MEGA Cross Categorical Special Education Practice Test

In supporting a student with learning disabilities, what is an effective initial teaching strategy for reading comprehension?

1. Integrating peer-assisted learning techniques

2. Utilizing summarization methods

3. Teaching activation of prior knowledge

4. Encouraging silent reading periods

The correct answer is: Teaching activation of prior knowledge

Teaching activation of prior knowledge is an effective initial strategy for supporting a student with learning disabilities in reading comprehension because it helps students connect new information with what they already know. This strategy recognizes that comprehension is enhanced when students can relate new concepts to their existing framework of understanding. By activating prior knowledge, teachers encourage students to recall relevant experiences or learned information, which can improve comprehension and retention of the new material. This approach is particularly beneficial for students with learning disabilities, as they may struggle to make connections independently. By guiding them through discussions or activities that make their previous knowledge explicit, teachers can scaffold learning and support students in building a more coherent understanding of the text. In contrast, other methods, while valuable, may not be as effective as an initial strategy. For instance, integrating peer-assisted learning techniques and encouraging silent reading periods can be useful later in the learning process but may not address comprehension challenges that stem from gaps in prior knowledge. Similarly, summarization methods can be beneficial but often require a certain level of understanding that students may not have if their prior knowledge is not activated first.