Chapter 1
Define the word impairment
An impairment, as in a visual impairment, is simply a loss of expected function.
Define Giftedness
The idea of advanced intellectual ability or exceptional abilities in certain skills, often based on IQ scores that are 2 standard deviations above the average.
Define accommodation?
This is the process of taking the steps necessary to make something more suitable or appropriate to the needs of an individual.
Name three specific types of learning disabilities and briefly explain them.
Dyslexia: a learning disability that impacts written language based on difficulty with language formulation and organization and, often, limitations in fine motor skills.
Disgraphia: a learning disability that impacts written language based on difficulty with language formulation and organization and, often, limitations in fine motor skills
Dyscalculia: a learning disability associated with the inability to under-stand or manipulate mathematical concepts including retaining math facts and performing computations.
What are the other health impairments mentioned in IDEA?
It is a broad term including many health and medi-cal conditions such as epilepsy, diabetes, asthma, arthritis, HIV, and even cancer. Health impairments can be chronic (lifetime conditions) or acute (limited duration). This category is defined under IDEA as: limited strength, vitality, or alertness due to chronic or acute health problems such as a heart condition, tuberculosis, rheumatic fever, nephritis, asthma, sickle cell anemia, hemophilia, epilepsy, lead poisoning, leukemia, or diabetes that adversely affects a child’s educational performance.
Explain the Person-First Language concept
names the person before the disability to acknowledge the person is more than their disability (e.g., individuals with disabilities).
What is the Learning styles theory?
This is the learning theory that believes that effective instruction begins with a formal process of diagnosing a student's dominant learning style and subsequently designing instruction based on that learning style.
define MTSS
A total school improvement framework that uses a multi-tiered approach to academic and behavioral instruction and intervention, provides high-quality instruction aligned to student need, progress monitors students’ response to instruction frequently, and uses data-based decision making to alter instruction or goals as needed to maximize outcomes for all students.
What is an EBD according to federal definitions? Describe key characteristics, provide example
An Emotional or Behavioral Disorder (EBD) is a disability category defined federally (IDEA) as a condition exhibiting one or more specific characteristics over a long period of time and to a marked degree that adversely affects a student's educational performance.
an inability to learn that cannot be explained by intellectual, sensory, or health factors;
difficulty building or maintaining satisfactory interpersonal relationships with peers and teachers;
inappropriate types of behavior or feelings under normal circumstances;
a general pervasive mood of unhappiness or depression;
a tendency to develop physical symptoms or fears associated with personal or school problems
What is ADHD? Describe main characteristics?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development.
Inattention behaviors: Difficulty sustaining attention, careless mistakes, trouble organizing tasks, and forgetfulness in daily activities.
Overactive behaviors: Excessive fidgeting, inability to stay seated, running or climbing inappropriately, and difficulty playing quietly.
Impulsive behaviors. Acting without thinking, interrupting others, difficulty waiting for turns, and making hasty decisions.
BONUS
You got it
What is Assessment bias?
This refers to content in an assessment that is not familiar or appropriate to all students, which might negatively impact the students’ performance on the assessment.
Explain the three tiers in MTSS.
Universal prevention (also known as Tier 1 or core instruction) is the base of the triangle. The goal of universal prevention or Tier 1 programming is to deliver effective instruction that is designed and differentiated to maximize growth for all students within the general education setting
Supplementary support (Tier 2): This is individualized using a data-driven, team-based problem-solving approach. Here, targeted group intervention is driven by data that is provided in addition to and aligned with high-quality, differentiated universal academic and behavior curriculum and instruction.
Intensive support (Tier 3 or individualized support): This is the tip, or narrowest part of the triangle represents the most intensive support. They are designed for individual students who have not demonstrated adequate progress in response to universal
What are some common characteristics or difficulties that students with learning disabilities may display?
demonstrate gaps in critical skills for school
demonstrate performance limitations in basic literacy
have problems with self-monitoring of attention and on-task behavior
seem to be capable of more than they are achieving in school
require additional time to determine the meaning of a question
require additional time to produce a response
be inconsistent in his/her academic performance (e.g., may appear to understand a skill one day only to be unable to complete the same task the next day)
have difficulty establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships
behave inappropriately DUE TO the frustration experienced with academic difficulties
have difficulty grasping a concept presented in one format while understanding the same concept presented in an alternative format (see text box)
master math facts but have difficulty with problem solving tasks
have difficulty expressing himself/herself in a written format even though he/she can do so verbally
What is UDL? Explain the importance
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an educational framework that designs flexible teaching and learning to meet the diverse needs of all students. It provides multiple ways to represent information, engage learners, and allow students to express what they know. UDL is important because it reduces barriers to learning, increases accessibility, and supports inclusive classrooms, ensuring all students can access and succeed in rigorous curricula.
