Testlet 409: Assessment and the learning environment 12
A child with a motor impairment writes slowly and with effort, so a timed handwritten math test would mostly measure his handwriting. What does the federal evaluation rule require?34 CFR 300.304(c)(3) (IDEA Part B regulations, eCFR). Written to GACE Special Education General Curriculum—Elementary Education (703) testlet 409, objective 0001
A first grader uses a school-purchased communication tablet. Her IEP Team determines that she needs access to it at home in order to receive FAPE. What follows?34 CFR 300.105(b) (IDEA Part B regulations, eCFR). Written to GACE Special Education General Curriculum—Elementary Education (703) testlet 409, objective 0002
A reading test gives a student nearly the same score each time it is repeated, yet it turns out to measure listening, not reading. How should the test be described?Wikipedia, "Test validity" and "Reliability (statistics)". Written to GACE Special Education General Curriculum—Elementary Education (703) testlet 409, objective 0001
A second grader's score has a percentile rank of 60 on a norm-referenced test. What does that mean?Wikipedia, "Percentile rank". Written to GACE Special Education General Curriculum—Elementary Education (703) testlet 409, objective 0001
Show all 52 questions (48 more)
Testlet 409: Assessment and the learning environment, continued
A student keeps reading about volcanoes at recess because she is curious, with no sticker or grade at stake. Which kind of motivation is this?Wikipedia, "Motivation". Written to GACE Special Education General Curriculum—Elementary Education (703) testlet 409, objective 0003
A teacher wants to chart one student's reading growth from week to week through the year. Which trait of curriculum-based measurement makes that possible?Wikipedia, "Curriculum-based measurement". Written to GACE Special Education General Curriculum—Elementary Education (703) testlet 409, objective 0001
A third grader with a disability wants to join the after-school chess club. What must the public agency do under the rule on nonacademic services?34 CFR 300.107 (IDEA Part B regulations, eCFR). Written to GACE Special Education General Curriculum—Elementary Education (703) testlet 409, objective 0002
Before a device is chosen for a second grader, a team studies how she functions from day to day. By the IDEA definition of assistive technology service, where is that functional evaluation done?34 CFR 300.6 (IDEA Part B regulations, eCFR). Written to GACE Special Education General Curriculum—Elementary Education (703) testlet 409, objective 0003
Besides the services for the child, an IEP must state the program modifications or supports that will be provided for which group?34 CFR 300.320(a)(4) (IDEA Part B regulations, eCFR). Written to GACE Special Education General Curriculum—Elementary Education (703) testlet 409, objective 0002
During a writing lesson one teacher leads most of the class while her co-teacher takes six students to a side table to reteach paragraph structure. Which co-teaching model is this?Wikipedia, "Co-teaching". Written to GACE Special Education General Curriculum—Elementary Education (703) testlet 409, objective 0002
Each student in a class collects points on a chart for following the morning routine, and on Friday the points buy a choice from a menu of privileges. Which system is this?Wikipedia, "Token economy". Written to GACE Special Education General Curriculum—Elementary Education (703) testlet 409, objective 0003
In the cycle described by the IES guide on using achievement data, a teacher collects data, then interprets it and forms a hypothesis about how to improve learning. What comes next?IES practice guide, Using Student Achievement Data to Support Instructional Decision Making (NCEE 2009-4067), Recommendation 1. Written to GACE Special Education General Curriculum—Elementary Education (703) testlet 409, objective 0003
Testlet 410: Specialized instruction 8
A fourth grader in a mathematics intervention cannot tell whether 3/4 or 5/8 is greater. Which tool does the 2021 IES guide recommend for building this understanding?IES practice guide, Assisting Students Struggling with Mathematics: Intervention in the Elementary Grades (WWC 2021006), Recommendation 4. Written to GACE Special Education General Curriculum—Elementary Education (703) testlet 410, objective 0001
A student starts his worksheet at once because the teacher then stops the repeated reminders he dislikes, and he begins work promptly more often. Which principle is at work?Wikipedia, "Reinforcement". Written to GACE Special Education General Curriculum—Elementary Education (703) testlet 410, objective 0002
A student who writes one word per session is praised first for a full sentence, later only for two sentences, then only for a paragraph. Which technique is this?Wikipedia, "Shaping (psychology)". Written to GACE Special Education General Curriculum—Elementary Education (703) testlet 410, objective 0001
A teacher wants students to remember in May the science terms taught in October. What does the IES guide on organizing instruction and study recommend?IES practice guide, Organizing Instruction and Study to Improve Student Learning (NCER 2007-2004), Recommendation 1. Written to GACE Special Education General Curriculum—Elementary Education (703) testlet 410, objective 0001
A team meets for a manifestation determination after a fourth grader breaks the code of conduct. Besides asking whether the school failed to implement his IEP, what must the team decide?34 CFR 300.530(e) (IDEA Part B regulations, eCFR). Written to GACE Special Education General Curriculum—Elementary Education (703) testlet 410, objective 0002
The class studies ten spelling words each week. One student is required to learn only five, and they are easier words. What is this change?IRIS Center, Vanderbilt University, "Accommodations", page 2: Practices Confused with Accommodations. Written to GACE Special Education General Curriculum—Elementary Education (703) testlet 410, objective 0001
In a tiered PBIS framework, which students receive Tier 2 supports?Center on PBIS, "What is PBIS?". Written to GACE Special Education General Curriculum—Elementary Education (703) testlet 410, objective 0002
To reduce a student's shouting out, a teacher stops responding to the shouts and praises him each time he raises his hand. Which procedure is this?Wikipedia, "Reinforcement". Written to GACE Special Education General Curriculum—Elementary Education (703) testlet 410, objective 0002
Testlet 416: Language arts and social studies 8
A beginning writer labels her picture "MI KAT IZ BLAK." Which term names her use of unconventional spellings?Wikipedia, "Inventive spelling". Written to GACE Special Education General Curriculum—Elementary Education (703) testlet 416, objective 0001
A farmer gives a weaver two sacks of corn and receives a blanket, and no money changes hands. What is this kind of exchange called?Wikipedia, "Barter". Written to GACE Special Education General Curriculum—Elementary Education (703) testlet 416, objective 0002
"Her backpack was a boulder on the long walk home." Which figure of speech is this?Wikipedia, "Metaphor". Written to GACE Special Education General Curriculum—Elementary Education (703) testlet 416, objective 0001
In 1835 a small "Treaty Party" signed the Treaty of New Echota without the authority of Principal Chief John Ross or the Cherokee government. What did the treaty require of the Cherokee Nation?New Georgia Encyclopedia, "Cherokee Removal". Written to GACE Special Education General Curriculum—Elementary Education (703) testlet 416, objective 0002
In a report on owls, a fifth grader presents a paragraph from a library book as if the words and ideas were his own. What is this called?Wikipedia, "Plagiarism". Written to GACE Special Education General Curriculum—Elementary Education (703) testlet 416, objective 0001
The Pledge of Allegiance took its most recent change of wording on Flag Day in 1954. Which words were added then?Wikipedia, "Pledge of Allegiance". Written to GACE Special Education General Curriculum—Elementary Education (703) testlet 416, objective 0002
Using the compass rose on a park map, a student walks from the gate toward a pond that lies halfway between south and west. Which intermediate direction is she walking?Wikipedia, "Cardinal direction". Written to GACE Special Education General Curriculum—Elementary Education (703) testlet 416, objective 0002
Which of these is a complex sentence?Wikipedia, "Sentence clause structure". Written to GACE Special Education General Curriculum—Elementary Education (703) testlet 416, objective 0001
Testlet 417: Mathematics and science 8
A canyon wall shows clear layers that built up from material deposited on the Earth's surface long ago. Which class of rock is this?U.S. Geological Survey, "What are sedimentary rocks?". Written to GACE Special Education General Curriculum—Elementary Education (703) testlet 417, objective 0002
A flashlight battery holds energy in the bonds of its chemicals until the switch is pressed. By the EIA's grouping, which form of energy is stored in the battery?U.S. Energy Information Administration, "Forms of energy". Written to GACE Special Education General Curriculum—Elementary Education (703) testlet 417, objective 0002
A pitcher holds 1.2 liters of juice. How many 200-milliliter cups can it fill?National Institute of Standards and Technology, "Metric (SI) Prefixes". Written to GACE Special Education General Curriculum—Elementary Education (703) testlet 417, objective 0001
A ramp lets a student roll a heavy cart up onto a stage with less force than lifting it. Which simple machine is the ramp?Wikipedia, "Inclined plane". Written to GACE Special Education General Curriculum—Elementary Education (703) testlet 417, objective 0002
A student finds 6 × 14 by working out (6 × 10) + (6 × 4). Which property makes this correct?Wikipedia, "Distributive property". Written to GACE Special Education General Curriculum—Elementary Education (703) testlet 417, objective 0001
An insect hatches as a larva, rests as a pupa and emerges as an adult that looks radically different. What is this pattern of development called?Wikipedia, "Metamorphosis". Written to GACE Special Education General Curriculum—Elementary Education (703) testlet 417, objective 0002
