PRAXIS 5355 SPECIAL EDUCATION: FOUNDATIONAL
KNOWLEDGE
IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) - Answers -The Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act is a piece of American legislation that ensures students with a
disability are provided with a Free Appropriate Public Education that is tailored to their
individual needs.
FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education) - Answers -The right to a Free Appropriate
Public Education is an educational entitlement of all students in the United States who
are identified as having a disability, guaranteed by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and
the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
LRE (Least Restrictive Environment) - Answers -Least restrictive environment (LRE)
means kids who get special education should be in the same classrooms as other kids
as much as possible. LRE isn't a place — it's a principle that guides a child's education
program. The LRE for each child may look different because kids are unique.
IFSP - Individualized Family Service Plan - Answers -For education in the United
States, an Individualized Family Service Plan is a plan to obtain special education
services for young children aged 0-3 years within U.S. public schools.
The Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is a written document that outlines the
early intervention services that a child will receive when s/he is eligible for early
childhood special education services.
IEP - Individualized Education Program - Answers -The IEP is a legal document that
describes the child's needs and the services to be provided by the school district that
will best meet those needs. The IEP is an educational plan that: Describes the child's
skills and areas of need. Identifies educational goals to focus on during the year.
FM - Personal Frequency-Modulated System - Answers -Used to help someone with
hearing loss listen in noisy places, ie. a classroom
Generally a microphone attaches to the teacher, then a receiving device for the student
("boot" attached to hearing aid or cochlear implant, desktop speaker, speakers around
the classroom, other device worn on ear)
PLAAFP - Answers -Present Levels or Academic Achievement and Functional
Performance
Paraprofessional - Answers -A teacher assistant, teacher aide, or paraeducator
,Parent - Answers -A biological parent, legal guardian, surrogate, adoptive parent, or
foster parent
ADHD - Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder - Answers -a psychological disorder
marked by the appearance by age 7 of one or more of three key symptoms: extreme
inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity
EBD - Emotional disturbance and/or emotional behavioral disorder - Answers -Exhibits
inappropriate types of behaviors or feelings under normal circumstances
refers to a condition in which behavioral or emotional responses of an individual in
school are so different from his/her generally accepted, age appropriate, ethnic or
cultural norms that they adversely affect performance in such areas as self care, social
relationships, personal relationships
OHI - Other Health Impairment - Answers -a general disability category under IDEA
that includes cancer, diabetes and severe ADD
ASD - Autism Spectrum Disorder - Answers -a disorder that appears in childhood and
is marked by significant deficiencies in communication and social interaction, and by
rigidly fixated interests and repetitive behaviors
MD (Multiple Disabilities) - Answers -Combination of impairments which cause severe
educational needs of the student.
SLD - Specific learning disability - Answers -means a disorder in one or more of the
basic psychological processes involved in understanding or in using language, spoken
or written, that may manifest itself in the imperfect ability to listen, think, speak, read,
write, spell, or to do mathematical calculations
Dyslexia - Answers -Dyslexia is a term that refers to difficulty in acquiring and
processing language that is typically manifested by the lack or proficiency in reading,
spelling and writing. People with dyslexia have difficulty connecting letters they see on a
page with the sounds they make. As a result, reading becomes slow and effortful and is
not a fluent process for them.
Problems in reading begin even before learning to read. For example, children may
have trouble breaking down spoken words into syllables and recognizing words that
rhyme. Kindergarten-age children may not be able to recognize and write letters as well
as their peers. People with dyslexia may have difficulty with accuracy and spelling as
well. It's a common misconception that all children with dyslexia write letters backwards
or those who write letters backwards all have dyslexia.
People with dyslexia, including adolescents and adults, often try to avoid activities
involving reading when they can (reading for pleasure, reading instructions). They often
gravitate to other mediums such as pictures, video, or audio.
