Page 1 of 252
WGU D169 Principles of Learning and Teaching
OA Exam and Study Guide – Complete 400
Questions with Verified Answers
Official Exam Overview:
The WGU D169 Principles of Learning and Teaching (OA) Exam and Study Guide evaluates
learners’ understanding of educational policies, teaching strategies, and support for diverse learners,
including English learners. The exam emphasizes federal regulations, student classifications,
instructional strategies, and differentiated learning in K–12 education.
Exam Coverage Areas:
• Definitions and Classifications of English Learners (ELs)
• Federal and State Educational Policies
• Title III and Support Programs for ELs and Migrant Students
• Instructional Strategies for Diverse Classrooms
• Assessment and Differentiated Instruction
• Student Engagement and Learning Environments
• Professional Ethics and Teacher Responsibilities
• Multiple Choice and Short Answer Question Formats
QUESTION 1: What does the term English learner (EL) mean?
a) A student who is learning English as a second language ✅
b) A student who only speaks English at home
c) A student with disabilities
d) A student enrolled in bilingual math programs
Rationale: An English learner (EL) is a student whose native language is not English and who
requires specialized instruction to achieve English language proficiency.
QUESTION 2: Which federal law primarily provides guidance for English learners in U.S. schools?
a) IDEA
b) Title III ✅
c) McKinney-Vento Act
d) Title I
Rationale: Title III ensures that English learners receive support to improve English proficiency
and academic achievement.
QUESTION 3: English learners often require:
,a) Only math instruction in English
b) Targeted language support and accommodations ✅
c) Reduced curriculum requirements
d) Physical education support only
Rationale: English learners require targeted instructional support, including modified teaching
strategies and accommodations to access grade-level content.
QUESTION 4: Which factor determines if a student is classified as an English learner?
a) Age of enrollment
b) Native language not being English ✅
c) Socioeconomic status
d) Special education placement
Rationale: Students whose first language is not English are classified as English learners (ELs)
to identify instructional needs.
QUESTION 5: The goal of EL programs is to:
a) Replace the student’s native language
b) Achieve English proficiency while maintaining academic progress ✅
c) Limit access to grade-level content
d) Focus only on conversational English
Rationale: EL programs aim to help students develop English proficiency while ensuring access
to the full curriculum for academic success.
What does the term English learner (EL) mean? - ANSWER-English learner is a person whose
native language is not English.
QUESTION: What are some other terms used to refer to EL students? - ANSWER-ELL - English
language learner
ESOL
ESL - English as a Second Language
LEP
QUESTION: Federal law requires that parents be notified their child has been identified as an
English learner within what time period? - ANSWER-Parents must be within 30 days of the
beginning of the school year, and within 2 weeks for students that enroll during any other time
during the school year
,QUESTION: Describe one screening tool commonly used as the first step to identify English
learners. - ANSWER-Home Language Survey. It is compled by all students. Question can be:
What language is spoken at home? What language did your child learn first?
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QUESTION: After a student is identified as a potential EL, how are placement or screener tests
used for further evaluation? - ANSWER-After the student are identified as potential EL, the are
tested for their English proficiency to determine if there is a need for further assistance.
QUESTION: What is the purpose of Title III of the Every Student Succeeds Act or ESSA (2015) as
it relates to the education for Els? - ANSWER-The purpose of Title III is to help ensure that
English learners (ELs) attain English language proficiency and meet state academic standards.
QUESTION: If a student is identified as EL and is diagnosed with a disability but the parent
declines disability-related services, what is the school still required to provide? - ANSWER-The
SEA and LEA remain obligated to provide appropriate language assistance services to Els
QUESTION: If a student is identified as EL and is diagnosed with a disability but the parent opts
out of the EL programs and services, what is the school still required to provide? - ANSWER-
They remain obligated to provide language assistance services to ELs. If parents consented to
IEP or 504, they remains obligated to provide those services, and to conduct ELP monitoring
and/or provide language assistance as appropriate.