Give FOUR examples of “mild disabilities”
• learning disability.
• ADHD.
• Mild intellectual disability.
• Speech and language impairment
Define achievement gap
This refers to the difference between the academic performance of minority and non-minority students.
What is modification in special education and give an example with justification?
Modification in special education refers to changes made to the content material that alter, lower, or often reduce learning expectations for students with disabilities. These adjustments change the curriculum to the point that students with disabilities may no longer be learning the same content as their peers without disabilities. Modifications differ from accommodations in that accommodations do not change the learning expectations but provide support to access the same curriculum.
Explain Functional Behavioral Assessment, mention 4 steps
It is a process in which school staff gather information about certain behaviors that a student is exhibiting and discover environmental variables which may have an impact on these behaviors, to enable staff to problem solve and determine why the behavior is occurring.
The FBA process can be summarized as a problem-solving strategy that includes the following: a) identify the problem,
b) collect and analyze information,
c) plan for an intervention,
d) monitor and evaluate
What is assistive technology and explain three tiers of AT?
Assistive Technology refers to technology that increases, improves, or maintains the functional capabilities of students with disabilities. It is part of a continuum with UDL, where UDL designs curriculum inclusively for many learners, and AT provides specific tools to support individual needs.
low-tech AT, mid-tech AT, high-tech AT
What is IDEA? Identify two notable impacts of IDEA
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Zero Reject: State must guarantee that schools educate all children with disabilities regardless of severity from birth to age 21.
Free Appropriate Public Education: Guarantees special education and related services will be provided by the school district consistent with the needs outlined in the Individualized Education Program.
Individualized Education Program: A formal contract must be created outlining the services and support the school will provide in order for the child to receive a free appropriate education.
Least Restrictive Environment Students with disabilities must be educated with children without disabilities to the maxi-mum extent appropriate.
Identification and Evaluation Procedures: Schools must use non-discriminatory, multifaceted methods of evaluation.
Procedural Safeguards: Parents’ and children’s rights are protected; parents are partners in educational decision making. Provides guidelines for “due process” or resolution of conflicts between parents and schools
Identify five core attributes of giftedness:
Motivation: Evidence of desire to learn.
Communication skills. Highly expressive and effective use of words, numbers, symbols.
Interest: Intense (sometimes unusual) interests
Problem-solving ability: Effective strategies for recognizing and solving problems
Imagination/Creativity: Produces many ideas; highly original.
Memory: Large storehouse of information on school or non-school topics; exceptional ability to retain and retrieve information
Inquiry: Questions, experiments, explores method or process of seeking knowledge, understanding or information,.
Insight: Quickly grasps new concepts and makes connections; senses deeper meanings
Reasoning: Logical approaches to figuring out solutions
Humor: Conveys and picks up on humor well
What is an IEP, what are its key components and who are the members of the IEP team involved in its development?
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a written document developed for each child with a disability who requires special education and related services. The purpose of the IEP is to identify the student’s strengths and needs, set measurable goals, and determine the appropriate placement, aids, and services to support the student’s educational progress.
How does the Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) relate to the Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA), and who should be involved in developing the BIP?
The Behavior Intervention Plan is created based on the data and insights gathered from the Functional Behavioral Assessment. It contains interventions, strategies, and supports to reduce or replace a student’s inappropriate behavior. The development of the BIP should be a collaborative process involving school staff, including special educators, general educators, parents, and when appropriate, the student.
Explain the three overarching principles of UDL and how they support diverse learned?
Multiple Means of Engagement: the "why" of learning, which focuses on motivating and stimulating learners by providing varied ways to engage them.
Multiple Means of Representation: the "what" of learning, which involves presenting information in different ways to address diverse learning needs.
Multiple Means of Action and Expression: the "how" of learning, allowing students to demonstrate their knowledge through various methods.