,Dysgraphia - Answers -Dysgraphia is a term used to describe difficulties with putting
one's thoughts on to paper. Problems with writing can include difficulties with spelling,
grammar, punctuation, and handwriting.
Dyscalculia - Answers -Dyscalculia is a term used to describe difficulties learning
number related concepts or using the symbols and functions to perform math
calculations. Problems with math can include difficulties with number sense, memorizing
math facts, math calculations, math reasoning and math problem solving.
Auditory Processing Disorder - Answers -Processing or interpretation of sound in the
brain
Difficulty making sense of sounds
Problems with blocking out background noise
Trouble telling where sound is coming from
Language Processing Disorder - Answers -Affects language processing skills
Difficulty understanding meaning of spoken language
Poor reading comprehension
Problems with verbal expression
Nonverbal Learning Disabilities - Answers -Affects nonverbal skills such as motor,
visual-spatial, and social skills
Difficulty interpreting body language or facial expressions
Poor motor coordination
Trouble with multi-step instructions
Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor Deficit - Answers -Affects interpreting visual information
or drawing
Mistakes in writing, such as reversing letters
Too-tight grip on pencil or other writing tool
Poor hand/eye coordination
Dysmetria - Answers -The inability to control the distance, speed, and range of motion
necessary to perform smoothly coordinated movements. Dysmetria is a sign of
cerebellar damage, and often presents along with additional signs, such as loss of
balance and poor coordination of walking, speech, and eye movements.
Dyspraxia - Answers -A common disorder that affects movement and coordination.
Dyspraxia does not affect your intelligence. It can affect your coordination skills - such
as tasks requiring balance, playing sports or learning to drive a car.
TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) - Answers -Brain dysfunction caused by an outside force,
usually a violent blow to the head.
Traumatic brain injury often occurs as a result of a severe sports injury or car accident.
Immediate or delayed symptoms may include confusion, blurry vision, and
concentration difficulty.
, The continuum of placements, from least restrictive to most restrictive - Answers -
regular classes, special schools, home instruction, and instruction in hospitals.
ABI (Acquired Brain Injury) - Answers -Often referred to as an acquired brain injury, a
non-traumatic brain injury causes damage to the brain by internal factors, such as a lack
of oxygen, exposure to toxins, pressure from a tumor, etc. Examples of NTBI include:
Stroke
Near-drowning
Aneurysm
Tumor
Infectious disease that affects the brain (i.e., meningitis)
Lack of oxygen supply to the brain (i.e., heart attack)
Learned Helplessness - Answers -occurs when an individual continuously faces a
negative, uncontrollable situation and stops trying to change their circumstances, even
when they have the ability to do so. For example, a smoker may repeatedly try and fail
to quit.
Self-Acutualization - Answers -Self-actualization, in Maslow's hierarchy of needs, is the
highest level of psychological development, where personal potential is fully realized
after basic bodily and ego needs have been fulfilled.
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs - Answers -physiological, safety, love/belonging, esteem,
self-actualization
Intrinsic Movement/Motivation - Answers -Intrinsic motivation is the act of doing
something without any obvious external rewards. You do it because it's enjoyable and
interesting, rather than because of an outside incentive or pressure to do it, such as a
reward or deadline.
OT (Occupational Theray) - Answers -a branch of health care that helps people of all
ages who have physical, sensory, or cognitive problems. OT can help them regain
independence in all areas of their lives. Occupational therapists help with barriers that
affect a person's emotional, social, and physical needs.
PT (Physical Therapy) - Answers -the treatment of disease, injury, or deformity by
physical methods such as massage, heat treatment, and exercise rather than by drugs
or surgery.
Spina Bifida - Answers -a condition that affects the spine and is usually apparent at
birth. It is a type of neural tube defect (NTD). Spina bifida can happen anywhere along
the spine if the neural tube does not close all the way.
Down Syndrome - Answers -a condition in which a person has an extra chromosome.
