Coverage by content domain
Lessons and questions are organized around the exam’s content areas so your preparation reflects the structure of the assessment.
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NYSTCE test alignment
240's NYSTCE Students with Disabilities study guide is built around the official exam framework so you can study what is actually tested. This page shows exactly how the guide maps to the real exam — SMR by SMR and competency by competency.
Based on a competency-by-competency review of the official framework and the lessons, practice questions, flashcards, videos, and study materials included in this guide.
Transparent coverage
Our curriculum team begins with the official test framework, identifies the knowledge and skills candidates are expected to demonstrate, and maps instruction and practice to those expectations.
Lessons and questions are organized around the exam’s content areas so your preparation reflects the structure of the assessment.
Every competency is marked covered, partially covered, or a gap, so you can see where the guide is strongest and where to add your own review.
Alignment records provide a maintainable source of truth when exam frameworks, names, or objectives are updated.
Certification test standards are broad, but the exam questions are very specific. Our team of curriculum experts uses the 240 Study Guide Creation Process to ensure the most aligned, specific content for your NYSTCE Students with Disabilities (060) test — so you are not wasting time on broad subject review that may not show up on exam day.
Transparent coverage is a strength. We show where the guide is strong, where depth is partial, and where a gap has been identified so you can make an informed study decision.
7Domains
60Competencies reviewed
78%Test-aligned
45Covered
4Partially covered
11Gaps
This study guide is based on the current official exam framework. We review and update alignment whenever the official framework changes so candidates are always studying current, accurate material.
321 questions · 22 materials · 70 cards · 5 videosPartially covered
| Official competency | Matching 240 topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| a. applies knowledge of the historical and philosophical foundations of the field of special education and of contemporary issues, trends, and research | Sped.Foundations of Special Education; P.Learning Theories; P.Behavior Theories; Sped.Legal Issues; Sped.History of Special Education; P.Universal Design for Learning | Covered | 88 | 6 | 37 | 4 | Covered by 6 topics (88 questions, 6 materials, 37 cards, 4 videos). |
| b. applies knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, state policies, and ethical guidelines (e.g., related to referral, assessment, eligibility, placement within a continuum of services, behavior management planning and implementation, mandated reporting, maintaining confidentiality) | Sped.Ethical Concerns; Sped.Special Education Laws and Regulations - NY; Sped.Legalities with Eligibility | Covered | 27 | 3 | 20 | 0 | Covered by 3 topics (27 questions, 3 materials, 20 cards, 0 videos). |
| c. applies knowledge of the rights and responsibilities of students with disabilities, parents/guardians, teachers, other professionals, and schools | Sped.Rights of Stakeholders; P.Role of Parents and Guardians | Covered | 34 | 2 | 5 | 0 | Covered by 2 topics (34 questions, 2 materials, 5 cards, 0 videos). |
| d. applies knowledge of culturally responsive strategies that promote effective communication and partnerships with students with disabilities and their parents/guardians to help students with disabilities achieve desired learning outcomes | Sped.Collaboration with Families; Sped.Supporting Families - Severe to Profound Disabilities | Covered | 34 | 2 | 3 | 0 | Covered by 2 topics (34 questions, 2 materials, 3 cards, 0 videos). |
| e. applies knowledge of effective strategies for communicating and collaborating with general education teachers, school staff members, paraprofessionals, related services providers, medical personnel, volunteers, and representatives of community agencies to help students with disabilities achieve desired learning outcomes | Sped.Collaboration with Other Professionals; Sped.Collaboration Principles; Sped.Building Effective Collaboration; Sped.Volunteers and Paraprofessionals; P.Interdisciplinary Connections | Covered | 80 | 5 | 9 | 1 | Covered by 5 topics (80 questions, 5 materials, 9 cards, 1 videos). |
| f. applies knowledge of strategies for engaging in self-reflection and ongoing professional development activities to enhance effectiveness as an educator of students with disabilities | P.Using Data and Self-Reflection to Improve | Covered | 26 | 1 | 2 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (26 questions, 1 materials, 2 cards, 0 videos). |
| g. demonstrates knowledge of strategies and information sources for remaining current regarding research-validated practice in the field of special education | Sped.Professional Development - NY | Partially covered | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Partial coverage by 1 topic (5 questions, 1 materials, 0 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content. |
| h. demonstrates knowledge of local, state, and national services, resources, and organizations serving students with disabilities and providing program support | Sped.Development Resources | Covered | 12 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (12 questions, 1 materials, 0 cards, 0 videos). |