Counting six toy bears, a child says the number words in order but touches some bears twice and skips others, and ends on "eight." Which skill should the teacher work on next?IES practice guide, Teaching Math to Young Children (NCEE 2014-4005), Recommendation 1. Written to GACE Special Education General Curriculum—Elementary Education (703) testlet 417, objective 0001
Triangle A has sides of 3, 4 and 5 centimeters. Triangle B has sides of 6, 8 and 10 centimeters. How are the two triangles related?Wikipedia, "Similarity (geometry)". Written to GACE Special Education General Curriculum—Elementary Education (703) testlet 417, objective 0001
Testlet 503: Foundations and professional knowledge 16
A child's brain injury was induced by birth trauma. Does the IDEA category of traumatic brain injury apply to it?34 CFR 300.8(c)(12) (IDEA Part B regulations, eCFR). Written to GACE Special Education General Curriculum—Elementary Education (703) testlet 503, objective 0002
A family new to special education wants help learning how to take part in their daughter's education. Which kind of center exists for that purpose across the states and territories?Center for Parent Information and Resources, "Find Your Parent Center". Written to GACE Special Education General Curriculum—Elementary Education (703) testlet 503, objective 0003
A first grader pronounces words clearly but has trouble understanding what others say and sharing his own thoughts. By the NIDCD's description, which kind of disorder may this be?National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, "Speech and Language Developmental Milestones". Written to GACE Special Education General Curriculum—Elementary Education (703) testlet 503, objective 0002
A kindergartner agrees that two balls of clay are the same size. The teacher rolls one into a long rope, and the child now says the rope has more clay. In Piaget's terms, what has the child not yet developed?Wikipedia, "Piaget's theory of cognitive development". Written to GACE Special Education General Curriculum—Elementary Education (703) testlet 503, objective 0002
A privately run child care center turns away every child who has a disability, saying such children need too much help. What does the ADA require of the center?ADA.gov, U.S. Department of Justice, "Commonly Asked Questions About Child Care Centers and the Americans with Disabilities Act". Written to GACE Special Education General Curriculum—Elementary Education (703) testlet 503, objective 0001
A school gave a family the procedural safeguards notice in August. In October the parent asks for an evaluation of a younger sibling. Must the school give a copy of the notice again?34 CFR 300.504(a) (IDEA Part B regulations, eCFR). Written to GACE Special Education General Curriculum—Elementary Education (703) testlet 503, objective 0004
A second grade classroom teacher is a member of a student's IEP Team. In which decision must she take part, to the extent appropriate?34 CFR 300.324(a)(3) (IDEA Part B regulations, eCFR). Written to GACE Special Education General Curriculum—Elementary Education (703) testlet 503, objective 0003
A state is revising its criteria for identifying a specific learning disability. What does the federal regulation say about a severe discrepancy between intellectual ability and achievement?34 CFR 300.307(a) (IDEA Part B regulations, eCFR). Written to GACE Special Education General Curriculum—Elementary Education (703) testlet 503, objective 0004
A student knows the material but cannot plan the steps of a project, hold directions in mind or shift when a strategy fails. Which set of skills is affected?Wikipedia, "Executive functions". Written to GACE Special Education General Curriculum—Elementary Education (703) testlet 503, objective 0002
A third grade teacher who works with a student every day asks to read his education record to plan instruction. Under the FERPA regulations, must the school get the parent's consent first?34 CFR 99.31(a)(1) (FERPA regulations, eCFR). Written to GACE Special Education General Curriculum—Elementary Education (703) testlet 503, objective 0001
After two years of services a parent revokes consent, in writing, for her son's special education and related services. What must the public agency do?34 CFR 300.300(b)(4) (IDEA Part B regulations, eCFR). Written to GACE Special Education General Curriculum—Elementary Education (703) testlet 503, objective 0001
Leo's IFSP was written in January. Nothing in his situation changes, and his family does not ask for an earlier review. By which month must the IFSP be reviewed under Part C?34 CFR 303.342(b) (IDEA Part C regulations, eCFR). Written to GACE Special Education General Curriculum—Elementary Education (703) testlet 503, objective 0004
Maya receives early intervention under Part C and turns three in March. If she is eligible under Part B, what must be in place by her birthday?34 CFR 300.101(b) (IDEA Part B regulations, eCFR). Written to GACE Special Education General Curriculum—Elementary Education (703) testlet 503, objective 0004
