Test Design and 
Test Framework

Field 234: Director of 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 Non-Scorable Items subarea weight as percent of total test score
Subarea 1—Educational Leadership and Management 4 29 7 36 percent
Subarea 2—Special Education Programs and Services 4 29 7 36 percent
Subarea 3—Professional and Ethical Practice and Collaboration 3 22 6 28 percent
Totals 11 80 20 100 percent

Subarea 1—Educational Leadership and Management

0001—Understand foundations of education and instruction for special populations.

For example:

0002—Understand the development, articulation, implementation, and stewardship of a vision of excellence in special education.

For example:

0003—Understand school climate, learning environment, instruction, and assessment.

For example:

0004—Understand school governance; school law, including federal and state statutes affecting the education of students with disabilities; and school finance.

For example:

Subarea 2—Special Education Programs and Services

0005—Understand evaluation and identification procedures for students with disabilities.

For example:

0006—Understand the provision of services for students with disabilities.

For example:

0007—Understand research-based instruction and support for students with disabilities.

For example:

0008—Understand strategies related to the management of the special education program.

For example:

Subarea 3—Professional and Ethical Practice and Collaboration

0009—Understand professional and ethical responsibilities and practices regarding the education of students with disabilities.

For example:

0010—Understand skills and strategies necessary for effective communication and collaboration.

For example:

0011—Understand principles of professional growth and development for educators.

For example: