NPC NPC Technology & Assessment in Education 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When using technology to support a student with a disability, the device or software used is called:
- Educational technology
- Assistive technology (Correct answer)
- Consumer electronics
- Supplemental instruction
Correct answer: Assistive technology
Assistive technology refers to any device, software, or equipment used to maintain or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities in educational settings.
Question 2: A student's IEP includes the use of text-to-speech software for written assignments. A paraprofessional's role is to:
- Decide independently whether the accommodation is necessary based on the student's daily performance
- Ensure the technology is available, functional, and used consistently as specified in the IEP (Correct answer)
- Replace the technology with verbal reading by the paraprofessional instead
- Only use the technology during state testing and not in daily instruction
Correct answer: Ensure the technology is available, functional, and used consistently as specified in the IEP
Accommodations specified in an IEP are legally required and must be consistently implemented; paraprofessionals must ensure the technology is accessible and working for the student.
Question 3: Formative assessment differs from summative assessment in that formative assessment:
- Assigns a final grade at the end of a unit
- Occurs during the learning process to inform instruction and provide feedback (Correct answer)
- Is always administered through standardized tests
- Only measures reading and math skills
Correct answer: Occurs during the learning process to inform instruction and provide feedback
Formative assessment is ongoing and designed to monitor learning, provide feedback, and guide instruction, while summative assessment evaluates learning at the end of an instructional period.
Question 4: A paraprofessional collects observational data on a student's reading fluency. This data is BEST used to:
- Make final placement decisions independently
- Share with the supervising teacher to inform instructional planning and IEP updates (Correct answer)
- Calculate the student's final grade for the semester
- Compare the student publicly to classmates
Correct answer: Share with the supervising teacher to inform instructional planning and IEP updates
Observational data collected by paraprofessionals is valuable input for teachers and specialists in planning instruction and updating progress toward IEP goals.
Question 5: What is a 'portfolio assessment'?
- A test administered at the beginning of the year only
- A collection of student work samples over time that demonstrates growth, skills, and progress (Correct answer)
- A standardized multiple-choice exam given to all students statewide
- A teacher's verbal report of student performance
Correct answer: A collection of student work samples over time that demonstrates growth, skills, and progress
Portfolio assessment involves gathering student work samples across time to document progress, strengths, and areas for growth in an authentic, holistic way.
Question 6: When a paraprofessional uses a tablet for a learning activity, digital citizenship rules require them to:
- Allow students unrestricted internet access to encourage exploration
- Ensure students use technology responsibly, safely, and respectfully following school policies (Correct answer)
- Avoid using technology because it distracts students
- Let students access any websites without monitoring
Correct answer: Ensure students use technology responsibly, safely, and respectfully following school policies
Digital citizenship education teaches responsible, safe, and ethical technology use; paraprofessionals must enforce school acceptable use policies and model appropriate behavior.
NPC NPC Technology & Assessment in Education 1
When using technology to support a student with a disability, the device or software used is called: