NYSTCE Students with Disabilities (060) Book + Online

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CHAPTER 1

Passing the NYSTCE Students with Disabilities Test

Congratulations! By taking the NYSTCE Students with Disabilities test, you are on your way to a rewarding teaching career. Our book and the online tools that come with it give you what you need to succeed on this important exam, bringing you one step closer to being certified to teach in New York.

Our NYSTCE Students with Disabilities Book + Online Prep package includes:

• Complete overview of the NYSTCE Students with Disabilities examination

• Comprehensive review of all competencies

• Two full-length practice tests (in the book and online) with powerful diagnostic tools to help you pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses and focus your study

• Detailed answer explanations

There are many different ways to prepare for the NYSTCE Students with Disabilities test. What’s best for you depends on how much time you have to study and how comfortable you are with the subject matter. Our book and online tests give you the tools you need to customize your prep so you can make the most of your study time.

How to Use this Book + Online Prep

About the Review

The review chapters in this book are designed to help you sharpen your command of all the skills you’ll need to pass the NYSTCE Students with Disabilities test. Whether you’re a recent graduate of a traditional teacher education program or you’ve gone the alternate route, our review will reinforce what you have learned and show you how to relate the information you have acquired to the specific competencies on the exam.

Our targeted review covers what you need to know to succeed on the exam. After studying our review, you will have an excellent grasp of the subject matter and a solid foundation for passing the exam.

About the REA Study Center

We know your time is valuable and you want an efficient study experience. At the online REA Study Center (www.rea.com/studycenter), you will get diagnostic feedback right from the start on what you know and what you don’t know.

Here’s what you’ll find at the Study Center:

• 2 Full-Length Practice Tests —Simulate the computer-based format of the acutal NYSTCE test and give you the most complete picture of your strengths and weaknesses.

• Automatic Scoring —Find out how you did on your test, instantly.

• Diagnostic Score Reports —Get a specific score tied to each competency, so you can focus on the areas that challenge you the most.

• On-screen Detailed Answer Explanations —See why the correct response option is right, and learn why the other answer choices are incorrect.

• Timed Testing —Learn to manage your time as you practice, so you’ll feel confident on test day.

If you are studying and don’t have Internet access, you can take the printed tests in the book. These are the same practice tests offered at the REA Study Center, but without the added benefits of timed testing conditions and diagnostic score reports. Remember, the more you practice, the more comfortable you will be with the format of the NYSTCE Students with Disabilities test—and that will help you score higher!

Getting Started

Before you work through this book, we strongly recommend that you visit the New York State Teacher Certification Examinations website at www.nystce.nesinc.com. There you’ll find the most current information on the exam, including registration information, testing sites, testing format, test-day advice, registration cost, and other available test preparation materials.

An Overview of the Test

Who Takes the Test, and What Is It Used for?

The NYSTCE Students with Disabilities test is used by the State of New York to assess knowledge of teacher certification candidates. If you do not achieve a passing score on the test, don’t panic. You can take the test again, so you can work on improving your score in preparation for your next administration.

About Computer-Based Testing

The NYSTCE Students with Disabilities test is offered only on computer at flexible times and locations throughout the year. In computer-based testing, examinees complete the test by selecting answers on-screen to multiple-choice questions and typing responses to constructed-response assignments. The NYSTCE Students with Disabilities test contains one constructed-response item.

When Should the NYSTCE Students with Disabilities Test Be Taken?

The test is usually taken immediately before the completion of a teacher certification program at a college or university. This gives candidates enough time to retake the test if necessary. Our practice tests will familiarize you with the format of the exam so that you do not have to go through the anxiety of learning about the NYSTCE Students with Disabilities test during the actual exam.

When and Where Is the Test Given?

The NYSTCE Students with Disabilities test is administered at various times and locations in New York State and in select cities nationwide. The exam can be taken year-round, Monday through Saturday by appointment. To find a testing center near you, visit the official website: www.nystce.nesinc.com.

Is There a Registration Fee?

Yes, you must pay a fee to take the NYSTCE Students with Disabilities test. Payment must be made at the time of registration using a credit card (VISA or MasterCard only).

Why should I take the NYSTCE Students with Disabilities Test?

The New York State Certification Examinations (NYSTCE) includes among its components a set of Content Specialty Tests. Teachers in New York must achieve passing scores on the Content Specialty Test in their subject area. A passing score on this exam is among the requirements for several different certificates. Whether you are a student, a graduate from an approved teacher preparation program in New York State, or an educator who has received certification in another state, you should carefully read the requirements for working with students with disabilities provided on the New York State Education Department website.

What Is Assessed on the NYSTCE Students with Disabilities Test?

