ODE Special Education and Support Services 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In Ohio, which agency is responsible for oversight of special education services in public schools?
- Ohio Department of Health
- Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities
- Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (Correct answer)
- Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
Correct answer: Ohio Department of Education and Workforce
The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce oversees the implementation of special education requirements in Ohio public schools.
Question 2: What is the primary purpose of an assistive technology (AT) evaluation in the IEP process?
- To determine the student's eligibility for special education
- To assess whether AT devices or services are needed for the student to access their education (Correct answer)
- To replace specialized instruction with technology tools
- To document parental consent for device purchases
Correct answer: To assess whether AT devices or services are needed for the student to access their education
An AT evaluation determines whether the student requires specific devices or services to access their educational program and make progress.
Question 3: A student's IEP team decides to change the student's placement from a general education classroom to a self-contained classroom. Who must provide written consent before this change takes effect?
- The building principal
- The special education coordinator
- The parent or legal guardian (Correct answer)
- The student, if over age 14
Correct answer: The parent or legal guardian
Parental consent is required before any initial placement or significant change in placement for a student with a disability.
Question 4: The 'stay-put' provision under IDEA requires that during a due process dispute:
- The student must stay home until the dispute is resolved
- The student remains in the current educational placement unless both parties agree otherwise (Correct answer)
- The school may change placement without parental consent
- The student is placed in a general education classroom regardless of their needs
Correct answer: The student remains in the current educational placement unless both parties agree otherwise
The stay-put provision protects students by maintaining their current placement during the pendency of any due process proceedings.
Question 5: Which of the following is a hallmark characteristic of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as defined in IDEA's eligibility categories?
- Difficulty with gross motor coordination only
- Deficits in social communication and the presence of restricted, repetitive behaviors (Correct answer)
- Significant hearing loss affecting academic performance
- Chronic health conditions requiring medical monitoring
Correct answer: Deficits in social communication and the presence of restricted, repetitive behaviors
IDEA defines ASD by deficits in social communication and interaction along with restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities.
Question 6: What does FAPE stand for in special education law?
- Free Appropriate Public Education (Correct answer)
- Formal Assessment and Placement Evaluation
- Federally Approved Placement Environment
- Full Academic Progress Entitlement
Correct answer: Free Appropriate Public Education
FAPE stands for Free Appropriate Public Education, which guarantees students with disabilities access to an appropriate education at no cost to parents.
Question 7: When must transition planning be included in a student's IEP in Ohio?
- When the student turns 18
- Beginning at age 14, or earlier if determined appropriate by the IEP team (Correct answer)
- At age 16 only, as required by federal law
- Only during the final year before graduation
Correct answer: Beginning at age 14, or earlier if determined appropriate by the IEP team
Ohio requires transition planning to begin at age 14 (or earlier if appropriate), which is more proactive than the federal IDEA requirement of age 16.
ODE Special Education and Support Services 3
In Ohio, which agency is responsible for oversight of special education services in public schools?