TExES EC-12 Special Education Sample Exam

1. Early in the school year, the students in a fifth-grade class have been demonstrating exclusionary behavior. There are two dominant cliques and there are several children, including two with disabilities, who are generally treated as outcasts. When considering how to respond, the classroom teacher should be aware that

In this situation, where students are demonstrating exclusionary behavior and some children are being treated as outcasts, it is important for the classroom teacher to intervene and address the issue. Letting the students work it out among themselves may not lead to a resolution and could perpetuate the exclusionary behavior. Asking the parents of students in the cliques to apply disciplinary measures may not be effective as it does not address the underlying issue or promote a positive learning environment. Instead, instituting a program specifically designed to build a learning community where all students feel safe and accepted is the most effective response to address and prevent exclusionary behavior.

Explanation

In this situation, where students are demonstrating exclusionary behavior and some children are being treated as outcasts, it is important for the classroom teacher to intervene and address the issue. Letting the students work it out among themselves may not lead to a resolution and could perpetuate the exclusionary behavior. Asking the parents of students in the cliques to apply disciplinary measures may not be effective as it does not address the underlying issue or promote a positive learning environment. Instead, instituting a program specifically designed to build a learning community where all students feel safe and accepted is the most effective response to address and prevent exclusionary behavior.

2. A fifth grader has diabetes and manages her illness through insulin injections. Which of the following symptoms should indicate to a teacher that this student may be experiencing insulin shock?

Trembling and irritability

A high fever

Muscle and joint pain

An increased level of thirst

Trembling and irritability can be indicative of insulin shock in a student with diabetes. Insulin shock, also known as hypoglycemia, occurs when the blood sugar levels drop too low. This can happen if the student takes too much insulin or misses a meal. Symptoms of insulin shock include trembling, irritability, confusion, dizziness, sweating, and weakness. It is important for the teacher to be aware of these symptoms so that they can provide immediate assistance to the student, such as giving them a sugary snack or drink to raise their blood sugar levels.

Explanation

Trembling and irritability can be indicative of insulin shock in a student with diabetes. Insulin shock, also known as hypoglycemia, occurs when the blood sugar levels drop too low. This can happen if the student takes too much insulin or misses a meal. Symptoms of insulin shock include trembling, irritability, confusion, dizziness, sweating, and weakness. It is important for the teacher to be aware of these symptoms so that they can provide immediate assistance to the student, such as giving them a sugary snack or drink to raise their blood sugar levels.

3. An adult is preparing to manually lift a small preschooler with multiple disabilities. Which of the following practices would best ensure the adult's safety during the lift?

Prompt the child to support himself or herself during the lift to the greatest extent possible

Maintain a straight back and lift with the legs

Perform the lift as quickly as possible in a way consistent with the child's safety and comfort

Initiate the lift by bending from the waist

Maintaining a straight back and lifting with the legs is the best practice to ensure the adult's safety during the lift. This technique helps to distribute the weight evenly and avoid straining the back muscles. Lifting with the legs instead of bending from the waist reduces the risk of back injuries and promotes proper body mechanics. By using this technique, the adult can effectively lift the preschooler with multiple disabilities while minimizing the risk of injury to themselves.

Explanation

Maintaining a straight back and lifting with the legs is the best practice to ensure the adult's safety during the lift. This technique helps to distribute the weight evenly and avoid straining the back muscles. Lifting with the legs instead of bending from the waist reduces the risk of back injuries and promotes proper body mechanics. By using this technique, the adult can effectively lift the preschooler with multiple disabilities while minimizing the risk of injury to themselves.

4. Which of the following statements best describes how the objectives in a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) should relate to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)?

The IEP objectives should be identical to the TEKS with modifications in grade level only

The IEP objectives should be developed independently and then correlated to the TEKS

The IEP objectives for any given student should reflect the TEKS as closely as possible

The IEP objectives should be developed to meet student needs with no reference to the TEKS

The correct answer is that the IEP objectives for any given student should reflect the TEKS as closely as possible. This means that the goals and objectives outlined in a student's Individualized Education Program should align with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills. By doing so, the student's IEP objectives will be tailored to their specific needs while still addressing the state's educational standards. This ensures that the student receives an appropriate and meaningful education that is aligned with the broader curriculum.

