FTCE Exceptional Student Education (ESE) K-12 Practice Test

Which of the following areas does IDEA require states to identify and service?

1. All children in the state

2. Only children in poverty

3. Only children with specific learning disabilities

4. Only children from marginalized communities

The correct answer is: All children in the state

The correct answer is based on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which mandates that states must identify, locate, and evaluate all children with disabilities residing within their jurisdictions. This includes a broad and inclusive approach that ensures that all children with disabilities, regardless of their specific conditions or socioeconomic backgrounds, have access to appropriate educational services and supports. IDEA emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive system to ensure that every child with a disability is supported in the educational environment. This is foundational to promoting equity and access in education, which is crucial for students who might otherwise be overlooked. In contrast, the other responses imply a more limited scope for the identification and servicing of students. For instance, focusing solely on children in poverty or those with specific learning disabilities would exclude many students who have other types of disabilities that also require intervention and support. Similarly, only addressing children from marginalized communities would overlook children from various backgrounds who need assistance. Overall, IDEA's alignment with inclusivity is why all children in the state is the correct choice.