School Psychologist PK–12School Psychologist P K to 12

Test Format and Sample Questions

The School Psychologist PK–12School Psychologist P K to 12 subject area test consists of approximately 80 multiple-choice questions. You will have two and one-half hours to complete the test.

Each question will contain four response options, and you will indicate your answer by selecting A, B, C, or D.

The table below presents types of questions on the exam and directs you to examples of these formats among the sample items that follow.

Table of Question Formats

Type of Question	Sample Question
Direct Question Choose the response option that best answers the question.	Question 1
Scenario Examine a situation, problem, or case study. Then answer a question, make a diagnosis, or recommend a course of action by selecting the best response option.	Question 5

Sample Questions

The following questions represent both the form and content of questions on the examination. These questions will acquaint you with the general format of the examination; however, these sample questions do not cover all of the competencies and skills that are tested and will only approximate the degree of examination difficulty.

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Competency 1—Knowledge of statistics, research methods, and program evaluation

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

Which of the following terms refers to a component of descriptive statistics?

Choose an answer

1. linear regression
2. correlation coefficient
3. estimation of parameters
4. measure of central tendency

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: D.

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Competency 1—Knowledge of statistics, research methods, and program evaluation

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

A school psychologist wants to determine the effectiveness of a multisensory teaching strategy that includes several attributes. This issue can be investigated most appropriately through which of the following research methods?

Choose an answer

1. Develop a questionnaire addressing the attributes of the strategy and distribute it to randomly selected students. Analyze the questionnaire results for correlations.
2. Initiate a multiple-correlation study that compares the variables for statistically significant correlations. Evaluate quantitative information about the attributes of the strategy.
3. Begin a single-case study on an individual student with whom the strategy will be implemented. Compare the student's performance from a previous school year to current school year.
4. Use an experimental design with randomly selected students to receive instruction using the strategy and a control group. Compare the groups' learning gains throughout the school year.

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: D.

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Competency 1—Knowledge of statistics, research methods, and program evaluation

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

A 3^rdthird-grade teacher consults a school psychologist for suggestions about how to help a student manage frustration in class. The school psychologist can most appropriately apply research related to this issue by recommending which of the following approaches?

Choose an answer

1. dialectical behavior
2. restorative practices
3. social-emotional learning
4. operant-conditioning model

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: C.

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Competency 2—Knowledge of data-based decision making and accountability

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

The primary purpose of criterion-referenced assessments in educational settings is to provide which of the following information about a student?

Choose an answer

1. initial knowledge related to a given skill area
2. comparative achievement in relation to peers
3. progress in mastering targeted academic content
4. achievement of a pre-identified performance standard

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: D.

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Competency 2—Knowledge of data-based decision making and accountability

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

According to the given evaluation results for a 3-year-old child, which of the following conditions should be considered as part of eligibility decision making?

Standard scores from three different evaluations are shown. The first set of results is from the Developmental Assessment of Young Children Second Edition. The child received the following standard scores: 70 on adaptive behavior 68 on cognition 61 on communication 85 on physical development 92 on social emotional development The second set of results is from the Preschool Language Scale Fourth Edition test. The child received the following standard scores: less than 50 on total communication less than 50 on auditory comprehension less than 50 on expressive communication The last set of results is from the Bracken Basic Concept Scale Third Edition Receptive test. The child received a standard score of 55 on the school readiness composite.

Choose an answer

1. intellectual disability
2. developmental delay
3. autism spectrum disorder
4. neurodevelopmental impairment

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: B.

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Competency 2—Knowledge of data-based decision making and accountability

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

The student population of an elementary school includes students from diverse socioeconomic circumstances and many students who speak English as a second language. Which of the following assessment approaches would be most appropriate for this student population?

Choose an answer

1. using multiple measures of student ability
2. administering cognitive tests with high ceilings
3. implementing a language dominance screening
4. conducting a comprehensive student evaluation

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: A.

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Competency 3—Knowledge of child and adolescent development

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

The ability to evaluate, monitor, set goals, and make plans related to one's own learning is most characteristic of which of the following skills?

Choose an answer

1. academic
2. perceptual
3. metacognition
4. systemic cognition

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: C.

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Competency 3—Knowledge of child and adolescent development

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

According to Jean Piaget, a 12-year-old who can easily complete algebraic factoring without the need for manipulatives is demonstrating which of the following aspects of cognitive development?

Choose an answer

1. egocentrism
2. conservation
3. logical reasoning ability
4. formal operational thinking

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: D.

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Competency 3—Knowledge of child and adolescent development

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

Which of the following statements is consistent with Alexander Luria's neuropsychological theory?

Choose an answer

1. Individual units of the brain function independently of one another.
2. Specific mental processes are localized in various parts of the brain.
3. There is a hierarchical relationship between the functional units of the brain.
4. A study of brain lesions has not proven useful in understanding brain function.

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: C.

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Competency 4—Knowledge of curricula and evidence-based interventions and instructional strategies related to academic outcomes

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

Which of the following techniques represents a research-based approach that would be effective for determining how to tailor interventions for students based on current progress monitoring data while still meeting the learning needs of students who have acquired the targeted skills?

Choose an answer

1. peer tutoring
2. academic probes
3. preferential seating
4. differentiated instruction

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: D.

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Competency 4—Knowledge of curricula and evidence-based interventions and instructional strategies related to academic outcomes

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

When providing reading instruction, a kindergarten teacher presents lessons that include the alphabetic principle and an understanding that spoken language is broken into both larger and smaller parts. Which of the following statements describes the best reason for this approach?

Choose an answer

1. Students who are able to demonstrate phonemic awareness skills will be more likely to demonstrate strong spelling skills.
2. Students who are able to demonstrate strong skills in reading fluency will most likely be able to transfer the skills they learn to written language.
3. Students who are able to demonstrate strong oral language and vocabulary skills are better able to transfer their knowledge to the development of phonics skills.
4. Students who are able to demonstrate foundational skills in phonemic awareness will have a better chance of transferring their knowledge to developing phonics skills.

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: D.

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Competency 4—Knowledge of curricula and evidence-based interventions and instructional strategies related to academic outcomes

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

A teacher implements a Tier 2 intervention recommended by the school psychologist. Which of the following is the optimal amount of time needed for completing progress monitoring before determining the efficacy of the intervention?

Choose an answer

1. 2 weeks
2. 3 weeks
3. 8 weeks
4. 12 weeks

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: C.

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Competency 5—Knowledge of biological, social, and cultural bases of learning, behavior, and mental health

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

The educational attainment of students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds is most directly influenced by which of the following factors?

Choose an answer

1. challenges in setting goals
2. access to Internet resources
3. need for counseling services
4. gaps in academic readiness

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: D.

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Competency 5—Knowledge of biological, social, and cultural bases of learning, behavior, and mental health

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

Which of the following statements accurately describes the most significant way language disorders affect student learning in the elementary school years?

Choose an answer

1. Students may be reluctant to engage in play with peers.
2. Students may decide not to communicate with teachers.
3. Students may experience skill deficits in reading or writing.
4. Students may not be able to complete assigned homework.

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: C.

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Competency 5—Knowledge of biological, social, and cultural bases of learning, behavior, and mental health

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

Which of the following student actions is an example of an executive functioning skill?

Choose an answer

1. deciding on a play activity with a friend
2. completing a multistep mathematics problem
3. delivering a teacher's note to the school office
4. reading a list of words with fluency and accuracy

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: B.

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Competency 6—Knowledge of evidence-based interventions and instructional strategies related to social-emotional, mental, and behavioral health outcomes

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

After reviewing the results from a universal screening that indicate that anxiety is an issue that affects more than half of the student population, a school psychologist should explore which of the following topics first?

Choose an answer

1. alignment of primary prevention programs with student needs
2. manifestation of student needs in various educational settings
3. principles of systems-level change in addressing student needs
4. feasibility of responding to student needs with targeted intervention

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: A.

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Competency 6—Knowledge of evidence-based interventions and instructional strategies related to social-emotional, mental, and behavioral health outcomes

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

A school psychologist observes a kindergarten student who has been having tantrums regularly in the classroom. The school psychologist documents what happens before, during, and after the tantrums. This action is a description of which of the following components of applied behavior analysis?

Choose an answer

1. A-B-C recording
2. duration recording
3. timed interval recording
4. frequency and rate recording

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: A.

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Competency 6—Knowledge of evidence-based interventions and instructional strategies related to social-emotional, mental, and behavioral health outcomes

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

A school psychologist who uses rational-emotive behavior therapy to address a student's psychological disturbance would focus on which of the following issues as the root of the disturbance?

Choose an answer

1. traumatic event
2. repressed emotions
3. beliefs about specific events
4. rejection by significant others

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: C.

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Competency 7—Knowledge of best practices in student and school safety

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

A student who has been diagnosed with a substance-related and addictive disorder is most likely to demonstrate which of the following characteristics?

Choose an answer

1. disadvantaged background and no adult supervision
2. impaired self-control and engagement in risky behaviors
3. few friends among peers and limited contact with family members
4. multiple risk factors for dropping out and general dislike of school

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: B.

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Competency 7—Knowledge of best practices in student and school safety

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

A preschool student who was placed into foster care due to abuse and neglect 2 months ago has experienced the traumatic loss of an older brother as a result of a car accident. Based on research related to trauma response in children, which of the following statements describes an important consideration when working with this student?

