TEXES 161 Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield TEXES 161 facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which approach aligns with the principles of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) in a special education classroom? → Using positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviors
2. Under IDEA, which postsecondary goal area does NOT have to be addressed in transition planning for every student? → Independent living skills
3. Which instructional strategy is most effective for teaching students with learning disabilities to comprehend written text? → Using graphic organizers to outline key concepts
4. When implementing a behavior intervention plan (BIP), what is the most important factor for ensuring its success? → Consistent implementation across all settings
5. Which agency or professional is most appropriate to invite to a transition IEP meeting to discuss employment outcomes? → A representative from the state vocational rehabilitation agency
6. Which condition is characterized by extreme inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interferes with functioning and development? → Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
7. Under IDEA, how many disability categories are recognized for special education eligibility? → 13
8. Which behavior function describes a student who acts out to avoid completing a difficult assignment? → Escape/avoidance
9. A student with autism who is nonverbal begins using a tablet-based AAC app to communicate. Which type of assistive technology is this? → Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device
10. Which strategy involves ignoring minor misbehavior to avoid inadvertently reinforcing it with attention? → Planned Ignoring
11. Which ethical principle requires special educators to maintain confidentiality regarding student records and information? → Confidentiality
12. What is the age at which IDEA's special education services end for most students with disabilities? → 21
13. A student earns tokens throughout the day and exchanges them for a preferred activity. This is an example of which behavior management system? → Token Economy
14. Which strategy helps build trust with families who have had negative experiences with schools or social services in the past? → Building relationships through consistent, positive, and non-judgmental communication
15. A student with significant intellectual disabilities uses a single-switch device to control a computer. This is an example of which type of access method? → Switch access using alternative input
16. A special educator notices that a student's family never attends IEP meetings despite multiple invitations. What is the most appropriate first step? → Contact the family to identify and address barriers to their participation
17. What is the primary purpose of a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA)? → To identify the function or purpose of a student's challenging behavior
18. Under IDEA, which procedural safeguard gives parents the opportunity to resolve disputes with the school informally before pursuing due process? → Mediation
19. Which transition assessment method involves directly observing a student performing work tasks in an actual or simulated job setting? → Situational Assessment
20. Which law guarantees adults with disabilities the right to reasonable accommodations in employment settings? → The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
21. A student who is deaf-blind uses a device that converts text into tactile output through raised pins. This technology is called a: → Braille display (refreshable braille display)
22. Which of the following is an example of positive reinforcement? → Giving a student a sticker when they raise their hand appropriately
23. Which transition skill involves a student understanding their own strengths, needs, learning styles, and disability? → Self-Awareness
24. Which disability category under IDEA is characterized by persistent difficulties in reading, including decoding, fluency, and comprehension? → Specific Learning Disability
25. Under IDEA, who is responsible for ensuring that AT devices included in an IEP are provided to the student? → The school district, which must provide AT at no cost to the family
26. Which IDEA principle requires schools to educate ALL students with disabilities, regardless of the severity of their disability? → Zero Reject
27. A student with dysgraphia primarily struggles with which academic skill? → Written expression and handwriting
28. Under IDEA, transition planning must begin in a student's IEP no later than what age? → 16
29. Which concept emphasizes respecting and integrating a family's cultural values and beliefs into the student's educational program? → Cultural Competence
30. Which strategy can special educators use to help families understand special education jargon during IEP meetings? → Provide families with a glossary of special education terms before the meeting