Praxis II Special Education: Core Knowledge and Severe to Profound Applications (5545)
Exam Secrets Study Guide With Questions And Correct Answers With Rationales.
1. Which characteristic is most commonly associated with students who have severe intellectual
disabilities?
A. Advanced abstract reasoning
B. Delayed adaptive and functional skills
C. High academic performance with social deficits
D. Average IQ with language impairment
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Students with severe intellectual disabilities typically show significant delays in adaptive
functioning, including self-care, communication, and daily living skills. Abstract reasoning and
academic skills are limited, making functional instruction essential.
2. A student with profound disabilities is most likely to benefit from which instructional approach?
A. Lecture-based instruction
B. Discovery learning
C. Functional, routine-based instruction
D. Independent seatwork
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Students with profound disabilities learn best through functional, routine-based instruction
embedded in daily activities. This approach emphasizes life skills rather than abstract academics.
3. Which assessment method is MOST appropriate for students with severe disabilities?
A. Standardized multiple-choice tests
B. Norm-referenced achievement tests
C. Curriculum-based and performance assessments
D. College readiness exams
Correct Answer: C
,Rationale:
Curriculum-based and performance assessments allow teachers to evaluate real-life skill application,
which is more meaningful for students with severe and profound disabilities than standardized tests.
4. The primary goal of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for a student with severe
disabilities should focus on:
A. Grade-level academic standards
B. Functional independence and quality of life
C. Competitive academic performance
D. Test-taking strategies
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
IEPs for students with severe disabilities emphasize functional independence, communication,
mobility, and life skills to improve overall quality of life.
5. Which communication system is commonly used for nonverbal students with severe disabilities?
A. Phonics-based reading programs
B. Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
C. Silent reading strategies
D. Note-taking instruction
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
PECS allows nonverbal students to communicate needs using pictures, supporting functional
communication development.
6. Which instructional strategy is MOST effective for teaching daily living skills?
A. Abstract discussion
B. Task analysis
C. Group debates
D. Essay writing
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Task analysis breaks skills into small, teachable steps, making it ideal for teaching daily living skills to
students with severe disabilities.
7. Students with multiple disabilities often require instruction that is:
, A. Fast-paced and competitive
B. Isolated from peers
C. Multisensory and individualized
D. Entirely academic
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Multisensory instruction supports varied learning needs and compensates for sensory, physical, or
cognitive impairments.
8. Which professional is MOST likely responsible for mobility support in students with severe
physical disabilities?
A. Speech-language pathologist
B. Occupational therapist
C. Physical therapist
D. School psychologist
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Physical therapists focus on mobility, balance, and gross motor skills, essential for students with
severe physical disabilities.
9. What is the PRIMARY purpose of assistive technology for students with severe disabilities?
A. Increase homework volume
B. Replace teacher instruction
C. Enhance functional participation
D. Eliminate the need for support staff
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Assistive technology helps students access learning, communicate, and participate more
independently in school and daily life.
10. Which legal document guarantees special education services for eligible students?
A. Section 504 Plan
B. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
C. Individualized Education Program (IEP)
D. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
Correct Answer: C
Exam Secrets Study Guide With Questions And Correct Answers With Rationales.
1. Which characteristic is most commonly associated with students who have severe intellectual
disabilities?
A. Advanced abstract reasoning
B. Delayed adaptive and functional skills
C. High academic performance with social deficits
D. Average IQ with language impairment
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Students with severe intellectual disabilities typically show significant delays in adaptive
functioning, including self-care, communication, and daily living skills. Abstract reasoning and
academic skills are limited, making functional instruction essential.
2. A student with profound disabilities is most likely to benefit from which instructional approach?
A. Lecture-based instruction
B. Discovery learning
C. Functional, routine-based instruction
D. Independent seatwork
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Students with profound disabilities learn best through functional, routine-based instruction
embedded in daily activities. This approach emphasizes life skills rather than abstract academics.
3. Which assessment method is MOST appropriate for students with severe disabilities?
A. Standardized multiple-choice tests
B. Norm-referenced achievement tests
C. Curriculum-based and performance assessments
D. College readiness exams
Correct Answer: C
,Rationale:
Curriculum-based and performance assessments allow teachers to evaluate real-life skill application,
which is more meaningful for students with severe and profound disabilities than standardized tests.
4. The primary goal of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for a student with severe
disabilities should focus on:
A. Grade-level academic standards
B. Functional independence and quality of life
C. Competitive academic performance
D. Test-taking strategies
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
IEPs for students with severe disabilities emphasize functional independence, communication,
mobility, and life skills to improve overall quality of life.
5. Which communication system is commonly used for nonverbal students with severe disabilities?
A. Phonics-based reading programs
B. Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
C. Silent reading strategies
D. Note-taking instruction
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
PECS allows nonverbal students to communicate needs using pictures, supporting functional
communication development.
6. Which instructional strategy is MOST effective for teaching daily living skills?
A. Abstract discussion
B. Task analysis
C. Group debates
D. Essay writing
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Task analysis breaks skills into small, teachable steps, making it ideal for teaching daily living skills to
students with severe disabilities.
7. Students with multiple disabilities often require instruction that is:
, A. Fast-paced and competitive
B. Isolated from peers
C. Multisensory and individualized
D. Entirely academic
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Multisensory instruction supports varied learning needs and compensates for sensory, physical, or
cognitive impairments.
8. Which professional is MOST likely responsible for mobility support in students with severe
physical disabilities?
A. Speech-language pathologist
B. Occupational therapist
C. Physical therapist
D. School psychologist
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Physical therapists focus on mobility, balance, and gross motor skills, essential for students with
severe physical disabilities.
9. What is the PRIMARY purpose of assistive technology for students with severe disabilities?
A. Increase homework volume
B. Replace teacher instruction
C. Enhance functional participation
D. Eliminate the need for support staff
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Assistive technology helps students access learning, communicate, and participate more
independently in school and daily life.
10. Which legal document guarantees special education services for eligible students?
A. Section 504 Plan
B. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
C. Individualized Education Program (IEP)
D. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
Correct Answer: C