The NYSTCE Students with Disabilities exam tests seven broad competencies along with the performance indicators aligned to each competency. Listed on the next page are the competencies used as the basis for the Students with Disabilities examination, as well as the approximate percentage of the total exam that each competency covers. These competencies represent the knowledge that teams of teachers, administrators, subject area specialists, and others have determined to be important for beginning teachers who work with students with disabilities.

Each chapter in this book reviews the competencies one by one. The review material is organized within each chapter by the performance indicators that the New York State Education Department lists for each competency.

The following chart shows the approximate percentages devoted to each subject covered on the exam:

Scoring the NYSTCE Students with Disabilities Test

How is the Test Scored?

The Students with Disabilities exam consists of 90 selected-response questions and 1 constructed-response question. You will have 195 minutes to complete the exam. It is suggested that you spend approximately 60 minutes completing the selected-response section and 135 minutes responding to the constructed-response question. You will not lose points for incorrect answers to the selected-response questions; therefore, you should not leave any of these questions unanswered. However, you must respond to the constructed-response question. If you do not respond, or if your response is otherwise unscorable, you will not pass.

Responses to the 91 items are scaled so that scores on the Students with Disabilities test range from 100 to 300. A score of 220 is considered passing.

When Will I Receive my Score Report?

Scores for the Students with Disabilities test are available roughly one month after the exam date. The exact dates of availability are specified on the NYSTCE website.

Study Schedule

Although our study plan is designed to be used in the six weeks before your exam, if necessary, it can be condensed to three weeks by combining each two-week period into one. Be sure to set aside enough time—at least two hours each day—to study. The more time you spend studying, the more prepared and relaxed you will feel on the day of the exam.

When you take the practice tests, be sure to simulate the conditions of the test as closely as possible. Turn off all electronic devices and sit down at a table free from distraction. Read each question carefully, consider all answer choices, and pace yourself.

As you complete each practice test, review the detailed explanations for the questions you answered incorrectly. Concentrate on one problem area at a time by reading the question and explanation, and by studying our review until you are confident that you have mastered the material. Give extra attention to the review chapters that cover your areas of difficulty, as this will build your skills in those areas.

*If you do not have Internet access, take the printed versions of the tests in the book. These are the same practice tests offered online, but without the added benefits of timed testing conditions, automatic scoring and diagnostic score reports.

Test-Taking Tips to Boost Your Score

Although you have probably taken standardized tests before, you may still experience some anxiety about the Students with Disabilities test. This is perfectly normal, and there are several ways to help alleviate test-day nervousness. Here are some tips to help you raise your score.

1. Guess Away

One of the most frequently asked questions about the Students with Disabilities test is: Can I guess? The answer: absolutely! There is no penalty for guessing. That means that if you guess incorrectly, you will not lose any points, but if you guess correctly, you will gain points. While it’s fine to guess, it’s important to guess smartly, or use the process of elimination (see Strategy No. 2). Your score is based strictly on the number of correct answers. So answer all questions and take your best guess when you don’t know the answer.

2. Process of Elimination

Process of elimination is one of the most important test-taking strategies at your disposal. Process of elimination means looking at the given answer choices and eliminating the ones you know are wrong, including answers that are partially wrong. Your odds of getting the right answer increase when you’re able to disregard a wrong choice.

3. All in

Review all the response options. Just because you believe you’ve found the correct answer—or, in some cases, answers—look at each choice so you don’t mistakenly jump to any conclusions. If you are asked to choose the best answer, be sure your first answer is really the best one.

4. Letter Choice of the Day

What if you are truly stumped and can’t use the process of elimination? It’s time to pick a fallback answer. On the day of the test, choose the letter choice (i.e., A, B, C, or D) that you will pick for any question you cannot guess. According to the laws of probability, you have a higher chance of getting an answer right if you stick to one answer choice when you have to guess an answer instead of randomly picking one.

5. Use Choices to Confirm Your Answer

The great thing about multiple-choice questions is that the answer has to be staring back at you. Have an answer in mind and use the choices to confirm it.

6. Watch the Clock

Among the most vital point-saving skills is active time management. Keep an eye on the timer on your computer screen. Make sure you stay on top of how much time you have left and never spend too much time on any one question. Remember, most multiple-choice questions are worth one raw point. Treat each one as if it’s the one that will put you over the top. (You never know, it just might.) For the constructed-response question, make sure you have enough time to write a well-organized essay. The last thing you want on test day is to lose easy points because you ran out of time and focused too much on difficult questions.

7. Read, Read, Read

It’s important to read through all the multiple-choice options. Even if you believe answer choice A is correct, you can misread a question or response option if you’re rushing to get through the test. Slow down, calm down, read all the choices. Verify that your choice is the best one, and click on it.

