Ohio Assessment for Educators (OAE) Assessment of Professional Knowledge: Primary Education (PK–5) (OAE 057) Practice Exam

When planning instruction collaboratively for students with disabilities, which guideline is crucial?

1. Building on students' individual strengths while providing supports

2. Adapting academic standards for high achievement

3. Designing reinforcement activities for small groups

4. Utilizing similar instructional methods and activities

The correct answer is: Building on students' individual strengths while providing supports

Building on students' individual strengths while providing supports is crucial when planning instruction collaboratively for students with disabilities because this approach acknowledges each student's unique abilities and needs. This guideline emphasizes the importance of recognizing the strengths that students possess and using those strengths as a foundation for learning. By focusing on individual strengths, educators can tailor their teaching strategies and supports to enhance engagement and motivation. This personalized approach can also lead to more effective learning outcomes, as students are more likely to succeed in an environment where their capabilities are acknowledged and utilized. Additionally, providing appropriate supports ensures that all students have access to the curriculum in a way that meets their individual learning requirements, promoting an inclusive educational environment. Offering adaptation of academic standards, designing specific reinforcement activities, or utilizing similar methods may not fully address the individual learning profiles of students with disabilities. While these practices are important, they might not create the strong, strengths-based foundation necessary for effective collaborative planning in instruction.