Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) Special Education Practice Exam

What is a common characteristic of students with mild intellectual disabilities regarding academic skills?

1. They require minimal support in a general education classroom

2. They typically excel without any intervention

3. They can acquire basic academic skills with appropriate support

4. They are unable to learn academic skills at all

The correct answer is: They can acquire basic academic skills with appropriate support

Students with mild intellectual disabilities often have the ability to acquire basic academic skills, particularly when provided with appropriate support and interventions. This characteristic highlights that, while they may face challenges compared to their peers, they are not incapable of learning. With tailored instruction, individualized education programs (IEPs), and supportive learning environments, these students can develop essential skills such as reading, writing, and math to a functional level. In this context, students with mild intellectual disabilities generally demonstrate a capacity to learn at a slower pace, requiring more time and different teaching strategies compared to their peers. With the right resources, such as extra time on tasks, specialized instructional strategies, and support from educators and peers, they can achieve meaningful progress in their academic lives. The other options imply either an unnecessary level of independence or an inability to learn, which doesn't accurately reflect the reality of these students' capabilities. They tend to require varying degrees of support, which does not equate to being able to thrive entirely without intervention or being completely unable to learn.