8. Isolate Limiters

Pay attention to any limiters in a multiple-choice question stem. These are words such as initial, best, most (as in most appropriate or most likely), not, least, except, required, or necessary. Especially watch for negative words, such as "Choose the answer that is not true." When you select your answer, double-check yourself by asking how the response fits the limitations established by the stem. Think of the stem as a puzzle piece that perfectly fits only the response option(s) that contain the correct answer. Let it guide you.

9. It’s Not a Race

Ignore other test-takers. Don’t compare yourself to anyone else in the room. Focus on the items in front of you and the time you have left. If someone finishes the test 30 minutes early, it does not necessarily mean that person answered more questions correctly than you did. Stay calm and focus on your test. It’s the only one that matters.

10. Confirm Your Click

In the digital age, many of us are used to rapid-clicking, be it in the course of emailing or gaming. Look at the screen to be sure to see that your mouse-click is acknowledged. If your answer doesn’t register, you won’t get credit. However, if you want to mark it for review so you can return later, that’s your call. Before you click Submit, use the test’s review screen to see whether you inadvertently skipped any questions.

11. Creature of Habit? No Worries.

We are all creatures of habit. It’s therefore best to follow a familiar pattern of study. Do what’s comfortable for you. Set a time and place each day to study for this test. Whether it is 30 minutes at the library or an hour in a secluded corner of your local coffee shop, commit yourself as best you can to this schedule every day. Find quiet places where it is less crowded, as constant background noise can distract you. Don’t study one subject for too long, either. Take an occasional breather and treat yourself to a healthy snack or some quick exercise. After your short break—5 or 10 minutes can do the trick—return to what you were studying or start a new section.

12. Knowledge is Power

Purchasing this book gave you an edge on passing the Students with Disabilities test. Make the most of this edge. Review the sections on how the test is structured, what the directions look like, what types of questions will be asked, and so on. Take our practice tests to familiarize yourself with what the test looks and feels like. Most test anxiety occurs because people feel unprepared when they are taking the test, and they psych themselves out. You can whittle away at anxiety by learning the format of the test and by knowing what to expect. Fully simulating the test even once will boost your chances of getting the score you need. Meanwhile, the knowledge you’ve gained will also will save you the valuable time that would have been eaten up puzzling through what the directions are asking As an added benefit, previewing the test will free up your brain’s resources so you can focus on racking up as many points as you can.

13. B-r-e-a-t-h-e

What’s the worst that can happen when you take a test? You may have an off day, and despite your best efforts, you may not pass. Well, the good news is that a test can be retaken. In fact, you may already be doing this—this book is every bit for you as it is for first-timers. Fortunately, the Students with Disabilities test is something you can study and prepare for, and in some ways to a greater extent than other tests you’ve taken throughout your academic career. Yes, there will be questions you won’t know, but neither your teacher education program nor state licensing board (which sets its own cut scores) expects you to know everything.

When unfamiliar vocabulary appears, don’t despair: Use context clues, process of elimination, or your letter of the day to make your choice, and then press ahead. If you have time left, you can always come back to the question later. If not, relax. It is only one question on a test filled with many. Take a deep breath and then exhale. You know this information. Now you’re going to show it.

The Day of the Test

Before the Test

On the day of the test, you should wake up early after a good night’s rest. Have a good breakfast and dress in layers that can be removed or added as the conditions in the testing center require. Arrive at the testing center 30 minutes before your scheduled testing time. This will allow you to collect your thoughts before the test, and will also spare you the anguish that comes with being late. As an added incentive to make sure that you arrive early, keep in mind that if you arrive more than 15 minutes late to your test appointment, you may not be admitted.

Before you leave for the testing site, make sure that you have your proper identification. Proper identification must be current, government-issued, printed in English, show the name in which you registered for the exam, and have your photograph and signature.

Acceptable forms of identification include:

• Driver’s license with photograph and signature

• Passport with photograph and signature

• State identification with photograph and signature

• National identification with photograph and signature

• Military identification with photograph and signature

• Alien Registration Card

Be sure to check the NYSTCE website close to the date of your test in case there are any changes to these requirements.

There are also very strict rules about what you may not bring to the testing site. You may not bring watches of any kind, cell phones or any other electronic communication devices. Scrap paper, written notes, books, and any printed material is prohibited. Smoking, eating, or drinking are not allowed, so do not bring any food or drinks, including water, to the site. Finally, weapons of any kind are banned, as are any visitors, including relatives.

Once you enter the test center, follow all the rules and instructions given by your test supervisor. Failure to do so may result in your dismissal from the testing center. You may also have your scores canceled.

Good luck on the exam! You are well on your way to certification.

