Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) Special Education Practice Exam

Which of the following best illustrates a first step in addressing a student's behavioral issues in a BIP?

1. Calling the parents for a meeting

2. Providing environmental supports like visual and verbal cues

3. Issuing a strict punishment for bad behavior

4. Conducting standardized testing

The correct answer is: Providing environmental supports like visual and verbal cues

The best illustration of a first step in addressing a student's behavioral issues in a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) is providing environmental supports such as visual and verbal cues. This approach involves modifying the student's surroundings and the way information is presented to help them make better choices and reduce problematic behaviors. By employing environmental supports, educators can create a more supportive atmosphere that fosters positive behavior. Visual cues, such as charts or reminders, can help students understand expectations and routines clearly, while verbal cues can provide immediate feedback and reinforcement. These strategies aim to prevent the occurrence of negative behaviors by addressing root causes and promoting a more conducive learning environment. In contrast, involving parents, while important, is typically a subsequent step after identifying immediate interventions. Strict punishment often fails to teach alternative behaviors and may not address the underlying issues. Conducting standardized tests, while valuable for assessing learning progress, does not directly address behavioral concerns and would not typically be a first step in a BIP.