PECT Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield PECT facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Under IDEA Part C, early intervention services are designed for children in which age range? → Birth through age 2 (0–3)
2. Which professional is most qualified to conduct a formal assistive technology assessment for a student with a physical disability? → An AT specialist, often in collaboration with an OT and SLP
3. Why is self-assessment beneficial for students? → Encourages reflection and goal-setting
4. In a co-teaching model where one teacher leads while the other circulates to assist, the approach is called: → One teach, one assist
5. Which professional is primarily responsible for providing sensory integration therapy and fine motor skill support in a school setting? → The occupational therapist (OT)
6. If a student shows no response after several weeks of a well-implemented Tier 2 intervention, the next step is to: → Intensify support or consider Tier 3 and possible evaluation
7. What is a key characteristic of play-based learning? → Encourages creativity and problem-solving
8. What is a key characteristic of Universal Design for Learning (UDL)? → Providing multiple means of engagement and representation
9. A physical therapist (PT) on an IEP team is most likely to address which area of student functioning? → Gross motor skills, mobility, and physical access to the school environment
10. What is the least restrictive environment (LRE) principle in special education? → Educating students with disabilities in the most inclusive setting possible
11. A student in math intervention solves procedures but cannot explain why they work. Which approach builds conceptual understanding? → Concrete-Representational-Abstract (CRA) sequence
12. What is the maximum age through which IDEA Part B guarantees a free appropriate public education? → 21
13. A rubric that lists criteria and performance levels primarily helps to: → Make scoring consistent and expectations clear
14. Under IDEA Part C, the IFSP must be reviewed: → Every six months, with an annual evaluation
15. When a teacher activates prior knowledge before a lesson, the main purpose is to: → Help students connect new content to what they already know
16. A parent disagrees with the school's evaluation of their child. Which IDEA safeguard allows them to request an evaluation at public expense? → Independent Educational Evaluation
17. Under IDEA Part C, which professional is designated to help families access and coordinate all early intervention services? → Service coordinator
18. Which of the following is a key component of an Individualized Education Program (IEP)? → Measurable annual goals
19. What is 'sensory defensiveness' in the context of sensory processing? → An over-responsive reaction to sensory input that most people do not find bothersome
20. What are the five essential components of reading instruction identified by the National Reading Panel? → Phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension
21. Which is the most appropriate intervention for a student who reads accurately but does not retain what was read? → Teaching active comprehension strategies like summarizing and questioning
22. Which principle of Universal Design for Learning emphasizes providing multiple ways for students to demonstrate what they know? → Multiple means of action and expression
23. Under IDEA Part C, early intervention services must be provided in: → Natural environments to the maximum extent appropriate
24. Why is social-emotional development important in early childhood education? → Supports relationship-building and emotional regulation
25. A student uses a dynamic display AAC device with multiple pages and symbol categories. Which skill is most essential for successful use of this device? → Ability to navigate multiple screens and locate vocabulary
26. A teacher graphs progress-monitoring data and the trend line is below the goal line. The most appropriate response is to: → Modify the intervention
27. Which optional eligibility provision under IDEA Part C allows states to serve children who are at risk for developmental delays before a delay is confirmed? → At-risk condition
28. A student with visual impairment requires instruction in 'orientation and mobility (O&M).' What does this service teach? → How to move safely and independently through physical environments
29. Vocabulary instruction during reading intervention is most effective when words are: → Taught in context with multiple meaningful exposures
30. A first grader reverses numbers and miscounts when adding. Which strategy best supports accurate computation? → Using a number line and ten-frames for visual support