Chromosomes are small "packages" of genes in the body. They determine how a baby's
KNOWLEDGE
IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) - Answers -The Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act is a piece of American legislation that ensures students with a
disability are provided with a Free Appropriate Public Education that is tailored to their
individual needs.
FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education) - Answers -The right to a Free Appropriate
Public Education is an educational entitlement of all students in the United States who
are identified as having a disability, guaranteed by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and
the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
LRE (Least Restrictive Environment) - Answers -Least restrictive environment (LRE)
means kids who get special education should be in the same classrooms as other kids
as much as possible. LRE isn't a place — it's a principle that guides a child's education
program. The LRE for each child may look different because kids are unique.
IFSP - Individualized Family Service Plan - Answers -For education in the United
States, an Individualized Family Service Plan is a plan to obtain special education
services for young children aged 0-3 years within U.S. public schools.
The Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is a written document that outlines the
early intervention services that a child will receive when s/he is eligible for early
childhood special education services.
IEP - Individualized Education Program - Answers -The IEP is a legal document that
describes the child's needs and the services to be provided by the school district that
will best meet those needs. The IEP is an educational plan that: Describes the child's
skills and areas of need. Identifies educational goals to focus on during the year.
FM - Personal Frequency-Modulated System - Answers -Used to help someone with
hearing loss listen in noisy places, ie. a classroom
Generally a microphone attaches to the teacher, then a receiving device for the student
("boot" attached to hearing aid or cochlear implant, desktop speaker, speakers around
the classroom, other device worn on ear)
PLAAFP - Answers -Present Levels or Academic Achievement and Functional
Performance
Paraprofessional - Answers -A teacher assistant, teacher aide, or paraeducator
,Parent - Answers -A biological parent, legal guardian, surrogate, adoptive parent, or
foster parent
ADHD - Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder - Answers -a psychological disorder
marked by the appearance by age 7 of one or more of three key symptoms: extreme
inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity
EBD - Emotional disturbance and/or emotional behavioral disorder - Answers -Exhibits
inappropriate types of behaviors or feelings under normal circumstances
refers to a condition in which behavioral or emotional responses of an individual in
school are so different from his/her generally accepted, age appropriate, ethnic or
cultural norms that they adversely affect performance in such areas as self care, social
relationships, personal relationships
OHI - Other Health Impairment - Answers -a general disability category under IDEA
that includes cancer, diabetes and severe ADD
ASD - Autism Spectrum Disorder - Answers -a disorder that appears in childhood and
is marked by significant deficiencies in communication and social interaction, and by
rigidly fixated interests and repetitive behaviors
MD (Multiple Disabilities) - Answers -Combination of impairments which cause severe
educational needs of the student.
SLD - Specific learning disability - Answers -means a disorder in one or more of the
basic psychological processes involved in understanding or in using language, spoken
or written, that may manifest itself in the imperfect ability to listen, think, speak, read,
write, spell, or to do mathematical calculations
Dyslexia - Answers -Dyslexia is a term that refers to difficulty in acquiring and
processing language that is typically manifested by the lack or proficiency in reading,
spelling and writing. People with dyslexia have difficulty connecting letters they see on a
page with the sounds they make. As a result, reading becomes slow and effortful and is
not a fluent process for them.
Problems in reading begin even before learning to read. For example, children may
have trouble breaking down spoken words into syllables and recognizing words that
rhyme. Kindergarten-age children may not be able to recognize and write letters as well
as their peers. People with dyslexia may have difficulty with accuracy and spelling as
well. It's a common misconception that all children with dyslexia write letters backwards
or those who write letters backwards all have dyslexia.
People with dyslexia, including adolescents and adults, often try to avoid activities
involving reading when they can (reading for pleasure, reading instructions). They often
gravitate to other mediums such as pictures, video, or audio.
,Dysgraphia - Answers -Dysgraphia is a term used to describe difficulties with putting
one's thoughts on to paper. Problems with writing can include difficulties with spelling,
grammar, punctuation, and handwriting.
