The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): A Comprehensive Guide for Educators

Question 1

How does IDEA promote collaboration and interagency cooperation in providing special education services?

Accepted Answer

By requiring schools to work with parents and outside agencies to create and carry out Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

Answer

By giving schools money to hire more support staff.

Answer

By setting up a system of due process for parents to challenge school decisions.

Question 2

Which of the following is an ethical consideration when assessing students with disabilities?

Accepted Answer

Using a variety of assessment methods to avoid bias against students with disabilities.

Answer

Assuming that all students with disabilities have the same strengths and weaknesses.

Answer

Ignoring the cultural and linguistic backgrounds of students with disabilities.

Answer

Using only standardized tests to assess students with disabilities.

Question 3

What is the primary role of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) team?

Accepted Answer

To develop and implement a plan for providing special education services to a student with a disability.

Answer

To determine whether a student is eligible for special education services.

Answer

To provide therapy and counseling services to students with disabilities.

Answer

To monitor the progress of students with disabilities and make changes to the IEP as needed.

Question 4

What is the primary distinction between a specific learning disability and a mental disability?

Accepted Answer

A specific learning disability affects one or more specific cognitive processes, while a mental disability affects overall intellectual functioning.

Answer

A specific learning disability is a temporary condition, while a mental disability is a permanent condition.

Answer

There is no difference between a specific learning disability and a mental disability.

Answer

A specific learning disability is only diagnosed in children, while a mental disability can be diagnosed in both children and adults.

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a potential benefit of providing special education services to students with disabilities?

Accepted Answer

Lowered self-esteem.

Answer

Increased social skills.

Answer

Reduced behavioral problems.

Answer

Improved academic achievement.

Question 6

What is the primary function of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) under IDEA?

Accepted Answer

To outline customized educational goals and services for students with disabilities

Answer

To provide a diagnosis of a student's disability

Answer

To secure funding for special education services

Answer

To ensure that schools are in compliance with IDEA

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental principle of IDEA?

Accepted Answer

Exclusion of students with disabilities from general education classrooms

Answer

Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)

Answer

Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)

Answer

Mandated parental participation

Question 8

What is the purpose of Due Process in IDEA?

Accepted Answer

To guarantee a fair and impartial review process in the event of disputes

Answer

To establish a student's eligibility for special education services

Answer

To enforce compliance with IDEA regulations

Answer

To guide the development of IEPs

Question 9

Who is primarily responsible for ensuring that students with disabilities receive FAPE under IDEA?

Accepted Answer

The local education agency (LEA)

Answer

The parents

Answer

The state education agency (SEA)

Answer

The federal government

Question 10

What is the primary distinction between a specific learning disability (SLD) and intellectual disability (ID)?

Accepted Answer

SLD affects academic achievement primarily, while ID affects cognitive functioning primarily

Answer

ID affects academic achievement primarily, while SLD affects cognitive functioning primarily

Answer

There is no significant difference between SLD and ID

Answer

SLD and ID are both considered developmental disabilities

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a recognized benefit of early intervention for students with disabilities?

Accepted Answer

Guaranteed graduation from high school

Answer

Improved academic outcomes

Answer

Enhanced social skills

Answer

Increased self-esteem

Question 12

Which of the following is **not** a required component of an Individualized Education Program (IEP)?

Accepted Answer

Accommodation Plan

Answer

Present Levels of Performance

Answer

Annual Goals

Answer

Related Services

Question 13

Which of the following is **not** a key provision of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)?

Accepted Answer

The requirement that children with disabilities be placed in regular education classrooms, even if they cannot access the general education curriculum.

Answer

The right to a free and appropriate public education for all children with disabilities.

Answer

The right of parents to participate in their child's education.

Question 14

How has the role of parents and guardians in special education evolved since the implementation of IDEA?

Accepted Answer

IDEA initially provided limited rights to parents, but later amendments increased their involvement and authority.

Answer

Before IDEA, parents had no involvement, but now they are solely responsible for their children's education.

Answer

Parents have always had equal decision-making power in special education, as required by IDEA.

Answer

Parents' role has not changed since IDEA was enacted, with no significant shifts in their level of involvement.

Question 15

Which of the following is a primary purpose of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)?

Accepted Answer

To ensure equal access to quality education for students with disabilities

Answer

To provide financial assistance to families of students with disabilities

Answer

To exclude students with disabilities from public education

Question 16

Which provision of IDEA requires that each eligible student have an individualized education program (IEP)?

Accepted Answer

Section 614(d)

Answer

Section 504

Answer

Section 602

Answer

Section 611

Question 17

What is the primary responsibility of the IEP team under IDEA?

Accepted Answer

To develop and implement the student's individualized education plan

Answer

To determine the student's eligibility for special education

Answer

To assess the student's needs

Question 18

What is the purpose of the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) principle in IDEA?

Accepted Answer

To ensure that students with disabilities are educated in the most inclusive setting appropriate for their needs

Answer

To prevent students with disabilities from being placed in special education

Answer

To allow students with disabilities to be educated at home

Question 19

What is the current status of IDEA?

Accepted Answer

Active and undergoing periodic revisions

Answer

It has been repealed and replaced with a new law

Answer

It has been expanded to include more students with disabilities

Answer

It is uncertain

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT a core principle of IDEA?

Accepted Answer

Full Inclusion is not a core principle of IDEA

Answer

Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)

Answer

Procedural Safeguards

Answer

Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)

Question 21

A student with a disability demonstrates disruptive behaviors in the general education classroom. According to IDEA, what should be the FIRST step in addressing this situation?

Accepted Answer

Conduct a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA).

Answer

Contact the student's parents/guardians.

Answer

Remove the student from the general education classroom.

Answer

Develop a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP).

Question 22

Under IDEA, who determines the appropriate educational program and services for a student with a disability?

Accepted Answer

The Individualized Education Program (IEP) team.

Answer

The special education teacher.

Answer

The school principal.

Answer

The student's parents/guardians solely.

Question 23

IDEA mandates that schools provide assistive technology to students with disabilities. Which of the following best exemplifies assistive technology under IDEA?

Accepted Answer

A text-to-speech software program for a student with dyslexia.

Answer

A personal laptop for a student with ADHD.

Answer

Extra time on tests for a student with a learning disability.

Question 24

Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution provides the legal basis for IDEA's guarantee of a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)?

Accepted Answer

Fourteenth Amendment

Answer

First Amendment

Answer

Tenth Amendment

Answer

Fifth Amendment

Question 25

The concept of 'Least Restrictive Environment' (LRE) in IDEA requires schools to:

Accepted Answer

Educate students with disabilities alongside their non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate.

Answer

Place all students with disabilities in general education classrooms full-time.

Answer

Provide separate and segregated schools for students with disabilities.

Question 26

Which reauthorization of IDEA introduced the requirement for Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) to include measurable goals?

Accepted Answer

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997

Answer

Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975

Answer

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1990

Question 27

Which of the following is a parental right under IDEA?

Accepted Answer

To request an independent educational evaluation (IEE) of their child.

Answer

To dictate the specific curriculum used in their child's classroom.

Answer

To determine the placement of their child without input from the IEP team.

Question 28

Transition planning, a key component of IDEA, primarily focuses on:

Accepted Answer

Preparing students with disabilities for postsecondary education, employment, and independent living.

Answer

Ensuring students with disabilities have access to extracurricular activities.

Answer

Helping students with disabilities transition between elementary and middle school.

Question 29

IDEA requires schools to provide special education services for students with disabilities until:

Accepted Answer

The student graduates with a regular high school diploma or reaches the maximum age of eligibility under state law.

Answer

The student completes high school regardless of age.

Answer

The student turns 18 years old.