OSAT OSAT Professional Knowledge and Roles 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of a Manifestation Determination Review (MDR) in special education?
- To assess a student's academic achievement levels
- To determine if a disciplinary removal is related to the student's disability (Correct answer)
- To review the IEP goals for the upcoming year
- To evaluate the student's eligibility for special education services
Correct answer: To determine if a disciplinary removal is related to the student's disability
An MDR must be conducted within 10 school days when a student with a disability faces a disciplinary removal of more than 10 days.
Question 2: Which assessment approach involves collecting student work samples over time to measure progress?
- Norm-referenced testing
- Curriculum-based measurement (CBM)
- Portfolio assessment (Correct answer)
- Standardized achievement testing
Correct answer: Portfolio assessment
Portfolio assessment compiles authentic student work over time, providing evidence of growth and learning across multiple contexts.
Question 3: A student's IEP team must include all of the following EXCEPT:
- The student's parents
- The student's previous year's teacher (Correct answer)
- A general education teacher
- A special education teacher
Correct answer: The student's previous year's teacher
IDEA does not require the previous year's teacher; required members include parents, a general ed teacher, a special ed teacher, an LEA rep, and when appropriate, the student.
Question 4: The primary legal basis for prohibiting disability discrimination in programs receiving federal funding is:
- IDEA 2004
- Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Correct answer)
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- No Child Left Behind Act
Correct answer: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Section 504 prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.
Question 5: When writing measurable annual IEP goals, which component ensures the goal can be objectively evaluated?
- A statement of the student's present level of performance
- Specific criteria indicating the level of mastery expected (Correct answer)
- A description of the disability category
- A list of related services the student will receive
Correct answer: Specific criteria indicating the level of mastery expected
Measurable goals must include specific criteria (e.g., accuracy percentage, frequency) so progress can be objectively determined.
Question 6: A teacher uses direct instruction to explicitly teach a phonics skill. Which instructional approach does this reflect?
- Discovery learning
- Systematic and explicit instruction (Correct answer)
- Inquiry-based learning
- Project-based learning
Correct answer: Systematic and explicit instruction
Systematic and explicit instruction involves teacher-led, step-by-step delivery of skills with clear modeling and guided practice.
Question 7: Which transition planning requirement under IDEA must be included in the IEP by the time a student turns 16?
- A statement of transition services needed to prepare for post-secondary life (Correct answer)
- Enrollment in a vocational training program
- A diploma completion plan approved by the state
- Assignment to a community-based work experience
Correct answer: A statement of transition services needed to prepare for post-secondary life
IDEA requires a statement of needed transition services based on age-appropriate assessments to be included in the IEP by age 16 (or earlier in some states).
OSAT OSAT Professional Knowledge and Roles 3
What is the purpose of a Manifestation Determination Review (MDR) in special education?