| i. applies knowledge of the teacher's responsibility to advocate for the interests of students with disabilities | P.Advocating for Students | Covered | 15 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (15 questions, 1 materials, 0 cards, 0 videos). |
352 questions · 24 materials · 101 cards · 12 videosCovered
| Official competency | Matching 240 topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| a. demonstrates knowledge of typical and atypical human growth and development in various domains (e.g., cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, physical, sensory) | P.Social Development; P.Psychosocial Development; P.Physical Development Theories; P.Physical Development; P.Language Development; P.Emotional Development; P.Cognitive Development | Covered | 66 | 7 | 17 | 5 | Covered by 7 topics (66 questions, 7 materials, 17 cards, 5 videos). |
| b. demonstrates knowledge of the characteristics, identification criteria, etiologies, and medical aspects of various types of disabilities (e.g., learning disability, intellectual disability, autism, multiple disabilities) | Sped.Classifications of Disabilities; Sped.Autism Spectrum Disorder; Sped.Specific Learning Disabilities; Sped.Supporting Twice-Exceptional Students; Sped.Severe to Profound Disabilities; Sped.Intellectual Disabilities; Sped.Hearing and Visual Impairments; Sped.Speech and Language Disorders | Covered | 100 | 8 | 58 | 1 | Covered by 8 topics (100 questions, 8 materials, 58 cards, 1 videos). |
| c. demonstrates knowledge of similarities and differences among students with and without disabilities | P.The Four Domains | Covered | 10 | 1 | 4 | 1 | Covered by 1 topic (10 questions, 1 materials, 4 cards, 1 videos). |
| d. applies knowledge of how the characteristics of various disabilities can influence an individual's education and life | Sped.Effect on Health; Sped.Effect on Communication; Sped.Effect on Behavior; Sped.Effect on Learning | Covered | 74 | 4 | 15 | 4 | Covered by 4 topics (74 questions, 4 materials, 15 cards, 4 videos). |
| e. applies knowledge of the different ways in which students with disabilities learn, including students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and developmentally and age-appropriate strategies for addressing those differences | Sped.Special Education and English Learners; P.Adaptations for Diversity - Cultural Differences; P.Types of Instructional Strategies | Covered | 84 | 3 | 11 | 1 | Covered by 3 topics (84 questions, 3 materials, 11 cards, 1 videos). |
| f. demonstrates knowledge of factors that affect development, learning, and daily living in students with disabilities (e.g., roles of families and communities; effects of medications, sensory impairments, and medical conditions) | P.Family Systems Theory | Covered | 18 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (18 questions, 1 materials, 1 cards, 0 videos). |
310 questions · 18 materials · 71 cards · 6 videosPartially covered
| Official competency | Matching 240 topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| a. demonstrates knowledge of basic and specialized terminology used in the assessment of students with disabilities | Sped.Data Collection; Sped.Evaluations; Sped.Evaluations for Diverse Needs | Covered | 28 | 3 | 26 | 0 | Covered by 3 topics (28 questions, 3 materials, 26 cards, 0 videos). |
| b. demonstrates knowledge of the characteristics, uses, and limitations of various types of formal and informal assessments | Sped.Types of Assessment; Sped.Specialized Assessments | Covered | 51 | 2 | 19 | 1 | Covered by 2 topics (51 questions, 2 materials, 19 cards, 1 videos). |
| c. applies knowledge of strategies for selecting and administering nonbiased assessments for given students | Sped.Fair Assessment | Covered | 19 | 1 | 2 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (19 questions, 1 materials, 2 cards, 0 videos). |
| d. interprets information from formal and informal assessments | Sped.Data Interpretation | Partially covered | 6 | 1 | 4 | 0 | Partial coverage by 1 topic (6 questions, 1 materials, 4 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content. |
| e. applies knowledge of how individual evaluation assessment and data and other assessment information is used to make eligibility, program, and placement decisions for students with disabilities; evaluate instruction; monitor progress of students with disabilities; and make responsive, research-based, and timely adjustments to instruction | Sped.Eligibility - General Process; Sped.Eligibility and Collaboration; Sped.Eligibility | Covered | 39 | 3 | 6 | 2 | Covered by 3 topics (39 questions, 3 materials, 6 cards, 2 videos). |
| f. demonstrates knowledge of effective strategies for communicating assessment results to all stakeholders and strategies and procedures for creating and maintaining records | Sped.Communicating Results | Covered | 9 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (9 questions, 1 materials, 0 cards, 0 videos). |
| g. applies knowledge of screening, prereferral (e.g., Response to Intervention), referral, and classification procedures | P.Response to Intervention (RtI); Sped.IEP Development | Covered | 68 | 2 | 9 | 1 | Covered by 2 topics (68 questions, 2 materials, 9 cards, 1 videos). |
