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Scenario:  At a district training on special education, educators debate what “continuum of services” really means:  One teacher argues it’s mainly about inclusion, since the goal should be placing every child in a general education setting.  Another suggests it refers to the extent of collaboration across disciplines (e.g., speech therapy, occupational therapy, counseling).  A third insists it reflects the historical model of institutionalization, where services were provided in one setting.  The director clarifies that it is a framework ensuring a range of individualized placement and service options to match the diverse needs of students with disabilities.  Which interpretation best captures the concept of the “continuum of services”? (10) 

 Which of the following best evaluates the argument that inclusion classrooms promote equity? (3)

Scenario:  A team of educators is preparing classroom supports for students with autism. In their planning meeting, they discuss behaviors they’ve seen:  One teacher notes that some students repeat words or phrases they’ve just heard (echolalia).  Another describes students engaging in repetitive actions such as rocking or hand-flapping (self-stimulation).  A third shares that a few students occasionally engage in behaviors that cause harm to themselves (self-injury/self-mutilation).  A fourth adds that many students with autism seem to struggle with sadness and may even develop depression, which she assumes is a defining feature of the disorder.  Which of these is not considered a defining or commonly observed characteristic of autism? (6) 

Scenario:  A 6-year-old child presents with global developmental delays, characteristic facial features, and a confirmed chromosomal abnormality (trisomy 21). A teacher assumes the disability was “caused by poor parenting.”  Which evaluation best reflects the actual cause of the exception? (5)

Scenario:  In a graduate seminar on the history of special education, the professor explains how physical disabilities were once seen as reasons to exclude children from school. Today, however, most students with physical disabilities are educated in inclusive settings with support services. The class reviews several conditions that may affect mobility and participation in school:  Cerebral palsy, a neurological condition that affects muscle coordination and movement.  Hydrocephalus, a buildup of fluid in the brain that may require surgical shunts.  Spina bifida, a congenital spinal condition often associated with mobility challenges.  Muscular dystrophy, a group of genetic disorders that progressively weaken muscles.  The professor then asks: “Historically, all of these conditions led to exclusion from public education. But in today’s schools, which of these is the most prevalent physical disability among children?”  Which answer is correct? (1) 

Scenario:  In a special education seminar, a teacher asks: “Are learning disabilities the largest category of disability I should expect to see in my classroom, and why does it matter?”  One colleague says it is the largest category, meaning most teachers will encounter students with reading, writing, or math difficulties linked to average or above-average intelligence.  Another argues it is only the second or third largest category, behind speech/language impairments or other health impairments.  A third claims it is the smallest category, suggesting teachers are unlikely to see many students with these needs.  A fourth insists prevalence data changes constantly, so it’s best to assume “none of the above.”  Which statement most accurately reflects the reality and its educational implications? (7) 

Scenario:  At a parent–teacher conference, Mrs. Lopez, whose son has a learning disability, expresses her desire to be more involved in planning his educational goals. The teacher welcomes her input, noting that federal law also requires parental participation, and the school team agrees that collaboration leads to better outcomes.  Which factor best explains why family involvement in the education of children with disabilities has increased? (10) 

Scenario:  Ethan, a gifted 7th grader, consistently finishes his assignments in half the time allotted and often becomes disruptive out of boredom. His teacher decides to give him additional worksheets of the same type of problems to “keep him busy.”  Which evaluation best fits this decision? (4)

Ms. Nguyen is planning a classroom presentation about assistive supports for individuals with visual impairments. One student suggests that “almost everyone who is blind has a guide dog as a pet.”  Question:  Which clarification would be most accurate for Ms. Nguyen to provide? (8) 

Which of the following is not descriptive of orientation and mobility instruction? (8)