CHAPTER 2

COMPETENCY 0001

Foundations of Special Education

This chapter introduces some of the legal, professional, historical, and scientific foundations of the education of students with disabilities, including special education in the New York State public school system.

Performance Indicator* (a): Historical and philosophical foundations of the field of special education and of contemporary issues, trends, and research

This section briefly touches on the historical and philosophical foundations of special education.

Historical Changes

By the early 20th century, compulsory education had been established in every state in the United States. Children with disabilities were often excluded from public schools. Most states had laws allowing schools to refuse to admit children who could be considered uneducable. The parents of these children had few options other than to keep their children at home, pay for expensive private schools, or place the children in an institution.

Following World War II, parent-based organizations began to advocate for the educational rights of children with disabilities. These grassroots movements fueled government actions ranging from the Panel on Mental Retardation, created by President John F. Kennedy in 1961, to the creation of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act in 1965. These social and political changes in turn paved the way for the most important piece of legislation affecting the education of students with disabilities: Public Law 94-143, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EHA), passed in 1975 and later reauthorized as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

IDEA is grounded in a number of concepts that were innovative at the time of its initial passage, including the granting of children with disabilities the right to a free, appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment (LRE). This requirement of IDEA is commonly referred to as inclusion, and as the term suggests, it distinguishes the contemporary treatment of children with disabilities from older approaches in which they were routinely excluded from public school settings.

Broadly, inclusion refers to the practice of educating students with disabilities in the general education classroom, so that they may participate in day-to-day routines alongside students without disabilities to the greatest extent possible. IDEA does not guarantee inclusive education to students with disabilities; rather, it ensures that inclusion is a default, or normative scenario, for which there may be exceptions. IDEA requires that students with disabilities be included in the general education classroom and only removed and/or provided with special services if the classroom environment cannot be modified to adequately support their educational progress. Thus, inclusion can be contrasted with the practice of mainstreaming, in which students with disabilities were included in the general education classroom only when their achievement would be near grade level without substantial support. The main difference between inclusion and mainstreaming is that inclusion treats the general education classroom as the student’s primary placement, along with the general education teacher as the student’s primary instructor. Educational practices that require a student with disabilities to spend time outside the general classroom, or to be instructed by other experts, are considered supplementary.

PI (b): Relevant laws, regulations, state policies, and ethical guidelines (e.g., related to referral, assessment, eligibility, placement within a continuum of services, behavior management planning and implementation, mandated reporting, maintaining confidentiality)

In this section, you will find information about some of the federal and state laws, regulations, policies, and guidelines that impact the education of students with disabilities.

The focus of this section will be on IDEA, as it is the federal legislation with the strongest and most direct impact on special education.

IDEA

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) is the federal law that governs the education of children with disabilities. This law was first introduced in 1975 as the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, and then revised, renamed, and reauthorized several times, most recently in 2004.

IDEIA is often simply referred to as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which was the name of the law immediately prior to its reauthorization in 2004. You will also see reference to the law as IDEA 2004. All material in this chapter pertains to the current version of the law.

An Overview of IDEA

Through IDEA, the federal government provides states with funding for special education. In turn, the states must comply with numerous requirements that pertain to children ranging from birth to age 21. Some of the more important requirements are summarized as follows:

• States must conduct Child Find activities to identify and evaluate children who may have disabilities. Students who may have a disability must be evaluated, at no cost to parents, for their eligibility for special education services. Parents must be involved in the evaluation process. (Throughout this book, the term parents will be used as shorthand for parent(s) or guardian(s).) Either parents or a school professional such as a teacher may request an evaluation, but parental consent is required before evaluation of an individual student can take place.

• Students with disabilities are entitled to the same types of educational experiences as their peers without disabilities. Schools must provide each child with a disability an educational experience that is appropriate to his/her age and abilities at no cost to the parents. This requirement of IDEA is referred to as a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) .

• Students with disabilities are to be educated in the least restrictive environment (LRE) , meaning that their educational experiences must be as similar as possible to those of children who do not have disabilities. The goal of the LRE requirement is for students with disabilities to remain in the general education classroom to the greatest extent possible, with the fewest possible changes to day-to-day routines, and to be removed from regular classes and/or provided with special services only when the severity of their disability requires doing so in order for them to be educated appropriately. Participation in general education activities is not an all-or-nothing opportunity for students with disabilities; rather, schools must provide a continuum of services that allow these students to participate to the greatest extent possible. Along with the FAPE requirement discussed above, the LRE requirement is the foundation of inclusion.

• Between ages 3 and 21, each student with a disability must have an Individualized Education Program (also called an individualized education plan or IEP ). The IEP describes the child’s present level of progress and learning capacity, the short- and long-term educational goals for the child, and the accommodations and services