MEGA Cross Categorical Special Education Practice Test

Which accommodation should a teacher recommend for a student who has difficulty tracking text while reading?

1. Recommending the use of an overlay device for reading

2. Suggesting the student slow her reading rate

3. Telling the student to point with a finger to each word

4. Encouraging the student to use a digital reading device

The correct answer is: Recommending the use of an overlay device for reading

Recommending the use of an overlay device for reading is an effective accommodation for a student who has difficulty tracking text. Overlay devices, often colored sheets or specially designed tools, can help reduce visual distractions and enhance contrast between the text and the background. This visual support aids in guiding the student's eyes across lines of text, improving focus and comprehension as they read. Such devices cater to specific needs related to visual processing, contributing to a smoother reading experience and increasing the student's comfort and confidence while reading. In contrast, while suggesting the student slow her reading rate, pointing with a finger, and using a digital reading device may provide some level of assistance, they may not directly address the specific challenges of visual tracking that the student faces. Slowing the reading rate can be helpful for comprehension, but it does not necessarily aid with tracking. Physical pointer techniques may provide some focus but might not alleviate broader tracking issues. A digital reading device can also have its benefits, such as adjustable font sizes or text-to-speech technology, but it may not be specifically beneficial for visual tracking if the core issue lies in how the eyes move across physical text.