NYSTCE: Students with Disabilities Exam Prep #1 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Which of the following behaviors suggests the need for further evaluation based on normal developmental milestones?

Child not crawling by 6 months
No spoken language by age 2 (Correct answer)
Child puts things in mouth
Child cries when hungry or tired

Correct answer: No spoken language by age 2

While developmental milestones vary, a significant red flag for further evaluation is a child having no spoken language by age 2. By this age, most children are typically combining two words and have a vocabulary of at least 50 words. A lack of spoken language can indicate potential developmental delays, hearing issues, or other concerns that warrant professional assessment.

Question 2: Chloe, 14 months old, was born with cerebral palsy. She has low muscle tone and is delayed on most developmental milestones. Which of the following services will she likely receive?

Trips to the local library for story time
In-home therapy services provided by a specialist (Correct answer)
Occasional babysitting
Swimming lessons

Correct answer: In-home therapy services provided by a specialist

For a child with developmental delays like Chloe, in-home therapy services provided by a specialist are crucial for early intervention. These services, often including physical, occupational, or speech therapy, are tailored to the child's specific needs and delivered in their natural environment, which is often the most effective setting for young children to learn and develop skills. This approach supports her development in a familiar and comfortable setting.

Question 3: Once a child qualifies for early childhood services, which of the following best represents the next process?

The child will be enrolled in a preschool program.
A team of specialists will develop an IEP with the parent to determine which programs best meet the child’s needs. (Correct answer)
The child will likely wait three to six months to receive services.
A therapist will work one-on-one with the child.

Correct answer: A team of specialists will develop an IEP with the parent to determine which programs best meet the child’s needs.

Once a child qualifies for early childhood services, the next crucial step is for a team of specialists, including parents, to develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). This plan outlines the child's specific needs, measurable goals, and the services and supports required to help them achieve those goals. The IEP/IFSP ensures that the services provided are tailored and appropriate for the child's unique developmental profile.

Question 4: Which of the following best describes the Denver Developmental Screening Test?

Children are flown to Denver for this test.
It quickly screens for basic developmental milestones. (Correct answer)
The test is typically videotaped.
The parent administers the test.

Correct answer: It quickly screens for basic developmental milestones.

The Denver Developmental Screening Test (DDST) is a widely used tool designed to quickly screen for basic developmental milestones in children from birth to six years of age. It assesses personal-social, fine motor-adaptive, language, and gross motor skills. The test helps identify children who may be at risk for developmental delays and require further, more comprehensive evaluation.

Question 5: Which of the following best describes Ages & Stages Questionnaires?

A test conducted by psychologists in a formal setting
A questionnaire completed by the child
A questionnaire completed by parents or a pediatrician with the parents’ input (Correct answer)
A test that assesses parents’ knowledge of parenting topics

Correct answer: A questionnaire completed by parents or a pediatrician with the parents’ input

Ages & Stages Questionnaires (ASQ) are a series of parent-completed questionnaires used for developmental screening in young children. Parents or caregivers answer questions about their child's communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem-solving, and personal-social skills. This parent-report tool is valuable because it leverages the parents' intimate knowledge of their child's daily behaviors and abilities, making it an effective and accessible screening method.

Question 6: Once Mrs. Jones recognizes a problem, which of the following represents the next likely step?

Form a Student Study Team with the parents and other specialists. (Correct answer)
Write an IEP for Shea.
Refer Shea for a formal assessment.
Refer Shea for special ed programs.

Correct answer: Form a Student Study Team with the parents and other specialists.

When a teacher recognizes a potential problem with a student, the initial step in the special education process is often to form a Student Study Team (SST) or similar pre-referral intervention team. This team, which includes parents, the teacher, and other school personnel, collaborates to discuss the student's challenges, implement interventions, and monitor progress before considering a formal assessment for special education services. This ensures that all general education resources are explored first.

Question 7: Shea’s mother was surprised and upset when the teacher expressed her concerns. Which of the following reactions by Mrs. Jones will help Shea’s mother reach a state of acceptance?

She should describe Shea’s behavior in emotional terms, such as She’s driving me nuts!
She should describe Shea’s challenges calmly and objectively and assure Mrs. Jones that she’ll do everything she can to help Shea overcome them. (Correct answer)
She should downplay her concerns so Shea’s mother isn’t upset.
She should provide infrequent communication to avoid upsetting Shea’s mother.