QUESTION: Describe the 6 key principles for teaching ELs. - ANSWER-1. Use discipline-specific
practices to build conceptual understanding and language competence
2. Leverages ELs' home language(s), cultural assets, and prior knowledge
3. Standards-aligned instruction for ELs is grade-level appropriate, and provides scaffolds
4. Take into account their English proficiency level(s) and prior schooling experiences.
2
WGU D169 Principles of Learning and Teaching
OA Exam and Study Guide – Complete 400
Questions with Verified Answers
Official Exam Overview:
The WGU D169 Principles of Learning and Teaching (OA) Exam and Study Guide evaluates
learners’ understanding of educational policies, teaching strategies, and support for diverse learners,
including English learners. The exam emphasizes federal regulations, student classifications,
instructional strategies, and differentiated learning in K–12 education.
Exam Coverage Areas:
• Definitions and Classifications of English Learners (ELs)
• Federal and State Educational Policies
• Title III and Support Programs for ELs and Migrant Students
• Instructional Strategies for Diverse Classrooms
• Assessment and Differentiated Instruction
• Student Engagement and Learning Environments
• Professional Ethics and Teacher Responsibilities
• Multiple Choice and Short Answer Question Formats
QUESTION 1: What does the term English learner (EL) mean?
a) A student who is learning English as a second language ✅
b) A student who only speaks English at home
c) A student with disabilities
d) A student enrolled in bilingual math programs
Rationale: An English learner (EL) is a student whose native language is not English and who
requires specialized instruction to achieve English language proficiency.
QUESTION 2: Which federal law primarily provides guidance for English learners in U.S. schools?
a) IDEA
b) Title III ✅
c) McKinney-Vento Act
d) Title I
Rationale: Title III ensures that English learners receive support to improve English proficiency
and academic achievement.
QUESTION 3: English learners often require:
,a) Only math instruction in English
b) Targeted language support and accommodations ✅
c) Reduced curriculum requirements
d) Physical education support only
Rationale: English learners require targeted instructional support, including modified teaching
strategies and accommodations to access grade-level content.
QUESTION 4: Which factor determines if a student is classified as an English learner?
a) Age of enrollment
b) Native language not being English ✅
c) Socioeconomic status
d) Special education placement
Rationale: Students whose first language is not English are classified as English learners (ELs)
to identify instructional needs.
QUESTION 5: The goal of EL programs is to:
a) Replace the student’s native language
b) Achieve English proficiency while maintaining academic progress ✅
c) Limit access to grade-level content
d) Focus only on conversational English
Rationale: EL programs aim to help students develop English proficiency while ensuring access
to the full curriculum for academic success.
What does the term English learner (EL) mean? - ANSWER-English learner is a person whose
native language is not English.
QUESTION: What are some other terms used to refer to EL students? - ANSWER-ELL - English
language learner
ESOL
ESL - English as a Second Language
LEP
QUESTION: Federal law requires that parents be notified their child has been identified as an
English learner within what time period? - ANSWER-Parents must be within 30 days of the
beginning of the school year, and within 2 weeks for students that enroll during any other time
during the school year
,QUESTION: Describe one screening tool commonly used as the first step to identify English
learners. - ANSWER-Home Language Survey. It is compled by all students. Question can be:
What language is spoken at home? What language did your child learn first?
1
, Page 2 of 252
QUESTION: After a student is identified as a potential EL, how are placement or screener tests
used for further evaluation? - ANSWER-After the student are identified as potential EL, the are
tested for their English proficiency to determine if there is a need for further assistance.
QUESTION: What is the purpose of Title III of the Every Student Succeeds Act or ESSA (2015) as
it relates to the education for Els? - ANSWER-The purpose of Title III is to help ensure that
English learners (ELs) attain English language proficiency and meet state academic standards.
QUESTION: If a student is identified as EL and is diagnosed with a disability but the parent
declines disability-related services, what is the school still required to provide? - ANSWER-The
SEA and LEA remain obligated to provide appropriate language assistance services to Els
QUESTION: If a student is identified as EL and is diagnosed with a disability but the parent opts
out of the EL programs and services, what is the school still required to provide? - ANSWER-
They remain obligated to provide language assistance services to ELs. If parents consented to
IEP or 504, they remains obligated to provide those services, and to conduct ELP monitoring
and/or provide language assistance as appropriate.
QUESTION: Describe the 6 key principles for teaching ELs. - ANSWER-1. Use discipline-specific
practices to build conceptual understanding and language competence
2. Leverages ELs' home language(s), cultural assets, and prior knowledge
3. Standards-aligned instruction for ELs is grade-level appropriate, and provides scaffolds
4. Take into account their English proficiency level(s) and prior schooling experiences.
2
