is PRIMARILY to: → Follow the BIP, support the supervising teacher, and ensure student safety
26. A student's family observes a religious holiday that falls on a school testing day. The paraprofessional should: → Inform the teacher so appropriate accommodations or make-up options can be arranged
27. What is a critical ethical guideline when working with students? → Treating all students fairly
28. Which of the following BEST describes 'differentiated instruction' support by a paraprofessional? → Adjusting the level of support, complexity, or modality based on each student's needs
29. A paraprofessional notices a student becoming frustrated during a math activity. What is the BEST immediate response? → Acknowledge the frustration and offer a brief break or scaffold the next step
30. The purpose of a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) is to: → Identify the function or reason behind a student's challenging behavior