If you need help studying for the NYSTCE Students with Disabilities test or just want some more information about what the test is like, you’ve come to the right place.
Click below to take a free NYSTCE Students with Disabilities practice test!
What’s on the Exam?
There are 91 questions on the exam, which are grouped into seven competencies, and the time limit is 3 hours and 15 minutes.
The questions are split into two types:
90 questions
Selected-response questions require you to select the correct answer from a list of options. Multiple-choice questions are the most common example, but you may also see true-or-false questions and “matching” questions, which ask you to match terms or concepts with their definitions.
Constructed-Response (CR)
1 question
The constructed-response question requires you to write your answer instead of selecting from a list of choices. Your response to this question is generally expected to be at least a few sentences, but you’ll be given specific details and instructions before you take the test.
Let’s take a closer look at the seven competencies on the exam.
1. FOUNDATIONS OF SPECIAL EDUCATION
11 questions (SR)
- Knowledge of foundations, trends, and research in special education
- Knowledge of relevant laws, ethics, and student rights
- Culturally responsive communication, and partnerships
- Collaboration with various professionals
- Self-reflection and professional development
- Advocacy for students with disabilities
2. KNOWLEDGE OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
11 questions (SR)
- Knowledge of typical and atypical development across various domains
- Understanding disabilities: characteristics, identification, and impact on learning
- Individualized instruction for students with and without disabilities
- Factors affecting learning in students with disabilities
3. ASSESSMENT AND INDIVIDUAL PROGRAM PLANNING
23 questions (SR)
- Knowledge of assessment terminology, tools, and bias considerations
- Interpreting assessments to inform decisions for students with disabilities
- Communicating assessment results and maintaining records
- Applying assessment data for eligibility, program, and placement decisions
- Knowledge of screening, referral, and service options for students with disabilities
- Developing and implementing IEPs, transition plans, and behavior interventions
- Roles and responsibilities in IEP development for students, parents, and staff
4. STRATEGIES FOR PLANNING AND MANAGING THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
11 questions (SR)
- Creating a safe, positive learning environment with clear routines and arrangements
- Positive teacher-student communication
- Adapting to students’ needs
- Effective instruction in individual, small group, and large group settings
- Promoting accessibility and participation for students with disabilities
- Developing and implementing behavioral interventions and positive supports
- Strategies for crisis prevention and intervention
5. INSTRUCTIONAL PLANNING AND DELIVERY
23 questions (SR)
- Aligning instruction with curriculum standards for students with disabilities
- Collaboration for content acquisition: co-planning and co-teaching
- Differentiated instruction using research-based practices and resources
- Technology integration for instruction and accessibility
- Explicit and systematic instruction in reading, writing, and math for students with disabilities
- Teaching learning strategies and promoting self-advocacy for students with disabilities
6. STRATEGIES FOR TEACHING COMMUNICATION, SOCIAL, AND FUNCTIOANL LIVING SKILLS
11 questions (SR)
- Communication strategies for students with disabilities
- Integrating social-emotional, career, and life skills with academics
- Enhancing social participation and self-advocacy for students with disabilities
- Self-management, career prep, and daily living skills
- Facilitating smooth transitions across environments (school, home, post-secondary)
7. ANALYSIS, SYNTHESIS, AND APPLICATION
1 question (CR)
How to Register
To get started with your registration, you’ll need to create an account on the NYSTCE website. You can then register for the exam and schedule a test date through your account.
When you submit your registration, you’ll need to pay the $122 testing fee.
NYSTCE Students with Disabilities (060) Study Guide and Flashcards
Get practice questions, detailed study lessons, and complex subjects broken down into easily understandable concepts.
NYSTCE Scores
The test is scored using a scaled scoring method. Here’s how it works:
You will need a score of 520 to pass the test.
The reason your raw score is converted to a scaled score is because everyone who takes the test is given a slightly different set of questions. Since everyone has a different arrangement of questions, and because some questions are harder than others, converting your raw score to a scaled score ensures a more even playing field.
FAQs
How many questions are on the NYSTCE Students with Disabilities exam?
The exam contains 91 questions.
What is the time limit for the NYSTCE Students with Disabilities exam?
The exam is timed at 3 hours and 15 minutes.
How much does the NYSTCE Students with Disabilities exam cost?
The testing fee is $122.
What is the passing score for the NYSTCE Students with Disabilities exam?
You’ll need to get a final score of at least 520 to pass.