Correct answer: She should describe Shea’s challenges calmly and objectively and assure Mrs. Jones that she’ll do everything she can to help Shea overcome them.

When discussing concerns about a child's development, it is crucial for the teacher to communicate calmly and objectively, focusing on observable behaviors and academic or developmental challenges. By describing Shea's challenges factually and assuring Mrs. Jones of her commitment to help, the teacher fosters trust and a collaborative environment. This approach helps parents process difficult information and move towards acceptance and partnership in addressing their child's needs.

Question 8: First grader Michelle attends a private school, but her parents are concerned that she may have a learning disability. What are the school district’s obligations in relation to Michelle?

The school district has no obligations. The private school should provide assessments.
The school district must offer a referral and information to Michelle’s parents.
The school district must offer testing services if the parents request it. (Correct answer)
The school district must train staff at the private school in testing procedures.

Correct answer: The school district must offer testing services if the parents request it.

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), public school districts have an obligation to provide assessment services to children suspected of having a disability, even if they attend private schools. If Michelle's parents request testing, the school district must offer to conduct those assessments to determine if she qualifies for special education services. This ensures that all children, regardless of their school enrollment, have access to necessary evaluations.

Question 9: Which of the following times are not recommended for conducting formal assessments?

Days immediately following or preceding a holiday (Correct answer)
Lunchtime
The month of February
First month of school

Correct answer: Days immediately following or preceding a holiday

Conducting formal assessments immediately following or preceding a holiday is generally not recommended because children may be distracted, overstimulated, or fatigued, which can negatively impact their performance. Optimal assessment conditions require a child to be well-rested, focused, and in a routine environment. Scheduling assessments during regular school days ensures the most accurate and reliable results.

Question 10: The 1979 California court case, Larry P. v. Riles, California, was about which of the following issues in relation to formal assessments?

The question of whether snacks should be offered during formal assessments
The question of whether parents should be present during formal assessments
The question of whether IQ tests are culturally and racially discriminatory (Correct answer)
The question of whether parents should be allowed to conduct formal assessments

Correct answer: The question of whether IQ tests are culturally and racially discriminatory

The landmark 1979 California court case, Larry P. v. Riles, addressed the critical issue of whether IQ tests were culturally and racially discriminatory when used to place African American students in special education classes. The court ruled that the use of standardized IQ tests for this purpose was discriminatory, leading to significant changes in how students are identified and assessed for special education services, particularly for minority groups.

Question 11: The Wechsler Intelligence Scale has formal assessments for which of the following age groups?

Ages 8 to 12
Ages 4 to adult (Correct answer)
Ages 6 months to 8 years
Ages 6 to 18

Correct answer: Ages 4 to adult

The Wechsler Intelligence Scale is a widely used series of intelligence tests, with different versions tailored for specific age groups. The Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI) is for ages 2 years 6 months to 7 years 7 months, the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC) is for ages 6 to 16, and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) is for ages 16 and up. Collectively, these tests cover a broad range from preschool age through adulthood, making 'Ages 4 to adult' the most encompassing correct option.

Question 12: Which of the following is a characteristic of the Stanford-Binet Fifth Edition IQ Test?

This test can be used on individuals age 2 to adult. (Correct answer)
This test takes at least two hours to administer.
This test includes visuals and charts.
This test includes a short movie.

Correct answer: This test can be used on individuals age 2 to adult.

The Stanford-Binet Fifth Edition IQ Test is a comprehensive assessment of cognitive abilities that can be administered to individuals across a wide age range, specifically from age 2 to adult. This broad applicability makes it a versatile tool for evaluating intellectual functioning throughout different developmental stages. It measures five factors of cognitive ability: Fluid Reasoning, Knowledge, Quantitative Reasoning, Visual-Spatial Processing, and Working Memory.

Question 13: Which of the following best describes a characteristic of the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (KABC II) mental processing scales?

Suitable for ages 2.6 to 12.6 (Correct answer)
Includes a short video
Tests visual perceptual deficits
Includes a sensory profile

Correct answer: Suitable for ages 2.6 to 12.6

The Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children, Second Edition (KABC-II), is a norm-referenced measure of cognitive ability designed for children and adolescents. Its mental processing scales are suitable for a wide age range, specifically from 2 years 6 months to 12 years 6 months. The KABC-II is known for its flexibility in assessing diverse populations, including those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, by minimizing verbal instructions and responses.

