Study Guide

Field 131: Severe-Profound/Multiple 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 )
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 approximate test weighting outlined 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 severe-profound/multiple disabilities 0001–0002 14 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 13 percent
roman numeral 3 promoting student learning, communication, and social skills 0005–0010 38 percent
roman numeral 4 foundations and professional practice 0011–0013 20 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 individual learning needs 0014 15 percent

Subarea roman numeral 1–Understanding Students with Severe-Profound/Multiple Disabilities

Competency 0001–Apply knowledge of types and characteristics of severe-profound/multiple disabilities and their significance for 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 physical/medical conditions commonly associated with severe-profound/multiple disabilities and the management of these conditions.

 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 severe-profound/multiple 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 severe-profound/multiple 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–Promoting Student Learning, Communication, and Social Skills

Competency 0005–Apply knowledge of practices for establishing positive and productive learning environments for students with severe-profound/multiple 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 practices for promoting the cognitive development and academic achievement of students with severe-profound/multiple 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 materials for promoting the communication and language development of students with severe-profound/multiple 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 techniques for promoting sensory, perceptual, and motor skills for students with severe-profound/multiple disabilities and integrating related therapies (e.g., occupational therapy [OT], physical therapy [PT], speech-language therapy, orientation and mobility [O&M] training).

 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/interpersonal skills and providing effective positive behavior interventions for students with severe-profound/multiple 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 teaching functional living skills and promoting successful transitions for students with severe-profound/multiple disabilities.

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

Subarea roman numeral 4–Foundations and Professional Practice

Competency 0011–Demonstrate knowledge of effective collaboration and communication processes for establishing partnerships with members of the school and community to enhance learning opportunities for students with severe- profound/multiple disabilities.

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

Competency 0012–Demonstrate knowledge of strategies and practices to promote and maintain effective school–home collaborations and support families' involvement in their child's education.

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

Competency 0013–Apply knowledge of the history and philosophy of special education and key issues and trends, roles and responsibilities, and legal and ethical issues in 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 Individual Learning Needs

Competency 0014–Analyze quantitative and qualitative data for a student with severe-profound/multiple 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