Defining Special Educational Needs and Disability: A Comprehensive Guide for Educators

Question 1

How do SEN and disability differ?

Accepted Answer

SEN is an educational term, disability is a medical term

Answer

SEN is temporary, disability is permanent.

Answer

SEN involves learning difficulties, disability involves physical impairments

Answer

SEN and disability are the same thing

Question 2

What is the primary responsibility of a SENCO?

Accepted Answer

Coordinating support for students with SEN

Answer

Assessing students with SEN

Answer

Delivering specialist teaching

Answer

Advising teachers on supporting students with SEN

Question 3

Which of the following is a key principle of the strengths-based approach to SEN and disability?

Accepted Answer

Empowering individuals and building resilience

Answer

Focusing on deficits and weaknesses

Answer

Viewing disability solely through a medical lens

Answer

Segregating students with SEN from mainstream education

Question 4

How does the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework contribute to a comprehensive understanding of special educational needs (SEN)?

Accepted Answer

It provides a universal language for describing functioning, disability, and health across cultures.

Accepted Answer

It highlights the interplay between individual characteristics and environmental factors in shaping disability.

Answer

It focuses solely on medical conditions and impairments, excluding social and environmental factors.

Answer

It is primarily used for research and has limited practical applications in education.

Question 5

According to the medical model of disability, which of the following factors is considered the primary cause of disability?

Accepted Answer

Physical or mental impairments

Answer

Societal barriers

Question 6

Which of the following is a key principle of the social model of disability?

Accepted Answer

Disability is a result of societal barriers.

Answer

People with disabilities are defined by their impairments.

Question 7

In the context of education, an individualized educational plan (IEP) is primarily used for:

Accepted Answer

Setting specific educational goals and providing appropriate support for students with SEN

Answer

Assessing students' progress and identifying areas where they need additional support

Question 8

Which of the following is a statutory assessment used to identify students with SEN in England?

Accepted Answer

Education, Health and Care needs assessment (EHCP)

Answer

Individualized Learning Plan (ILP)

Question 9

Under the Equality Act 2010, what is the legal duty placed on educational institutions to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities?

Accepted Answer

To ensure that students with disabilities have access to the same opportunities as their peers

Answer

To provide students with disabilities with special treatment

Question 10

Which of the following is a key skill required for effective teaching in SEN education?

Accepted Answer

Adapting teaching methods and materials to meet the individual needs of students

Answer

Punishing students for misbehavior

Question 11

What is the primary aim of the UNESCO Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities?

Accepted Answer

To promote the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities

Answer

To provide financial assistance to persons with disabilities

Question 12

Which of the following is a key ethical consideration in SEN education?

Accepted Answer

Respecting the rights and dignity of students with disabilities

Answer

Labeling students with disabilities

Question 13

In the context of SEN education, what is the role of parents and carers?

Accepted Answer

To be actively involved in their children's education and decision-making

Answer

To leave the education of their children entirely to the school

Question 14

In inclusive education, which strategy is counterproductive to supporting students with special educational needs and disabilities?

Accepted Answer

Excluding students from certain activities

Answer

Employing differentiated instruction

Answer

Utilizing assistive technology

Answer

Fostering peer collaboration and support

Question 15

The UK's SEND Code of Practice identifies which four areas of need?

Accepted Answer

Communication and interaction, cognition and learning, mental health, and sensory and/or physical needs

Answer

Intellectual, emotional, behavioral, and physical needs

Answer

Academic, social, emotional, and physical needs

Answer

Cognitive, linguistic, motor, and social needs

Question 16

The Equality Act 2010 requires schools to:

Accepted Answer

Make necessary adjustments for students with disabilities

Answer

Exclude students with severe disabilities

Answer

Provide extra funding for SEN support

Answer

Segregate students with SEN from mainstream classes

Question 17

Which principle is fundamental to inclusive education?

Accepted Answer

Providing the same learning opportunities for all students

Answer

Separating students with disabilities into specialized settings

Answer

Grouping students solely based on their abilities

Answer

Focusing on learners' challenges rather than their potential

Question 18

According to the UK's SEND Code of Practice (2015), a child or young person is considered to have special educational needs (SEN) if they:

Accepted Answer

Have a learning difficulty that calls for special educational provision.

Answer

Have academic abilities that are significantly below average.

Question 19

As defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), a key characteristic of a learning disability includes:

Accepted Answer

Significant difficulties in intellectual functioning.

Answer

Difficulties with social interactions.

Answer

Impairments in physical coordination.

Question 20

A primary goal of assessment in the context of special educational needs identification is to:

Accepted Answer

Determine a student's eligibility for specialized support and services.

Answer

Assign labels to students and categorize their difficulties.

Answer

Punish students for their academic or behavioral challenges.

Question 21

A core principle of effective support for students with SEN involves:

Accepted Answer

Tailoring interventions to the unique needs of each student.

Answer

Separating students with SEN from mainstream classrooms.

Answer

Implementing a standardized approach for all students with SEN.

Question 22

In the United Kingdom, which legal framework primarily safeguards the rights of individuals with disabilities?

Accepted Answer

The Equality Act (2010)

Answer

The Education Act (1996)

Answer

The Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Code of Practice (2015)

Answer

The Children and Families Act (2014)

Question 23

A key advantage of inclusive education for students with special educational needs includes:

Accepted Answer

Enhanced opportunities for social and academic development.

Answer

Limited access to specialized support.

Answer

Increased risk of stigmatization and discrimination.

Question 24

A primary responsibility of a special educational needs coordinator (SENCo) is to:

Accepted Answer

Provide guidance to teachers on SEN provision and support.

Answer

Teach students with SEN directly in specialized settings.

Answer

Conduct formal psychoeducational assessments of students.