Dyscalculia - Answers -Dyscalculia is a term used to describe difficulties learning
number related concepts or using the symbols and functions to perform math
calculations. Problems with math can include difficulties with number sense, memorizing
math facts, math calculations, math reasoning and math problem solving.
Auditory Processing Disorder - Answers -Processing or interpretation of sound in the
brain
Difficulty making sense of sounds
Problems with blocking out background noise
Trouble telling where sound is coming from
Language Processing Disorder - Answers -Affects language processing skills
Difficulty understanding meaning of spoken language
Poor reading comprehension
Problems with verbal expression
Nonverbal Learning Disabilities - Answers -Affects nonverbal skills such as motor,
visual-spatial, and social skills
Difficulty interpreting body language or facial expressions
Poor motor coordination
Trouble with multi-step instructions
Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor Deficit - Answers -Affects interpreting visual information
or drawing
Mistakes in writing, such as reversing letters
Too-tight grip on pencil or other writing tool
Poor hand/eye coordination
Dysmetria - Answers -The inability to control the distance, speed, and range of motion
necessary to perform smoothly coordinated movements. Dysmetria is a sign of
cerebellar damage, and often presents along with additional signs, such as loss of
balance and poor coordination of walking, speech, and eye movements.
Dyspraxia - Answers -A common disorder that affects movement and coordination.
Dyspraxia does not affect your intelligence. It can affect your coordination skills - such
as tasks requiring balance, playing sports or learning to drive a car.
TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) - Answers -Brain dysfunction caused by an outside force,
usually a violent blow to the head.
Traumatic brain injury often occurs as a result of a severe sports injury or car accident.
Immediate or delayed symptoms may include confusion, blurry vision, and
concentration difficulty.
, The continuum of placements, from least restrictive to most restrictive - Answers -
regular classes, special schools, home instruction, and instruction in hospitals.
ABI (Acquired Brain Injury) - Answers -Often referred to as an acquired brain injury, a
non-traumatic brain injury causes damage to the brain by internal factors, such as a lack
of oxygen, exposure to toxins, pressure from a tumor, etc. Examples of NTBI include:
Stroke
Near-drowning
Aneurysm
Tumor
Infectious disease that affects the brain (i.e., meningitis)
Lack of oxygen supply to the brain (i.e., heart attack)
Learned Helplessness - Answers -occurs when an individual continuously faces a
negative, uncontrollable situation and stops trying to change their circumstances, even
when they have the ability to do so. For example, a smoker may repeatedly try and fail
to quit.
Self-Acutualization - Answers -Self-actualization, in Maslow's hierarchy of needs, is the
highest level of psychological development, where personal potential is fully realized
after basic bodily and ego needs have been fulfilled.
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs - Answers -physiological, safety, love/belonging, esteem,
self-actualization
Intrinsic Movement/Motivation - Answers -Intrinsic motivation is the act of doing
something without any obvious external rewards. You do it because it's enjoyable and
interesting, rather than because of an outside incentive or pressure to do it, such as a
reward or deadline.
OT (Occupational Theray) - Answers -a branch of health care that helps people of all
ages who have physical, sensory, or cognitive problems. OT can help them regain
independence in all areas of their lives. Occupational therapists help with barriers that
affect a person's emotional, social, and physical needs.
PT (Physical Therapy) - Answers -the treatment of disease, injury, or deformity by
physical methods such as massage, heat treatment, and exercise rather than by drugs
or surgery.
Spina Bifida - Answers -a condition that affects the spine and is usually apparent at
birth. It is a type of neural tube defect (NTD). Spina bifida can happen anywhere along
the spine if the neural tube does not close all the way.
Down Syndrome - Answers -a condition in which a person has an extra chromosome.
Chromosomes are small "packages" of genes in the body. They determine how a baby's