Choose an answer

1. The student is likely to cope better in response to the loss given the student's age.
2. The student may be more severely impacted by the loss due to previous experiences.
3. The student may be more impacted by the loss given that the loss was sudden and unexpected.
4. The student may be less impacted by the loss due to coping skills developed in the original home.

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: B.

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Competency 7—Knowledge of best practices in student and school safety

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

A school psychologist is helping develop a suicide prevention program. Which of the following elements is most important to include in the program?

Choose an answer

1. teaching students conflict resolution strategies
2. screening to identify students who may be at risk
3. implementing social skills training activities with students
4. creating buddy systems to provide students with emotional support

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: B.

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Competency 8—Knowledge of consultation, collaboration, and problem solving

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

As part of a high school's suicide assessment process, a school psychologist administers the brief Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale self-report. This instrument is likely to be most useful for helping the school psychologist achieve which of the following goals?

Choose an answer

1. recommending referrals to tertiary-level treatment by a mental health clinician
2. providing evidence of DSM-5 criteria to finalize the diagnosis of a specific disorder
3. discerning which students should be evaluated by a mental health clinician for a possible diagnosis
4. eliminating students who are not at risk while identifying students who require additional interviewing

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: D.

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Competency 8—Knowledge of consultation, collaboration, and problem solving

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

A teacher consults with a school psychologist regarding behavioral concerns during mathematics class. Which of the following steps would be most appropriate for the school psychologist to take first in assisting the teacher with this problem?

Choose an answer

1. analyzing mathematics performance data
2. conducting an observation during mathematics
3. suggesting possible mathematics interventions
4. reviewing mathematics lesson plans and activities

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: B.

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Competency 8—Knowledge of consultation, collaboration, and problem solving

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

In response to complaints about a school staff's lack of responsiveness to parents or guardians, a school psychologist should recommend that the school focus initially on which of the following goals?

Choose an answer

1. increasing the frequency of teacher conferences
2. surveying families annually on the school climate
3. promoting meaningful home-school communication
4. holding meetings with families to gather information

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: C.

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Competency 9—Knowledge of ethical, legal, and professional practice
of school psychology

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

Which of the following groups organizes a school's strategic planning process?

Choose an answer

1. building leaders and the district superintendent
2. leadership team and stakeholder representatives
3. program administrators and student services staff
4. professional teaching staff and support personnel

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: B.

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Competency 9—Knowledge of ethical, legal, and professional practice
of school psychology

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

Since 2000, school psychologists have become increasingly involved in which of the following assessment-related roles?

Choose an answer

1. assisting in general education assessment and intervention
2. designing psychometrically sound assessment instruments
3. implementing assessment accommodations outlined in IEPs I E Pees 
4. providing analyses of schoolwide and districtwide assessment data

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: A.

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Competency 9—Knowledge of ethical, legal, and professional practice
of school psychology

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

A school psychologist receives a call from a parent whose child is struggling in school. The child's parents are in the process of divorcing and the parent asks the school psychologist to counsel the family. Which of the following responses by the school psychologist would be most appropriate?

Choose an answer

1. offering to conduct a brief assessment of the child's emotional functioning
2. agreeing to provide the requested service to the family after school hours
3. encouraging the parent to seek a credentialed marriage and family therapist
4. providing the parent with several online resources about children and divorce

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: C.

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Competency 10—Knowledge of laws, rules, regulations, court decisions, and procedures related to public education

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

The reauthorization of IDEA in 2004 had which of the following effects on assessment and eligibility processes for students with disabilities?

Choose an answer

1. mandating the use of MTSS M T S S  to reduce student referrals for evaluation
2. requiring the administration of standardized IQ tests before a student can be referred for evaluation
3. eliminating the requirement that a discrepancy model be used to identify students with specific learning disabilities
4. discontinuing the signed written consent requirement for evaluation of a student for a potential disability in favor of digital signatures

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: C.

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Competency 10—Knowledge of laws, rules, regulations, court decisions, and procedures related to public education

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

An IEP I E P  for a student with a disability must include which of the following elements?

Choose an answer

1. developmental history
2. benchmark objectives
3. consent for evaluation
4. academic interventions

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: B.

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Competency 10—Knowledge of laws, rules, regulations, court decisions, and procedures related to public education making

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

The IEP I E P  committee for a student with a disability who has been acting out in a way that may lead to suspension convenes to review the student's placement. According to the provisions of IDEA, which of the following actions must be included in this process?

Choose an answer

1. defining the LRE L R E  for the student
2. conducting an FBA F A B  of the student
3. modifying the student's individual goals
4. referring the student for outside counseling

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: B.

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