Study Guide

Field 085: Special Education Comprehensive Assessment 
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.
Subareas Range of Competencies Approximate Percentage 
of Test
Selected-Response
 roman numeral 1  Understanding Development and Learning Across the Continuum 0001–0002 17 percent 
 roman numeral 2  Assessing All Learners, Managing Transitions, and Developing Individualized Education Programs (I E Pees) and Individualized Family Service Plans (I F S Pees) 0003–0005 21 percent 
 roman numeral 3  Learning Across the Curriculum 0006–0011 30 percent 
 roman numeral 4  Working in a Collaborative Learning Community 0012–0014 17 percent 
this cell intentionally left blank 85 percent 
Constructed-Response
 roman numeral 5  Case Study—Analysis of Data to Identify and Effectively Address Student Needs 0015 15 percent 
this cell intentionally left blank 15 percent 

subarea roman numeral 1–Understanding Development and Learning Across the Continuum

Competency 0001–Apply knowledge of human development and factors that influence growth, development, and learning from birth through age 21.

 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 categories and the continuum of disabilities 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 All Learners, Managing Transitions, and Developing Individualized Education Programs (I E Pees) and Individualized Family Service Plans (I F S Pees)

Competency 0003–Apply knowledge of assessment instruments and procedures for evaluating students' strengths and needs.

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

Competency 0004–Apply knowledge of principles, strategies, and procedures for promoting successful transitions for students with disabilities.

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

Competency 0005–Demonstrate knowledge of the policies, principles, and procedures related to referral, eligibility, program planning, instruction, and placement of students with 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 0006–Apply knowledge of practices for establishing safe, engaging, and productive learning environments for students with 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 for promoting communication and language development of students with 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 reading to students with 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 and instructional methods in the instruction of mathematics to students with 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 for developing social skills and providing effective positive behavior interventions for students with 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 the academic achievement and independent learning of students with 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 0012–Demonstrate knowledge of effective collaboration and communication processes for working with members of the school and community to enhance learning opportunities for students with disabilities.

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

Competency 0013–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 0014–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 0015–Analyze quantitative and qualitative data for a student with 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