Study Guide

Field 129: Mild-Moderate Disabilities 
Test Design and Framework

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The test design below describes general assessment information. The framework that follows is a detailed outline that explains the knowledge and skills that this test measures.

Test Design

Test overview, including duration of test, number of questions, and passing score.
Format Computer-based test ( C B T ) and online proctored test
Number of Questions 80 selected-response questions and 1 constructed-response assignment
Time* 4 hours
Passing Score 240

*Does not include 15-minute  C B T  tutorial

Test Framework

pie chart of subarea weighting, as described in the table below
test weighting by number of questions per subarea part 1 of 2.
subareas range of competencies approximate percentage of test
selected-response
roman numeral 1 Understanding Students with Mild/Moderate Disabilities 0001–0002 12 percent
roman numeral 2 assessing students and developing individualized education programs left paren I E Ps right paren and individualized family service plans left paren I F S Ps right paren 0003–0004 12 percent
roman numeral 3 learning across the curriculum 0005–0012 45 percent
roman numeral 4 working in a collaborative learning community 0013–0015 16 percent
this cell intentionally left blank. 85 percent
test weighting by number of questions per subarea part 2 of 2.
subareas range of competencies approximate percentage of test
constructed-response
roman numeral 5 case study—analysis of data to identify and effectively address student needs 0016 15 percent

Subarea roman numeral 1–Understanding Students with Mild/Moderate Disabilities

Competency 0001–Apply knowledge of human development and factors, including disabilities, that affect development and learning.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0002–Apply knowledge of the various types of disabilities (e.g., developmental delay, specific learning disability, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder [ASD], multiple disabilities, emotional disturbance, other health impairment, orthopedic impairment, traumatic brain injury [TBI]), including in students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, from birth through age 21.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Subarea roman numeral 2–Assessing Students and Developing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs)

Competency 0003–Apply knowledge of assessment instruments and procedures for evaluating the strengths and needs of students with mild/moderate disabilities.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0004–Demonstrate knowledge of the policies, principles, and procedures related to referral, eligibility, program planning, instruction, and placement of students with mild/moderate disabilities, including students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Subarea roman numeral 3–Learning across the Curriculum

Competency 0005–Apply knowledge of practices for establishing positive and productive learning environments for students with mild/moderate disabilities.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0006–Apply knowledge of evidence- and research-based strategies and instructional methods for improving the language development and communication skills of students with mild/moderate disabilities.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0007–Apply knowledge of evidence- and research-based strategies and instructional methods in the instruction of reading to students with mild/moderate disabilities.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0008–Apply knowledge of evidence- and research-based strategies and instructional methods in the instruction of mathematics to students with mild/moderate disabilities.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0009–Apply knowledge of evidence- and research-based strategies for developing social skills and providing effective positive behavior interventions for students with mild/moderate disabilities.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0010–Apply knowledge of evidence- and research-based strategies and instructional methods for promoting the academic achievement and independent learning of students with mild/moderate disabilities.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0011–Apply knowledge of evidence- and research-based strategies and instructional methods for promoting students' acquisition of functional skills.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0012–Apply knowledge of principles, strategies, and procedures for promoting successful transitions for students with mild/moderate disabilities.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Subarea roman numeral 4–Working in a Collaborative Learning Community

Competency 0013–Demonstrate knowledge of effective collaboration and communication processes for working with members of the school and community to enhance learning opportunities for students with mild/moderate disabilities.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0014–Demonstrate knowledge of strategies and practices for promoting effective school–home collaborations and encouraging families' involvement in their children's education.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0015–Demonstrate knowledge of the history and philosophy of special education and key issues and trends, professional roles and responsibilities, and legal and ethical issues relevant to special education.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Subarea roman numeral 5–Case Study—Analysis of Data to Identify and Effectively Address Student Needs

Competency 0016–Analyze quantitative and qualitative data for a student with mild/moderate disabilities to identify the student's strengths and needs and determine evidence- and research-based strategies for meeting the student's needs, including a strategy for monitoring the student's progress.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics