Special Education Terminology NYC

What is the purpose of accommodations in special education?

• To lower academic expectations for students with disabilities

• To replace standard assessments with alternative assessments

• to give students with disabilities equal access to instruction and assessment

• To provide therapy services only to students with physical disabilities

Answer explanation

The purpose of accommodations in special education is to give students with disabilities equal access to instruction and assessment, ensuring they can participate fully in the educational process.

What is the NY State Alternate Assessment (NYSAA)?

• A test that all students in NY State must take

• A test used to evaluate students with severe cognitive disabilities who cannot participate in standard assessments

• An assessment used to determine eligibility for special education services

• A placement test for bilingual special education programs

Answer explanation

The NYSAA is specifically designed for students with severe cognitive disabilities who cannot take standard assessments, making it the correct choice among the options provided.

What is an Annual Review in special education?

• A one-time meeting when a student first receives an IEP

• A meeting held every three years to determine if a student still needs special education services

• A yearly meeting to review the student's progress, goals, and services

• A review process for determining school placement options

Answer explanation

An Annual Review is a yearly meeting to assess a student's progress, set new goals, and evaluate the services provided under their IEP, ensuring that their educational needs are being met effectively.

A Behavioral Intervention Plan (BIP) is based on which of the following?

• A teacher's observation of the student’s behavior

• A Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA)

• A parent's report of the child's behavior at home

• A standardized behavior test given by the school

Answer explanation

A Behavioral Intervention Plan (BIP) is based on a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA), which identifies the reasons behind a student's behavior, guiding effective interventions.

What does the term Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) mean in special education?

• Students with disabilities should be educated alongside non-disabled peers as much as possible

• Students with disabilities should always be placed in separate classrooms

• Students with disabilities should only attend special education schools

• Students with disabilities should be removed from general education settings if they struggle academically

Answer explanation

The term Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) means that students with disabilities should be educated alongside non-disabled peers as much as possible, promoting inclusion and access to general education.

What does Transition Services focus on for students with IEPs?

• Helping students with disabilities move to another school district

• Planning for life after high school, including employment and independent living

• Transitioning students from special education to general education programs

• Changing IEP services every semester

Answer explanation

Transition Services focus on planning for life after high school, including employment and independent living, to help students with IEPs successfully transition into adulthood.

Which of the following best describes a Related Service in special education?

• A specialized academic service curriculum designed specifically for students with disabilities

• Direct instructional support provided only by a special education teacher in the classroom

• A school-wide intervention program used to address general behavioral concerns in the student population

• Services such as occupational therapy, counseling, or speech-language therapy that support a student’s ability to benefit from their educational program

Answer explanation

The correct choice describes Related Services as therapies like occupational therapy and counseling that help students with disabilities access their education, aligning with the definition in special education.

What is the purpose of the Skills and Achievement Commencement (SAC) Credential?

• To serve as a high school diploma for students with disabilities who participate in standard assessments

• To recognize the skills, strengths, and levels of independence of students with IEPs who participate in alternate assessments

• To provide students with a temporary academic credential while they work toward a Regents diploma

• To allow students to graduate early if they meet their IEP goals ahead of schedule

Answer explanation

The Skills and Achievement Commencement (SAC) Credential is designed to recognize the skills, strengths, and levels of independence of students with IEPs who participate in alternate assessments.

A Behavioral Intervention Plan (BIP) is a plan that is based on the results of a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) to address problem behavior. It includes:

(select all that apply)

• The target behavior(s) and goal(s)

• Positive behavioral interventions and strategies

• Accommodations or modifications

• How the plan will be monitored and updated if needed

Answer explanation

A Behavioral Intervention Plan (BIP) includes the target behavior(s) and goal(s), positive behavioral interventions and strategies, accommodations or modifications, and how the plan will be monitored and updated.

Which of the following best describes Extended School Year Services (ESY)?

• A program for students who need additional academic instruction to prepare for Regents exams

• Special education services provided during July and August to prevent substantial regression

• A summer camp program designed to help students with disabilities socialize with peers

• A transition program that prepares high school students for college coursework

Answer explanation

Extended School Year Services (ESY) are special education services provided during July and August to prevent substantial regression in skills for students with disabilities, making this the best description.