WEST-E Special Education Practice Test

What is a recommended instructional approach for students with EBD?

1. Highly Structured Instruction

2. Flexible Learning Opportunities

3. Peer-Led Learning

4. Minimal Teacher Intervention

The correct answer is: Highly Structured Instruction

Highly structured instruction is a recommended approach for students with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders (EBD) because it provides a consistent and predictable environment that can help these students manage their behaviors more effectively. A well-structured instructional setting includes clearly defined rules, routines, and expectations, which can help reduce anxiety and provide a sense of security for students who may struggle with emotional regulation. This structured framework allows educators to better support students as it enables them to anticipate outcomes and understand what is expected from them. Additionally, structured instruction can help to minimize distractions and chaotic environments that might exacerbate behavioral issues. It also offers opportunities for immediate feedback and reinforcement, which can be crucial in encouraging positive behavior and engagement in learning activities. In contrast, while flexible learning opportunities can offer benefits, they may not provide the consistency that students with EBD often need. Peer-led learning has its advantages but can sometimes lead to a lack of supervision and increased risks for students who struggle with social-emotional skills. Minimal teacher intervention might leave students without the guidance necessary to navigate their challenges effectively. Therefore, a structured approach is recognized as being more beneficial for addressing the specific needs of students with EBD.