Special Education Overview: Definition and History

Question 1

When making assessment and placement decisions for students with disabilities, which practice raises ethical concerns?

Accepted Answer

Basing placement on personal biases instead of student needs and objective data

Answer

Using assessments free from bias

Answer

Acknowledging cultural influences on assessment outcomes

Answer

Utilizing the most dependable assessment tools

Question 2

Which service delivery model emphasizes educating students with disabilities in general education classrooms with necessary support?

Accepted Answer

Inclusion

Answer

Self-Contained Classrooms

Answer

Resource Rooms

Question 3

Which principle forms the cornerstone of the legal and ethical foundations of special education?

Accepted Answer

Right to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE)

Answer

Presumption of competence

Answer

Use of standardized testing for placement decisions

Answer

Exclusion of students with disabilities from regular education settings

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a potential benefit of inclusive education for students with disabilities?

Accepted Answer

Exposure to higher-level content

Answer

Increased social skills

Answer

Improved academic outcomes

Answer

Reduced stigma

Question 5

Which major turning point in the history of special education in the United States occurred in 1975?

Accepted Answer

The enactment of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EHA)

Answer

The establishment of the National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET)

Answer

The publication of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)

Answer

The development of the first intelligence test by Alfred Binet

Question 6

The 'least restrictive environment' (LRE) principle in special education refers to:

Accepted Answer

Educating students with disabilities in mainstream classes whenever possible

Answer

Creating separate and specialized classes for students with disabilities

Answer

Excluding students with disabilities from general education

Answer

Placing students with disabilities in institutional settings

Question 7

In special education, the concept of 'disability' is understood as:

Accepted Answer

A dynamic and socially constructed concept

Answer

A fixed and inherent characteristic

Answer

A medical diagnosis

Answer

A legal classification

Question 8

Which of the following accurately describes the primary purpose of special education?

Accepted Answer

To provide individualized instruction to students with disabilities, considering their unique learning styles and needs

Answer

To segregate students with disabilities from general education classrooms

Answer

To solely prepare students with disabilities for employment

Question 9

Which of the following is a crucial ethical principle that should guide the provision of special education services?

Accepted Answer

Upholding the rights and dignity of individuals with disabilities

Answer

Prioritizing cost-effectiveness

Answer

Adhering solely to convenience

Question 10

Which characteristic is essential for an effective Individualized Education Program (IEP)?

Accepted Answer

It is tailored to the specific needs and strengths of the individual student

Answer

It is a standardized document that applies to all students with disabilities

Answer

It employs complex language that may be difficult for parents to comprehend

Question 11

Which type of assistive technology can be particularly beneficial for students with disabilities in enhancing communication?

Accepted Answer

Speech-generating devices

Answer

Interactive whiteboards

Answer

Scientific calculators

Answer

Traditional textbooks

Question 12

How has the changing role of parents and families in special education influenced the provision of services and outcomes for students with disabilities?

Accepted Answer

Increased collaboration and advocacy for students with disabilities

Answer

Diminished reliance on specialized services and support

Answer

Reduced focus on legal compliance and procedural safeguards

Answer

Exclusive decision-making authority for parents

Question 13

Under IDEA, what is the primary purpose of special education law and policy?

Accepted Answer

To ensure all students with disabilities receive a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment

Answer

To segregate students with disabilities from general education

Answer

To provide additional funding for students with disabilities

Question 14

Which statement accurately defines the term "special education"?

Accepted Answer

Instructionally relevant differences in the educational experiences and performances of students with disabilities as compared to the general student population

Answer

Education taking place exclusively in separate settings

Question 15

Which ethical principle obliges special educators to protect the privacy of student information?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 16

The principle of least restrictive environment implies that students with disabilities should be educated:

Accepted Answer

In general education settings with appropriate support, to the maximum extent possible

Answer

In segregated special education classrooms within regular schools

Question 17

Which of the following is not recognized as a disability category under IDEA?

Accepted Answer

Giftedness

Answer

Specific learning disability

Answer

Autism

Answer

Intellectual disability

Question 18

The main objective of an individualized education program (IEP) is to:

Accepted Answer

Create a tailored plan that addresses the unique educational needs of a student with a disability

Answer

Monitor the student's progress in special education

Answer

Ascertain the student's eligibility for special education services

Question 19

Who is considered the pioneer of special education?

Accepted Answer

Jean-Marc Gaspard Itard

Answer

Anne Sullivan

Answer

Maria Montessori

Answer

Horace Mann

Question 20

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination in:

Accepted Answer

Employment, public accommodations, transportation, housing, and government services

Answer

Education, employment, and transportation

Answer

Healthcare, education, and housing

Question 21

Which of these is a significant ethical concern in special education?

Accepted Answer

Potential for stigmatization and discrimination

Answer

Teacher workload

Answer

Inadequate staffing

Answer

Financial implications of providing services

Question 22

Which characteristic is NOT associated with special education?

Accepted Answer

It is provided to all students without exception

Answer

It is based on a comprehensive evaluation

Answer

It is tailored to individual needs

Question 23

As per the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), students with disabilities are entitled to:

Accepted Answer

A free and appropriate public education (FAPE)

Answer

Services exclusively in segregated settings

Answer

Only a general education curriculum without modifications or accommodations

Question 24

Who is widely recognized as the 'Father of Special Education'?

Accepted Answer

Jean-Marc Gaspard Itard

Answer

John Dewey

Answer

Horace Mann

Answer

Maria Montessori

Question 25

The Salamanca Statement primarily advocates for:

Accepted Answer

The importance of inclusive education

Answer

The necessity of segregating students with disabilities from general education

Answer

The significance of standardized testing for students with disabilities

Answer

The superiority of private schools for educating students with disabilities

Question 26

Which ethical principle guides special educators to treat all students with dignity and respect?

Accepted Answer

Respect for Individuality

Answer

Least Restrictive Environment

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Nondiscrimination

Question 27

In order to identify students with disabilities, the process involves:

Accepted Answer

A comprehensive evaluation

Answer

Solely reviewing academic records

Answer

Administering a single standardized intelligence test

Answer

Making observations of a student by just one teacher

Question 28

Which statement accurately reflects a primary goal of special education?

Accepted Answer

Preparing students for employment or postsecondary education

Answer

Punishing students for their disabilities

Answer

Isolating students with disabilities from their peers

Question 29

The Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) principle mandates that:

Accepted Answer

Students with disabilities are educated in the most inclusive setting appropriate to their needs

Answer

Students with disabilities can only receive education in private schools

Answer

Students with disabilities are always placed in segregated settings

Question 30

Which historical event marked the inception of the modern special education movement?

Accepted Answer

The establishment of the first publicly funded school for deaf students in Hartford, Connecticut

Answer

The passage of the Brown v. Board of Education decision

Answer

The publication of the Salamanca Statement

Question 31

In the context of special education, the term 'disability' refers to:

Accepted Answer

A condition that significantly impairs a student's ability to learn and participate in school

Answer

Any deviation from the expected norm

Answer

A mental illness