Praxis 5358 study guide
Praxis 5358 · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
Praxis Special Education: Foundational Knowledge is an ETS Praxis subject test used in educator licensure. The source page describes the special education licensing area as covering practice as a special educator at any grade level from kindergarten through grade 12. Candidates are typically pre-service teachers completing an educator preparation program, alternatively certified teachers, or out-of-state educators adding a special education endorsement; your state's requirements decide whether you need it. The exam is delivered as multiple choice and is organized around four equally weighted content domains: special education foundations and professional practices; development and characteristics of learners with disabilities; assessment and eligibility for special education services; and planning and delivering specially designed instruction. The Praxis 5358 study guide has 4 sections and about 1,432 words.
01Special Education Foundations and Professional Practices
This domain tests the legal and ethical infrastructure of special education: IDEA's principles, procedural safeguards, confidentiality, collaboration, and professional conduct. Exam items often present a parent request, a discipline scenario, or a team conflict and ask for the legally defensible response.
371 words, about 2 min02Development and Characteristics of Learners with Disabilities
This domain tests how disability characteristics and developmental patterns affect learning, communication, behavior, and social participation. Questions ask you to distinguish typical development from atypical development, recognize the 13 IDEA disability categories, and avoid confusing cultural or linguistic differences with disability.
368 words, about 2 min03Assessment and Eligibility for Special Education Services
This domain tests the evaluation process from pre-referral through eligibility and IEP development: screening, consent, nondiscriminatory assessment, multiple measures, progress monitoring, and documentation of present levels. Expect items about timelines, valid use of tests, and team decisions.
345 words, about 2 min04Planning and Delivering Specially Designed Instruction
This domain tests how teams translate evaluation data into IEP goals and deliver specially designed instruction (SDI): explicit teaching, scaffolding, accommodations, modifications, behavior support, assistive technology, and progress monitoring. Items ask you to choose the service or strategy that provides meaningful access without lowering expectations.
348 words, about 2 min