| h. demonstrates knowledge of the continuum of services and placements available for students with disabilities | Sped.Specialized Settings; Sped.Continuum of Services | Covered | 16 | 2 | 4 | 0 | Covered by 2 topics (16 questions, 2 materials, 4 cards, 0 videos). |
| i. demonstrates knowledge of the components of IEPs and the roles and responsibilities of special education teachers in developing, implementing, monitoring, and modifying IEPs, transition plans, and behavioral intervention plans | Sped.IEP Implementation; Sped.FBA and BIP | Covered | 66 | 2 | 27 | 2 | Covered by 2 topics (66 questions, 2 materials, 27 cards, 2 videos). |
| j. demonstrates knowledge of the roles of students with disabilities, parents/guardians, general education teachers, and related services providers in developing, implementing, monitoring, and modifying IEPs, transition plans, and behavioral intervention plans | Sped.IEP Development; Sped.Student Involvement in Programming | Covered | 60 | 2 | 6 | 1 | Covered by 2 topics (60 questions, 2 materials, 6 cards, 1 videos). |
223 questions · 16 materials · 77 cards · 3 videosCovered
| Official competency | Matching 240 topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| a. demonstrates knowledge of how to create and maintain a safe, productive learning environment for all students, including establishing routines and appropriate physical arrangements | Sped.Classroom Management; Sped.Learning Environments; Sped.Health and Safety | Covered | 77 | 3 | 4 | 0 | Covered by 3 topics (77 questions, 3 materials, 4 cards, 0 videos). |
| b. applies knowledge of ways in which teacher attitudes and behaviors affect all students, strategies for establishing and maintaining rapport with all students, and strategies for adjusting communication in response to student needs | Sped.Impact of Teacher | Covered | 8 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (8 questions, 1 materials, 1 cards, 0 videos). |
| c. applies knowledge of methods for ensuring individual academic success in one-to-one, small-group, and large-group settings | Sped.Common Instructional Supports and Strategies; Sped.Using Groups; Sped.Flexible Grouping | Covered | 31 | 3 | 15 | 1 | Covered by 3 topics (31 questions, 3 materials, 15 cards, 1 videos). |
| d. demonstrates knowledge of barriers to accessibility and acceptance of students with disabilities, adaptations that can be made to the learning environment to provide optimal learning opportunities for students with disabilities, and strategies for facilitating students' active participation and fostering their independence | Sped.Accommodations for Physical Disabilities; Sped.Supporting Participation - Severe to Profound Disabilities | Covered | 10 | 2 | 5 | 0 | Covered by 2 topics (10 questions, 2 materials, 5 cards, 0 videos). |
| e. applies knowledge of strategies for developing, implementing, monitoring, and modifying behavioral interventions for students with disabilities, including strategies for providing positive behavioral interventions and supports | Sped.Supporting Behavior; Sped.Nonviolent Crisis Intervention; P.Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support (PBIS); Sped.Replacement Behaviors and Coping Strategies; Sped.Theories on Behaviors and Behavior Management | Covered | 77 | 5 | 36 | 2 | Covered by 5 topics (77 questions, 5 materials, 36 cards, 2 videos). |
| f. applies knowledge of appropriate strategies for crisis prevention and intervention | P.Mental Health in Young Children; P.Duty to Report | Covered | 20 | 2 | 16 | 0 | Covered by 2 topics (20 questions, 2 materials, 16 cards, 0 videos). |
215 questions · 17 materials · 90 cards · 2 videosPartially covered
| Official competency | Matching 240 topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| a. demonstrates knowledge of applicable local, state, and national curriculum standards, including the NYS P–12 Learning Standards, and how to align instruction for students with disabilities to these standards | Sped.Using Learning Standards - NY | Covered | 7 | 1 | 4 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (7 questions, 1 materials, 4 cards, 0 videos). |
| b. demonstrates knowledge of co-planning and co-teaching methods to strengthen content acquisition of students with disabilities | Sped.Types of Curriculum; Sped.Planning for Inclusion; Sped.Collaboration and Instruction | Covered | 37 | 3 | 12 | 0 | Covered by 3 topics (37 questions, 3 materials, 12 cards, 0 videos). |
| c. applies knowledge of research- or evidence-based practices that have been validated for learners with specific characteristics and for specific settings and knowledge of how to differentiate instruction by selecting, adapting, and using instructional strategies and materials according to the characteristics of a given student with disabilities | Sped.Teaching Functional Life Skills - Instructional Strategies and Supports; Sped.Instructional Strategies | Covered | 31 | 2 | 25 | 0 | Covered by 2 topics (31 questions, 2 materials, 25 cards, 0 videos). |
| d. demonstrates knowledge of sources of specialized materials, curricula, and resources for students with disabilities; strategies for incorporating and implementing instructional and assistive technology into the educational program; and strategies for evaluating, modifying, and adapting instructional resources and curriculum materials for individual learners | Sped.Instructional Strategies; Sped.Differentiation; Sped.Accessible Resources - NY; Sped.Student Motivation | Covered | 68 | 4 | 28 | 1 | Covered by 4 topics (68 questions, 4 materials, 28 cards, 1 videos). |
