Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) Special Education Practice Exam

What is a major benefit of documenting the effects of intervention strategies?

1. It allows for random adjustments to be made

2. It provides data supporting referral for special education

3. It eliminates the need for further assessments

4. It discourages collaborative team discussions

The correct answer is: It provides data supporting referral for special education

Documenting the effects of intervention strategies plays a crucial role in the decision-making process for educational interventions and special education referrals. When specific data is collected on how students respond to various interventions, this information can help educators understand whether the strategies are effective or if they need to be modified. In the context of a referral for special education, having documented data is essential. It provides a clear record of the student's progress over time and the impact of specific interventions. This evidence is valuable for multidisciplinary teams when they assess a student's eligibility for special education services, as it demonstrates that interventions have been implemented and their effects measured. By documenting these results, educators can support their recommendations and decisions with factual, objective evidence, making it easier to justify whether a student requires further assistance through special education programs. Considering the other options, random adjustments might undermine the consistency necessary for effective interventions, further assessments may still be necessary even with documentation, and collaborative discussions are vital in the process— not discouraged. Therefore, the justification for referral based on documented evidence is a major benefit leading to informed and data-driven decisions regarding special education needs.