General Issues in Special Education

Question 1

Why is cultural bias a concern?

Answer 1

Culturally biased testing may not be appropriate and lead to incorrect diagnoses.

Question 2

What are some of the controversies surrounding the identification of students with LD?

Answer 2

A traditional referral system can create a “wait and fail” effect.
There are differing definitions.
Additionally, there can be co-morbid issues.

Question 3

What is RTI?

Answer 3

Response to Intervention is using effective instruction to deal with student learning difficulties. This uses ongoing assessments, Multi-tiered interventions, RTI teams, placement based on learning.
It is universal and additive

Question 4

Describe the three levels of RTI

Answer 4

First - All students receive quality behavior and academic instruction and support (80%)
Second - Small groups, additional work time (15%)
Third - Interventions are individualized, 1-1 work, extracurricular work time (5%)

Question 5

What is the common assessment in RTI?

Answer 5

Curriculum-Based Measurement is widely sed for progressing monitoring, screening, and diagnostic decisions.

Question 6

How does Iowa use RTI?

Answer 6

It is required in Iowa and is done prior to special education placement.
Three Areas are examined: Educational progress data (growth rate), Discrepancy data (comparison to standards), Instructional need data (accommodations/modifications)

Question 7

Describe the issues with English Language Learners and Special Education

Answer 7

It is important when determining eligibility to take into consideration the native language of the student. Students can misdiagnosed due to biased tests or language barriers.

Question 8

Why is inclusion such a controversial issue?

Answer 8

For: Labeling is harmful, pull-out ineffective, disabilities are minorities, ethics are important
Against: Current is okay, not much empirical evidence, continuum preserved
Current Law is LRE

Question 9

What are some various intervention strategies?

Answer 9

Self management
Assistive Technology
ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis)

Question 10

What is ABA?

Answer 10

Applied Behavioral Analysis is a highly structure approach that focuses on teaching functional skills and continuous assessment of progress.
This deals with ABC: Antecedents, Behavior, and Consequences. It is also important to take setting into account.
This also incorporates FBA and PBIS