| e. applies knowledge of research- or evidence-based explicit and systematic instruction and intervention in reading for students with disabilities, including reading in the content areas | Sped.Reading Fluency; Sped.Reading Comprehension; Sped.Phonological Awareness | Covered | 52 | 3 | 26 | 1 | Covered by 3 topics (52 questions, 3 materials, 26 cards, 1 videos). |
| f. applies knowledge of research- or evidence-based explicit and systematic instruction and intervention in writing for students with disabilities | Sped.Teaching Writing | Covered | 14 | 1 | 9 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (14 questions, 1 materials, 9 cards, 0 videos). |
| g. applies knowledge of research- or evidence-based explicit and systematic instruction in mathematics for students with disabilities | Sped.Math Instruction | Covered | 7 | 1 | 7 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (7 questions, 1 materials, 7 cards, 0 videos). |
| h. applies knowledge of research- or evidence-based strategies for identifying and teaching essential concepts, vocabulary, and content across the general curriculum | Sped.Teaching Academic Skills | Covered | 7 | 1 | 6 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (7 questions, 1 materials, 6 cards, 0 videos). |
| i. demonstrates knowledge of research- or evidence-based methods for explicitly teaching learning strategies, listening skills, study skills, and test-taking skills to help students with disabilities acquire academic content; strategies for explicitly teaching students to use self-assessment, problem-solving, and other cognitive strategies to meet their own needs; and explicit teaching methods to help students strengthen and compensate for deficits in perception, comprehension, memory, and retrieval | P.Teaching Self-Assessment Skills; Sped.Teaching Academic Skills | Covered | 13 | 2 | 6 | 0 | Covered by 2 topics (13 questions, 2 materials, 6 cards, 0 videos). |
| j. demonstrates knowledge of the use of technology for promoting academic success for students with disabilities | Sped.Integrating Digital Technology | Partially covered | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Partial coverage by 1 topic (7 questions, 1 materials, 0 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content. |
158 questions · 12 materials · 36 cards · 1 videosPartially covered
| Official competency | Matching 240 topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| a. demonstrates knowledge of instructional strategies for fostering communication skills of students with disabilities, including students from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds | Sped.Communication Skills | Covered | 11 | 1 | 2 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (11 questions, 1 materials, 2 cards, 0 videos). |
| b. demonstrates knowledge of communication and social interaction alternatives for students with disabilities, including strategies for planning and implementing instruction in the use of alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) systems | Sped.Communication Aids | Covered | 9 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (9 questions, 1 materials, 1 cards, 0 videos). |
| c. applies knowledge of strategies for integrating affective, social, career, and life skills with academic curricula | Sped.Teaching Functional Life Skills - General; Sped.Functional Life Skills - Fundamentals; Sped.Life Skills; Sped.Skills-Based Goals | Covered | 43 | 4 | 21 | 1 | Covered by 4 topics (43 questions, 4 materials, 21 cards, 1 videos). |
| d. demonstrates knowledge of social skills needed for educational and other environments and strategies for designing, implementing, and evaluating instructional programs that enhance the social participation of students with disabilities across environments | Sped.Collaboration with Community | Covered | 12 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (12 questions, 1 materials, 0 cards, 0 videos). |
| e. applies knowledge of strategies for teaching self-advocacy and self-determination skills and for encouraging increased independence | Sped.Teaching Self-Advocacy | Partially covered | 6 | 1 | 2 | 0 | Partial coverage by 1 topic (6 questions, 1 materials, 2 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content. |
| f. applies knowledge of how to plan and implement instruction in personal management skills, career development and occupational skills, and independent living skills, including instruction in community-based settings | Sped.Skills for Transitioning | Covered | 47 | 1 | 3 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (47 questions, 1 materials, 3 cards, 0 videos). |
| g. applies knowledge of strategies for promoting successful transitions between various environments during the school years (e.g., home to school, classroom to classroom, school to school) | Sped.Collaboration While Transitioning; Sped.Supporting Transitions | Covered | 18 | 2 | 5 | 0 | Covered by 2 topics (18 questions, 2 materials, 5 cards, 0 videos). |
| h. applies knowledge of strategies for promoting successful post-secondary transitions | Sped.Post Secondary Education | Covered | 12 | 1 | 3 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (12 questions, 1 materials, 3 cards, 0 videos). |
0 questions · 0 materials · 0 cards · 0 videosCoverage gap identified