Question 14: The Bender Visual-Motor Gestalt Test for ages three years and older uses a set of cards with images that the child attempts to recreate. This test provides clues about which of the following possible problems?

Sensory integration disorders
ADHD
Visual perceptual deficits (Correct answer)
Auditory perceptual deficits

Correct answer: Visual perceptual deficits

The Bender Visual-Motor Gestalt Test assesses visual-motor integration skills by having individuals reproduce a series of geometric designs. This test is particularly useful for identifying potential visual perceptual deficits, which can impact a child's ability to copy shapes, write, and perform other tasks requiring coordination between visual input and motor output. It helps identify issues that might contribute to learning difficulties.

Question 15: Which of the following is the Brigance Diagnostic Inventory of Basic Skills-Revised most useful for?

Determining a child’s readiness for college
Determining gaps in a child’s learning for the purpose of writing IEP goals (Correct answer)
Determining the effectiveness of a teacher’s approach
Determining a child’s extracurricular interests and hobbies

Correct answer: Determining gaps in a child’s learning for the purpose of writing IEP goals

The Brigance Diagnostic Inventory of Basic Skills-Revised is a criterion-referenced assessment tool that helps identify specific academic strengths and weaknesses in various skill areas. It is highly useful for pinpointing gaps in a child's learning, which directly informs the development of individualized education program (IEP) goals. By identifying precise areas of need, educators can write measurable and targeted goals to address those deficits.

Question 16: Which of the following answers best represents a characteristic of the Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement?

Norm-referenced, standardized test (Correct answer)
Includes a sensory profile
Suitable for non-readers
Completed in 10 minutes

Correct answer: Norm-referenced, standardized test

The Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement (KTEA) is a norm-referenced, standardized test designed to assess academic achievement in reading, math, written language, and oral language. Being norm-referenced means a student's performance can be compared to that of a large, representative group of peers, providing valuable insights into their relative strengths and weaknesses. This standardization ensures consistent administration and scoring.

Question 17: When analyzing the data from formal assessments, which of the following answers best represents the appropriate strategy for writing IEP goals?

Use the data from formal assessments to recognize a student’s limitations.
Use the data to write goals that are measurable and realistic. (Correct answer)
Use the data to impress parents and administrators.
Use the data to make decisions regarding assistive technologies.

Correct answer: Use the data to write goals that are measurable and realistic.

When writing IEP goals, it is essential to use data from formal assessments to create objectives that are both measurable and realistic for the student. The assessment data provides a baseline of the student's current performance and highlights specific areas of need, allowing the IEP team to develop targeted goals that are achievable within a given timeframe and can be objectively tracked for progress. This data-driven approach ensures the IEP is effective and accountable.

Question 18: Which of the following should be included in an observation?

A description of the child’s clothing
Feelings about the teacher’s teaching style
A verbatim record of any comments, questions, or answers made by the child (Correct answer)
A description of the classroom bulletin boards

Correct answer: A verbatim record of any comments, questions, or answers made by the child

An observation aims to capture objective, factual data about a child's behavior and interactions. Recording verbatim comments provides direct evidence of the child's communication skills, thought processes, and social engagement, which is crucial for accurate assessment and intervention planning. Other options like clothing or bulletin boards are irrelevant to the child's learning or development, and feelings are subjective.

Question 19: Fourth grader Darcie seemed unfocused and disinterested in learning. She often had headaches and complained of feeling dizzy. Mrs. Williams recommended a health assessment by her doctor rather than referring her to the special ed team. Why did Mrs. Williams choose this route?

Mrs. Williams knew the family had good health insurance.
Mrs. Williams suspected the student had not had a physical exam recently.
Mrs. Williams knew the SPED team was overbooked.
Mrs. Williams knew that health problems can sometimes cause learning problems. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Mrs. Williams knew that health problems can sometimes cause learning problems.

Before referring a student for special education services, it is essential to rule out other potential causes for academic or behavioral difficulties. Health issues, such as chronic headaches or dizziness, can significantly impact a child's ability to focus, learn, and participate in school. Addressing underlying health problems first ensures that learning difficulties are not misattributed to a disability when a medical solution might be appropriate.

