NYSTCE ATAS Supporting Diverse Learners and Special Education 2

Question 1

A student who is hard of hearing is in an inclusive classroom. Which accommodation should the teaching assistant prioritize when the teacher is speaking?

Accepted Answer

Ensure the student has a clear line of sight to the teacher's face and use an FM system if available

Answer

Clear sightlines and FM amplification systems are primary accommodations that directly support access to spoken instruction for students who are hard of hearing.

Question 2

What does the term 'least restrictive environment' (LRE) mean in special education?

Accepted Answer

Students with disabilities should be educated alongside non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate

Answer

LRE means students with disabilities are educated with non-disabled peers to the greatest extent appropriate based on individual needs.

Question 3

A teaching assistant is supporting a student with an intellectual disability during a math lesson. The student can count to 20 reliably. What is the MOST appropriate instructional approach?

Accepted Answer

Use manipulatives and connect counting skills to simple addition concepts

Answer

Using manipulatives to bridge existing counting skills to new addition concepts applies the zone of proximal development for students with intellectual disabilities.

Question 4

A student with a physical disability uses a wheelchair. The teaching assistant notices the student cannot reach materials on a high shelf. What is the MOST appropriate immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Rearrange or relocate materials so the student can access them independently

Answer

Proactively removing physical barriers supports independence and equal access for students with physical disabilities.

Question 5

During a small group reading activity, a student with dyslexia has difficulty decoding words. What strategy should the teaching assistant use?

Accepted Answer

Use phonemic awareness prompts such as segmenting sounds before blending

Answer

Phonemic awareness prompts that guide segmenting and blending directly target the decoding difficulty associated with dyslexia.

NYSTCE ATAS - NYSTCE Assessment of Teaching Assistant Skills Practice Test

NYSTCE ATAS - NYSTCE Assessment of Teaching Assistant Skills Practice Test

NYSTCE ATAS Supporting Diverse Learners and Special Education 2