Praxis SpEd Foundational study guide
Praxis SpEd Foundational · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
Special Education: Foundational Knowledge (5355) is a Praxis licensure test developed by ETS for candidates seeking to practice as special educators at any grade level from kindergarten through grade 12. It is not tied to a single grade band, so candidates heading into elementary, middle, or high school special education roles may all meet it on their state's requirement list. The Praxis SpEd Foundational study guide has 5 sections and about 1,510 words.
01Foundations of Special Education: History, Law, Ethics, and Professional Practice
This domain tests the legal and ethical framework behind special education: IDEA's principles, landmark court decisions, Section 504/ADA, confidentiality, and professional conduct. IDEA began as the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (1975) and rests on six principles: FAPE, appropriate evaluation, IEP, LRE, parent/student participation, and procedural safeguards.
317 words, about 2 min02Development and Characteristics of Learners with Disabilities
This domain tests how disabilities are defined, how they affect development and learning, and how teams distinguish similar-looking needs. IDEA categories (13): autism, deaf-blindness, deafness, emotional disturbance, hearing impairment, intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment, other health impairment (OHI), specific learning disability (SLD), speech or language impairment, traumatic brain injury, and visual impairment including blindness.
302 words, about 2 min03Assessment, Eligibility, and Individualized Program Planning
This domain tests how teams gather valid data, determine eligibility, and write legally defensible IEPs that drive instruction and transition. Pre-referral/MTSS: universal screening, Tier 1 core instruction, Tier 2 targeted intervention, Tier 3 intensive intervention, with progress monitoring.
303 words, about 2 min04Learning Environments, Instructional Planning, and Delivery
This domain tests how to design accessible instruction, select the least restrictive environment, and manage behavior and accommodations without lowering expectations. LRE continuum: full-time general education, co-teaching, resource room, self-contained class, separate school, homebound/hospital.
279 words, about 1 min05Collaboration, Communication, and Transition
This domain tests family and team collaboration, culturally responsive communication, and transition planning that prepares students for adult life. Family partnership: use cultural reciprocity, provide qualified interpreters, share information in plain language, and document communication.
309 words, about 2 min