| Official competency | Matching 240 topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| a. analyzes profiles of students with mild, moderate, severe, or multiple disabilities | None | Coverage gap identified | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | No matching topic found in the study guide. |
| b. interprets and synthesizes information from formal and informal assessments (e.g., individual achievement tests, curriculum-based assessments, adaptive behavior scales, functional behavioral assessments, teacher observations) of academic and/or functional performance to determine a student's strengths and needs | None | Coverage gap identified | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | No matching topic found in the study guide. |
| c. applies knowledge of strategies for developing and implementing behavioral interventions for students with disabilities, including strategies for providing positive behavioral interventions and supports | None | Coverage gap identified | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | No matching topic found in the study guide. |
| d. applies knowledge of research- or evidence-based practices that have been validated for learners with specific characteristics and for specific settings by recommending appropriate interventions for a given student | None | Coverage gap identified | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | No matching topic found in the study guide. |
| e. applies knowledge of research- or evidence-based explicit and systematic instruction and intervention in reading, including reading in the content areas, by recommending appropriate interventions for a given student | None | Coverage gap identified | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | No matching topic found in the study guide. |
| f. applies knowledge of research- or evidence-based explicit and systematic instruction and intervention in writing by recommending appropriate interventions for a given student | None | Coverage gap identified | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | No matching topic found in the study guide. |
| g. applies knowledge of research- or evidence-based explicit and systematic instruction in mathematics by recommending appropriate interventions for a given student | None | Coverage gap identified | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | No matching topic found in the study guide. |
| h. applies knowledge of research- or evidence-based strategies for identifying and teaching essential concepts, vocabulary, and content across the general curriculum by recommending appropriate interventions for a given student | None | Coverage gap identified | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | No matching topic found in the study guide. |
| i. applies knowledge of research- or evidence-based methods for teaching learning strategies and study skills by recommending appropriate interventions for a given student | None | Coverage gap identified | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | No matching topic found in the study guide. |
| j. applies knowledge of research- or evidence-based strategies for teaching communication and social skills by recommending appropriate interventions for a given student | None | Coverage gap identified | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | No matching topic found in the study guide. |
| k. applies knowledge of research- or evidence-based strategies for teaching functional and independent living skills by recommending appropriate interventions for a given student | None | Coverage gap identified | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | No matching topic found in the study guide. |
Every 240 study guide starts with the official exam framework. From there, we organize lessons, practice, and study tools around the categories the exam uses to measure candidate knowledge.
We begin with the standards, domains, competencies, objectives, or content categories published by the testing authority.
We map every major area the exam is designed to cover so the guide reflects the real structure of the test.
We create study materials to support the official blueprint, not broad filler content.
We review practice content against the framework and real exam patterns so preparation stays targeted.
When official frameworks change, we review guides and update alignment as needed.
Reviewed by subject-matter experts and maintained to reflect current standards.
Not all study guides are built the same way. Here is what separates a test-aligned guide from a generic one — and why it matters when you are preparing for the NYSTCE Students with Disabilities.
The questions teacher candidates ask us most often about the NYSTCE Students with Disabilities study guide.
240 is a strong option because the guide is built around the official exam framework and shows detailed alignment by SMR and competency.
This guide is 78% aligned based on a competency-by-competency review of the official framework and the study resources included in the guide.
This page shows coverage transparently across covered, partially covered, and identified gaps so candidates can see exactly how the guide maps to the exam.
Partially covered means the guide addresses the core parts of a competency, but some depth or subtopics may still be limited.
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