Test Design and
Test Framework

Field 230: Early Childhood Special Education

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

Test Design

Format Computer-based test (CBT)
Number of Questions 100 multiple-choice questions
Time* 3 hours, 15 minutes
Passing Score 240

*Does not include 15-minute CBT tutorial

Test Framework

Pie chart of approximate test weighting outlined in the table below.



test subarea number of test objectives number of scorable items number of nonscorable items subarea weight as percent of total test score
Subarea 1—Understanding Students with Disabilities 3 16 4 20 percent
Subarea 2—Assessing Students and Developing Individualized Programs 3 16 4 20 percent
Subarea 3—Supporting Development and Learning 5 27 6 34 percent
Subarea 4—Working in a Collaborative Learning Community 2 11 3 13 percent
Constructed Response(s)
Subarea 5—Foundations and Professional Practice 2 10 3 13 percent
Totals 15 80 20 100 percent

Subarea 1—Understanding Students with Disabilities

Objective 0001—Understand processes of early childhood development from birth to grade three, and the factors (including disability) that affect development and learning.

For example:

Objective 0002—Understand various types of disabilities, the characteristics of young children with special needs, and the influence of disabilities on the learning and development of young children.

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Objective 0003—Understand the curriculum areas included in early childhood special education and how to plan instruction and curricular goals that are based on knowledge of young children with disabilities from birth to grade three.

For example:

Subarea 2—Assessing Students and Developing Individualized Programs

Objective 0004—Understand types and characteristics of assessment instruments, methods, and procedures used for screening, identifying, and referring children who may qualify for special education or early intervention services from birth to grade three.

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Objective 0005—Understand procedures for assessing the developmental and educational strengths and needs of young children and how to utilize assessment data to design or adapt instruction or intervention and monitor and evaluate child progress.

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Objective 0006—Understand policies, principles, and procedures for program planning, placement, and developing and implementing Individualized Education Programs (I E Pees), Individualized Family Service Plans (I F S Pees), and transition plans.

For example:

Subarea 3—Supporting Development and Learning

Objective 0007—Understand evidence- and research-based strategies for planning and managing a positive learning environment that is safe, challenging, respectful, and responsive while promoting and supporting active engagement and participation of all learners.

For example:

Objective 0008—Understand effective strategies and approaches for instructional design and planning that make content meaningful for young children to promote effective child learning and development.

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Objective 0009—Understand principles and methods involved in individualizing instruction and intervention for young children with disabilities.

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Objective 0010—Understand the development and implementation of behavior interventions and support for the social-emotional and behavioral development of children with disabilities.

For example:

Objective 0011—Understand the scope, sequence, and concepts of development and the general education program from birth to grade 3.

For example:

Subarea 4—Working in a Collaborative Learning Community

Objective 0012—Apply knowledge of strategies for communicating and collaborating in a culturally responsive manner with families and school team members to address children's instructional and behavioral needs.

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Objective 0013—Understand how to promote positive relationships between home, community, and school that enhance learning opportunities for children with disabilities and encourage families' engagement in their children's education.

For example:

Subarea 5—Foundations and Professional Practice

Objective 0014—Understand historical, legal, and ethical issues relevant to early intervention and special education.

For example:

Objective 0015—Understand the roles of teachers as professionals and leaders, and the practices and purposes of reflection, self-evaluation, and professional development.

For example: