Assessment in Special Education (D003)

Correct Answer: A. Are measurable based on evaluation standards

Explanation

In an Individualized Education Program (IEP), goals and objectives must be measurable, meaning they can be objectively evaluated through assessment data. The primary purpose is to track a student’s progress and ensure that educational strategies are effective. Measurable goals allow for consistent monitoring and adjustments as needed to help the student achieve success.

Why Other Options Are Wrong

B. Consider the student's chronological age

While it is important to understand the student's chronological age, the goals and objectives should be based on the student's present level of performance, abilities, and needs rather than solely on age. A student’s educational goals should reflect their capabilities and growth potential, not just their age.

C. Approximate what the student is able to do

Goals and objectives should be tailored to be specific and measurable, not just approximate what the student can do. They need to be clear, observable, and based on evaluation standards to effectively guide teaching and assess progress.

D. Are all curriculum-based assessments

While curriculum-based assessments are an important tool in evaluating a student’s progress, they are not the sole determinant when writing goals and objectives. Goals in an IEP should incorporate a variety of assessment data and considerations, including academic, social, and behavioral factors.

Correct Answer: D) Should only be completed once

Explanation

Progress monitoring is an ongoing process that is used to track student progress over time. It is not something that should be done only once, as continuous monitoring helps educators adjust instruction and interventions to meet the student's evolving needs.

Why Other Options Are Wrong

A) Should be used to inform instruction

Progress monitoring is essential in informing instruction. It helps teachers determine whether the current instructional strategies are effective and whether modifications are necessary.

B) Is a form of dynamic assessment

Progress monitoring is often considered a form of dynamic assessment, as it is used to assess a student's progress continuously and inform future instructional decisions.

C) Allows us to justify moving students between different levels of intervention

Progress monitoring provides valuable data that can justify adjustments in a student's level of intervention based on their progress or lack thereof. This helps ensure that students are receiving the appropriate level of support.

Correct Answer: C. 25 hours

Explanation

Preclinical experiences typically require candidates to complete a set number of observation hours before entering clinical practice or student teaching. The recommended number of hours for classroom observation is 25, allowing future educators to gain firsthand experience in instructional strategies, classroom management, and student engagement before assuming teaching responsibilities.

Why Other Options Are Wrong

A. 10 hours

Ten hours is insufficient for preclinical observation, as it does not provide enough time to observe various instructional methods and classroom dynamics. Most programs require significantly more observation to ensure candidates are adequately prepared.

B. 30 hours

While 30 hours may be beneficial, it exceeds the typical requirement. Most programs establish 25 hours as the standard to balance exposure with other coursework and preparation activities.

D. 15 hours

Fifteen hours, though closer to the required amount than ten, still falls short of the recommended 25-hour minimum. The additional observation hours provide essential exposure to diverse teaching styles and student needs.

Correct Answer: B) General education teacher

Explanation

The general education teacher is primarily responsible for gathering initial data and observations about a student’s performance during the referral process for special education evaluation. Teachers observe the student in the classroom setting, monitor their academic progress, behavior, and participation, and document concerns that may lead to a referral for further evaluation. The general education teacher plays a critical role in identifying and tracking any issues that could indicate the need for special education services.

Why Other Options Are Wrong

A) Classroom aide

While a classroom aide may assist in observing and supporting students, they do not have primary responsibility for gathering initial data or making formal observations related to special education referrals. This task is typically handled by the general education teacher.

C) School nurse

The school nurse's role is primarily focused on health-related concerns, such as administering medications or addressing medical needs. They are not typically involved in gathering data or observing academic or behavioral performance for special education referrals.

D) Principal

The principal oversees the general operations of the school but does not generally gather the initial data and observations required for special education referrals. That responsibility lies with the general education teacher, who has direct knowledge of the student’s performance in the classroom.

Correct Answer C. MTSS

Explanation

MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) is a tiered framework that provides varying levels of support based on the needs of students. It addresses both academic and behavioral challenges, offering interventions that range from universal supports for all students to more intensive, individualized support for students who need it. MTSS ensures that struggling students receive the appropriate level of support, which may include academic interventions or behavioral strategies.

Why Other Options Are Wrong

A. IEP

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a plan for students with disabilities that outlines specific services and supports to meet their needs. While an IEP provides important, individualized support, it is not a tiered system like MTSS and is specific to students who qualify for special education services.

B. 504

A 504 Plan provides accommodations for students with disabilities to ensure they have equal access to education, but it does not provide the tiered levels of support that MTSS offers for both academic and behavioral needs.

D. Contracts

Behavioral or academic contracts are agreements made between students and educators to address specific goals or behaviors. While useful in certain situations, contracts do not represent a tiered system of support and are often part of a broader intervention plan.

Correct Answer: C) A student's parents, teachers, school psychologist, and other invited people determine which services a student with disabilities needs to receive educational benefit

Explanation

An IEP (Individualized Education Program) meeting involves a team of individuals, including the student's parents, teachers, school psychologists, and other relevant professionals, who come together to determine the specific educational services and supports the student with disabilities requires to benefit from their education. The meeting ensures that the IEP is developed based on the student's individual needs and complies with IDEA regulations.

Why Other Options Are Wrong

A) A student's teachers and related service staff meet to discuss whether a student should be referred for a special education evaluation

This description pertains to a referral meeting or an initial evaluation meeting, not an IEP meeting. The IEP meeting is held after a student has been evaluated and found eligible for special education services.

B) Compliance monitors from the state's board of education determine whether a school district is meeting requirements of federal special education law

This refers to state monitoring and compliance checks, which ensure that schools are following special education laws, but it does not describe an IEP meeting.

D) The principal meets with the student to discuss his or her learning progress and what the school can do to improve it

This is more of an individual meeting between the student and principal, which may involve discussing general progress but is not an IEP meeting. The IEP meeting focuses on the needs and services for students with disabilities and involves a team of professionals and the student's parents.

Correct Answer: A) Adaptive behavior

Explanation

Adaptive behavior refers to the skills needed to function effectively in various environments, such as social interactions, self-care, communication, and other day-to-day tasks. It encompasses how well a person can adjust to their environment and engage in independent living. Assessing adaptive behavior provides a comprehensive understanding of how a person copes with life’s demands in various settings.

Why Other Options Are Wrong

B) Achievement

Achievement refers to academic success and the attainment of specific knowledge or skills, typically assessed through tests or grades. It does not assess a person’s ability to function effectively in various environments.

C) Intelligence

Intelligence is a broad measure of cognitive capabilities, often assessed through standardized IQ tests. While intelligence may influence how a person adapts, it is not a direct measure of how they function in everyday environments.

D) Cognitive ability

Cognitive ability refers to mental processes such as memory, reasoning, and problem-solving. Although related to adaptive behavior, cognitive ability focuses on internal mental processes rather than a person’s ability to function effectively in daily life situations.

Correct Answer: C. Least Restrictive Environment

Explanation

The Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) principle ensures that students with disabilities are educated alongside their non-disabled peers to the greatest extent possible. Schools must provide necessary supports and services to help students with disabilities succeed in general education settings unless their disabilities require a more specialized environment.

Why Other Options Are Wrong

A. The Education for All Handicapped Act

This was the original federal law (PL 94-142) that mandated public education for students with disabilities, but it does not specifically define the principle of Least Restrictive Environment. IDEA later expanded and replaced this law.

B. Zero Reject

Zero Reject is a different principle of IDEA that ensures no student with a disability is denied access to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE), regardless of the severity of the disability. While related, it does not specifically address placement in the least restrictive setting.

D. Due Process

Due Process refers to the legal procedures and protections in place for students and their families in special education. It ensures parents have the right to challenge decisions about their child's education but does not specifically relate to the Least Restrictive Environment principle.

Correct Answer: C) The school cannot release records without parental consent

Explanation

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) ensures that parents have the right to access and review their child's educational records. The school cannot release any records without the consent of the parents or the student (once they turn 18). This protection is especially important for students who receive special education services, as it ensures that sensitive information is handled responsibly.

Why Other Options Are Wrong

A) Parental rights belong to the student when they turn 18

While it's true that parental rights transfer to the student once they turn 18, this statement is not directly related to the context of FERPA in special education. FERPA grants rights to parents until the student reaches the age of majority, after which the rights transfer to the student.

B) These protections also apply to private schools

FERPA applies to all educational agencies that receive federal funding, including public and private schools that accept federal funds for educational programs, but this is not universally true for all private schools.

D) Parents do not have the right to request educational records

This statement is incorrect. Parents have the right to request and access their child's educational records under FERPA, ensuring transparency and accountability in their child's education.