WEST-E Special Education Practice Test

What is the purpose of the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)?

1. To improve writing skills

2. To help students initiate and maintain functional communication

3. To teach verbal speech patterns

4. To assess communication disorders

The correct answer is: To help students initiate and maintain functional communication

The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is specifically designed to assist individuals, particularly those with communication challenges, in initiating and maintaining functional communication. This system encourages users to exchange pictures or symbols to convey their needs and desires, fostering independence in communication. By using PECS, students learn to express what they want or need, which greatly enhances their ability to interact with others effectively, thus promoting their overall communication skills. This approach is particularly beneficial in special education settings where students may struggle with traditional verbal communication. Through the use of visual supports, PECS allows students to overcome barriers and create meaningful exchanges, granting them a voice in their environments and aiding in the development of more complex communication as they progress. In contrast, while improving writing skills, teaching verbal speech patterns, and assessing communication disorders are all valuable aspects of education and communication, they do not specifically encompass the primary goal of PECS. PECS is primarily focused on enabling effective communication through visual means rather than emphasizing writing or verbal speech development directly.