Explanation

The correct answer is that the IEP objectives for any given student should reflect the TEKS as closely as possible. This means that the goals and objectives outlined in a student's Individualized Education Program should align with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills. By doing so, the student's IEP objectives will be tailored to their specific needs while still addressing the state's educational standards. This ensures that the student receives an appropriate and meaningful education that is aligned with the broader curriculum.

5. Which of the following strategies would be most effective for providing job training to a student with mental retardation for work as a food server in a fast-food restaurant?

Pair the student with an employee who can work beside him or her and model the required tasks

Make a list of job tasks for the student to refer to as necessary throughout his or her shift

Explain the steps of the job to the student carefully and check on him or her at regular intervals

Simulate the work environment and practice the job sequence in the classroom

Pairing the student with an employee who can work beside him or her and model the required tasks would be the most effective strategy for providing job training to a student with mental retardation for work as a food server in a fast-food restaurant. This strategy allows the student to observe and learn from a competent employee, providing a visual and hands-on learning experience. It also allows for immediate feedback and guidance, ensuring that the student understands and can perform the required tasks correctly. This approach promotes skill development and increases the student's chances of successfully performing the job duties in a real work setting.

Explanation

Pairing the student with an employee who can work beside him or her and model the required tasks would be the most effective strategy for providing job training to a student with mental retardation for work as a food server in a fast-food restaurant. This strategy allows the student to observe and learn from a competent employee, providing a visual and hands-on learning experience. It also allows for immediate feedback and guidance, ensuring that the student understands and can perform the required tasks correctly. This approach promotes skill development and increases the student's chances of successfully performing the job duties in a real work setting.

6. Ms. Smith stops the class after just a few minutes of mathematics instruction, which is taking place at the board. She asks two questions requiring simple student responses on 3 x 5 cards and after quickly reviewing the cards, returns to instructing at the board. Which type of assessment is being used by this teacher?

Summative

Formal

Formative

Alternate

The teacher is using formative assessment because she stops the class to ask questions and collect responses from the students. This type of assessment is used to gather feedback on student learning during instruction, in order to make adjustments and provide additional support if needed. The fact that the teacher quickly reviews the cards and returns to instructing at the board suggests that the purpose of the assessment is to inform her teaching and provide immediate feedback to the students.

Explanation

The teacher is using formative assessment because she stops the class to ask questions and collect responses from the students. This type of assessment is used to gather feedback on student learning during instruction, in order to make adjustments and provide additional support if needed. The fact that the teacher quickly reviews the cards and returns to instructing at the board suggests that the purpose of the assessment is to inform her teaching and provide immediate feedback to the students.

7. Which of the following behaviors demonstrated by a two-year-old child would be the clearest indicator that the motor development of that child may be impaired?

Difficulty coordinating hands and eyes

Inability to climb stairs with alternating feet

Falling frequently while running

Making involuntary hand movements

Making involuntary hand movements can be a clear indicator that the motor development of a two-year-old child may be impaired. Involuntary hand movements, such as tremors or jerking motions, can suggest a lack of control over their motor skills. This could be a sign of neurological or developmental issues affecting the child's ability to coordinate and control their movements. It is important to assess and address these concerns to ensure appropriate intervention and support for the child's motor development.

Explanation

Making involuntary hand movements can be a clear indicator that the motor development of a two-year-old child may be impaired. Involuntary hand movements, such as tremors or jerking motions, can suggest a lack of control over their motor skills. This could be a sign of neurological or developmental issues affecting the child's ability to coordinate and control their movements. It is important to assess and address these concerns to ensure appropriate intervention and support for the child's motor development.

TExES Ec-12 Special Education Sample Exam

2.

What first name or nickname would you like us to use?

2. A fifth grader has diabetes and manages her illness through insulin injections. Which of the following symptoms should indicate to a teacher that this student may be experiencing insulin shock?

3. An adult is preparing to manually lift a small preschooler with multiple disabilities. Which of the following practices would best ensure the adult's safety during the lift?

4. Which of the following statements best describes how the objectives in a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) should relate to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)?

5. Which of the following strategies would be most effective for providing job training to a student with mental retardation for work as a food server in a fast-food restaurant?

7. Which of the following behaviors demonstrated by a two-year-old child would be the clearest indicator that the motor development of that child may be impaired?