Neither parent of a second grader can come to the school for the IEP Team meeting. What does the federal rule tell the public agency to do?34 CFR 300.322(c) (IDEA Part B regulations, eCFR). Written to GACE Special Education General Curriculum—Elementary Education (703) testlet 503, objective 0003
Which list names the three principles of the UDL Guidelines published by CAST?CAST, "The UDL Guidelines". Written to GACE Special Education General Curriculum—Elementary Education (703) testlet 503, objective 0001
Which related service teaches a child with a visual impairment to use the long cane and to travel safely around the school and community?34 CFR 300.34(c)(7) (IDEA Part B regulations, eCFR). Written to GACE Special Education General Curriculum—Elementary Education (703) testlet 503, objective 0003
How this list was compiled: Our own questions, written to the objectives of the GACE Special Education General Curriculum—Elementary Education (P–5) assessment, test code 703, as its Assessment Design and Framework prints them on the GACE website of the Georgia Professional Standards Commission and Evaluation Systems, Pearson (https://www.gace.es.pearson.com/studyguide/framework/703 and https://www.gace.es.pearson.com/test/703, read 2026-10-15): five testlets, 130 selected-response questions (409 Assessment and the Learning Environment, 30 questions, 45 minutes; 410 Specialized Instruction for the General Curriculum, 20, 30 minutes; 416 Language Arts and Social Studies, 20, 30 minutes; 417 Mathematics and Science, 20, 45 minutes; 503 Foundations and Professional Knowledge in Special Education, 40, 60 minutes). This bank holds 12, 8, 8, 8 and 16. Every fact was read on 2026-10-15 in the document named under its question: the IDEA Part B and Part C regulations and the FERPA regulations (34 CFR Parts 300, 303 and 99, eCFR issue of 2026-10-08), four practice guides of the Institute of Education Sciences, the Center on PBIS, CAST, ADA.gov, the IRIS Center, the Center for Parent Information and Resources, the NIDCD, the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. Energy Information Administration, NIST, the New Georgia Encyclopedia, and Wikipedia articles. Answers that are arithmetic were each worked a second time. Georgia's own special education rules are not covered, so no question rests on them. Licence: Questions, choices and explanations are original work of this site.
How it works
This practice test for GACE Special Education General Curriculum—Elementary Education (P–5), test 703, asks 52 questions of our own, spread like its five testlets. It is unofficial and not affiliated with the Georgia Professional Standards Commission or Pearson.
Read the full guide
The five testlets
Foundations and Professional Knowledge in Special Education (503) is the largest, 40 of the 130 questions. Assessment and the Learning Environment (409) has 30. Specialized Instruction (410), Language Arts and Social Studies (416) and Mathematics and Science (417) have 20 each. This bank holds 16, 12, 8, 8 and 8.
What sets this test apart
Two testlets ask elementary content itself: grammar and writing, national symbols, Georgia's Cherokee and Creek history, counting, measurement and basic science. The special education testlets reach down to early intervention, so questions here cover the IFSP and the move to an IEP at age three.
Clock
A timed run here gives 84 minutes for the 52 questions, the pace of the five real clocks taken together.
Law questions cite a section of 34 CFR Part 300, 303 or 99. Open the section and read the lines around it.
Testlet 503 is also part of the Special Education General Curriculum (P–12) and Adapted Curriculum (P–12) assessments.
Questions and answers
How many questions are on the GACE Special Education General Curriculum/Elementary Education test?
130 selected-response questions in five testlets. Taken in one appointment, testing time is 3 hours 30 minutes, with a 15-minute break after the first three testlets and 15 minutes for a tutorial and nondisclosure agreement.
What happened to GACE Special Education General Curriculum/Elementary Education Test I (003) and Test II (004)?
The Commission's special education page, which it marks as under revision, still names this assessment GACE 003 and 004, two tests. The current GACE website lists one assessment, code 703, in five testlets, and this practice test follows those.
Is there a study guide for GACE Special Education General Curriculum/Elementary Education Test I and Test II?
The GACE website has one study guide for the whole assessment, test 703, with the framework, test-taking strategies and sample questions. These questions are written to its objectives, and none is taken or reworded from its samples.
What is the passing score for GACE Special Education General Curriculum—Elementary Education?
A cumulative score of at least 220, and you must also meet the floor, a minimum required score, on each of the five testlets. This page reports the number right only.
What can the GACE 703 score be used for?
The assessment page says the score can be used for an initial teaching certificate or to add a teaching field, and that both require completing a GaPSC-approved or GaPSC-accepted certification program in this field.