Special Education Policy and Law
IDEA guarantees two key principles for students with disabilities. Name one.
Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) or Least Restrictive Environment (LRE).
Give one example of a barrier UDL aims to remove in a classroom.
Limited access to content due to language, sensory, or physical constraints.
Which document includes measurable annual goals?
IEP
Why is co-teaching considered an inclusive practice?
It allows shared expertise to meet diverse needs in the same classroom.
What is the primary goal of Tier 1 in MTSS?
Provide high-quality instruction for all students.
A parent asks, “Why does my child need an evaluation before getting services?” Explain in one sentence.
Evaluations determine eligibility and ensure services match the student’s needs.
Why is offering multiple means of engagement important in UDL?
It addresses diverse motivation and learning preferences, increasing participation.
Why is progress monitoring included in an IEP?
To track student growth and adjust instruction based on data.
Name one benefit of Station Teaching.
Smaller groups for targeted instruction and increased engagement.
Why is data collection essential in MTSS?
It informs decisions about moving students between tiers.
Which law ensures equal access for students who do NOT qualify for special education but still need accommodations?
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Scenario: A student struggles with written directions. Suggest one UDL-based solution.
Provide audio instructions or visual step-by-step guides.
Scenario: A student with diabetes needs snack breaks and health monitoring. Which plan applies?
504 Plan.
Scenario: One teacher always leads while the other circulates. What’s missing?
Shared instructional responsibility and role equity.
Scenario: A student shows minimal progress after Tier 2 interventions. What’s the next step?
Intensify supports (Tier 3) and/or consider evaluation for special education.
Scenario: A school provides services without parental consent. Which principle is violated?
IDEA’s requirement for informed parental consent.
How does UDL differ from differentiation?
UDL proactively designs flexible options for all learners; differentiation adjusts for specific students after planning.
What is one key difference between accommodations and modifications?
Accommodations change how learning occurs; modifications change what is learned.
How can co-teachers ensure effective collaboration before class?
Joint planning with clear roles and shared objectives.
Name two features of Explicit Instruction.
Clear modeling and guided practice with frequent checks for understanding.
Why is the Endrew F. Supreme Court case significant for IEP development?
It raised the standard for educational benefit, requiring IEPs to be “reasonably calculated” for progress.
Name one UDL strategy for a science experiment that includes multilingual learners.
Use labeled diagrams, bilingual vocabulary cards, and allow oral explanations.
Name two team members who must attend an IEP meeting.
Parent/guardian and general education teacher (others include special educator, LEA representative).
Name a co-teaching strategy for introducing new vocabulary in math.
Example - One teacher models terms while the other leads a hands-on activity using manipulatives.
How does explicit instruction support students with disabilities?
It provides structured, systematic teaching that reduces cognitive load and clarifies expectations.