Question 20: Kaley has met several of her IEP goals early. Which of the following describes the appropriate next step?

Schedule a special review to write new goals. (Correct answer)
Give Kaley some much deserved time-off.
Take the SPED team out to lunch to celebrate.
Talk with Kaley’s parents about their preferences.

Correct answer: Schedule a special review to write new goals.

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a dynamic document designed to meet a student's evolving needs. If a student meets their goals early, it indicates progress and readiness for new challenges. Scheduling a special review allows the IEP team to assess current progress, celebrate achievements, and collaboratively develop more advanced and appropriate goals to continue supporting the student's academic growth.

Question 21: If the SPED staff cannot reach a consensus on a particular IEP objective, which of the following represents a possible outcome?

The dissenting party can file a dissenting opinion. (Correct answer)
The staff should play “rock, papers, scissors” to settle the dispute.
The most senior staff member should make the final decision.
The staff should ask the principal to moderate.

Correct answer: The dissenting party can file a dissenting opinion.

In IEP meetings, all team members are expected to work collaboratively to make decisions in the best interest of the student. However, if a consensus cannot be reached, a team member has the right to document their disagreement by filing a dissenting opinion. This ensures that their professional concerns are formally recorded and considered, upholding the integrity of the decision-making process and accountability.

Question 22: Some classroom teachers feel that adaptations and assistive technology teach a student to be lazy. How can special education specialists ensure that a teacher complies with the needed accommodation?

Threaten the teacher with a lawsuit if she fails to comply.
Use very specific language within the IEP to indicate any required assistive technologies or adaptations. (Correct answer)
Educate the teacher through discussions on the benefits of assistive technology.
Ask the student to contact you if the teacher does not comply.

Correct answer: Use very specific language within the IEP to indicate any required assistive technologies or adaptations.

The IEP is a legally binding document that outlines the specific services, accommodations, and modifications a student with a disability requires. By including very specific language regarding assistive technologies and adaptations, the IEP clearly mandates their implementation. This specificity ensures compliance from all classroom teachers, as the IEP serves as the primary legal directive for the student's educational program.

Question 23: Mrs. Williams has a general idea of the curriculum for the year, but once she has assessed the children’s needs, she may make adjustments as needed. Which of the following is a logical next step in the planning process?

Plan the large units of study for the year and organize a timeline (Correct answer)
Develop objectives for learning
Begin writing lesson plans for the year
All of the above

Correct answer: Plan the large units of study for the year and organize a timeline

After assessing student needs, the next logical step in curriculum planning is to establish the overarching structure for the year. This involves outlining major units of study and creating a timeline to ensure all required content is covered systematically. This broad framework provides a roadmap before delving into the more detailed development of specific learning objectives and daily lesson plans.

Question 24: What is the purpose of learning objectives?

Learning objectives allow a teacher to clearly define what her students should gain from a particular activity or unit of study. (Correct answer)
Learning objectives are required by most school districts as part of a well-developed lesson plan.
Learning objectives help parents understand the learning occurring in the classroom.
Learning objectives make a lesson plan look more professional.

Correct answer: Learning objectives allow a teacher to clearly define what her students should gain from a particular activity or unit of study.

Learning objectives are crucial because they articulate the specific knowledge, skills, or behaviors students are expected to acquire by the end of a lesson or unit. They provide a clear focus for instruction and assessment, guiding both the teacher in planning and the students in understanding what they need to learn. This clarity ensures purposeful teaching and measurable student outcomes.

Question 25: What is an anticipatory set as part of an effective lesson plan?

A group of eagerly awaiting children
A set of materials designed for a particular unit of study
A set of documents that describes the lesson plan
An attention-getting device that engages student interest and prepares them for study (Correct answer)

Correct answer: An attention-getting device that engages student interest and prepares them for study

An anticipatory set is a critical component of an effective lesson plan, designed to capture students' attention and activate their prior knowledge at the beginning of a lesson. Its purpose is to create a mental "hook" that connects new learning to existing understanding, thereby increasing student engagement and readiness to learn the new material. This initial engagement helps set a positive tone for the lesson.

NYSTCE: Students with Disabilities Exam Prep #1

Which of the following behaviors suggests the need for further evaluation based on normal developmental milestones?