National Board Exceptional Needs Component 1 Study Guide

National Boards Exceptional Needs Study Guide

This study guide is aligned with the NBCT exceptional needs standards to study for component 1. Component 1 tests on standards 1-8. Throughout the study guide there is general information related to special education which applies to all the following areas: mild to moderate, moderate to severe, early childhood, vision, hearing (excluding gifted). Some supplementation may be needed for vision & hearing.

• Standard 1:
  • Freud’s Theory of Psychosexual Development
  • Erikson’s Theory of Personality
  • Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development
  • Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development
  • Bowlby’s Attachment Theory
  • Learning Theories
  • Skinner’s Behaviorism
  • Bandura’s Theory of Social Learning
  • Piaget’s Cognitive Theory
  • Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development
  • Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
  • Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence
  • VAKT Learning Theory
  • Disability Categories
  • Cognitive Milestones
  • Social/Emotional Milestones
  • Language Milestones
  • Physical Milestones

• Standard 2:
  • Special Education Law
  • Guiding Principles of IDEA
  • IEP Process
  • IEP Requirements
  • IDEA Part C
  • Code of Ethics

• Standard 3:
  • Cultural Diversity
  • Linguistic Diversity
  • Socio-Economic Status Diversity
  • Universal Design
  • Differentiation
  • Accommodations
  • Scaffolding
  • Assistive Technology

• Standard 4:
  • Family Emotions
  • Family Involvement
  • Differing Cultural Perspectives
  • Respecting Diversity
  • Resolving Conflict

• Standard 6:
  • Language Communication
  • Primary Acquisition
  • Secondary Acquisition
  • Gestalt Acquisition
  • Augmented and Alternative Communication
  • Deaf and Hard of Hearing Devices
  • DHH Communication Impacts

• Standard 7:
  • School Wide Behavioral Supports
  • Social Skills Instruction
  • Functional Behavior
  • Behavior Interventions
  • Self-Regulation Instruction

• Standard 5:
  • Standardized Testing
  • Instructional Assessments
  • Eligibility Assessments
  • Student Learning Profile Assessments
  • Systematic Assessments
  • State and District Assessments

• Standard 8:
  • Literacy Instruction Overview
  • Phonemic Awareness
  • Decoding/Word Reading
  • Fluency
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Vocabulary
  • The Writing Process
  • Writing Skills
  • High Leverage Instructional Strategies
  • Gradual Release of Responsibility
  • Secondary Transition Planning
  • Moderate to Severe Instruction

• Essay supports for all 3 topics
  • Example Numeracy Lessons (6 math domains, 2 activities & resources)
  • Behavior/Social/Adaptive, Reading, Writing, Math Assessments (Rationale, Pros/Cons, Info)
  • Collaboration (Reason, Action Steps, Efficacy)

The content is designed in the following ways:

• PDF book format (126 pages)
• PWPT Flash cards (347 slides of key terms & content)

The key terms and concepts are evergreen terms and concepts that have stood the test of time. For example, concepts like Maslow Hierarchy of Needs and Proximal Zone of Development are time tested and still key concepts in education. This study guide was aligned to the 2010 standards, and the concepts are still very relevant today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have you heard if from other clients that the materials are still relevant for 2023? Thanks in advance!

I have reviews that share the content is still relevant in 2024!

Would this be enough general information to also apply to the severe and multiple disabilities? I can't seem to find any study guides and hoping this information would also be relevant.

The content covered is relevant to all exceptionality areas, excluding gifted. The content covered is foundational special education knowledge. You will need to use your experiential knowledge to apply to the scenario-based questions. Standards 1-4 are the most relevant to all exceptionality areas. Some supplementation will be needed for blind-visually impaired and deaf-hard of hearing particularly for Standard 6. Some supplementation may be needed for all content areas as this is a guide and cannot possible include every content question or every situation.

Was wondering if you had directions on how to print the flash cards for use? I can't seem to find anything in the materials.

I would recommend trialing a few different printing options before printing the whole slide deck.

1. They are sized to fit a 3x5 notecard if you have a printer that supports that printing size.
2. You can also change the printing options to print multiple slides per 8x10 page, and again change printing options to print double sided if that is an option with your printer. If not you can print evens, flip the paper around, and print odds.
3. You can also use the slide deck on your computer as flashcards, delete ones once you have mastered them, and keep it all paperless.

The cost is pricey. Is it worth it?

View the expense as a strategic investment towards your National Boards success. Our study guide consolidates premium content into a single, accessible resource, optimizing your preparation process. Investing in our guide not only minimizes the potential for costly exam retakes but also positions you to capitalize on the stipends many states offer for National Boards certification. Essentially, this study guide represents an investment in the returns that come with achieving National Board certification.

I am doing the exam this year, do you think it will help me? Does the exam change much year to year?

The Exceptional Needs Specialist National Board Study Guide is a timeless resource that remains relevant and valuable to educators and students alike. The guide covers key concepts and theories related to childhood development, special education laws, language development, and literacy, among many other important topics.

The content knowledge included in the guide has not changed over time, making it a reliable and trusted resource for anyone studying for the Exceptional Needs National Boards exam. The guide provides a comprehensive overview of the foundational concepts and theories that underpin the field of special education.

What others are saying about the product

“This really helped me prepare for the National Board Exceptional Needs test. I can't thank you enough. Your resource saved the day! I couldn't find the one the coach recommended so this was just what the doctor ordered.”

Rainbow of Possibilities (TPT Seller)

“Thank you so much! This is exactly what I needed to begin studying. My cerification area is exceptional needs--deaf/hard of hearing. This will help me to be more prepared for some of the general ed topics on the exam (ex: numeracy)."

The Introverted Itinerant (TPT Seller)

“I used this to study for Component 1 for National Board- Exceptional Needs Specialist Mild to Moderate disabilities. I found the information to be very helpful, especially for preparing for the constructed response questions. I just got my scores back for this exam and was very pleased with my scores!”

Rachel S.

“I was overwhelmed with everything and really unsure about what to study. I am so glad I found this. I didn't use everything but I'm glad the handbook/outline had such much for me to focus on. I was able to study the way I do and even added additional resource. This was a great starting tool for me. Thank you so much.”

Salina F.

“This was a great tool for me to use when preparing for my component 1 for national boards. I scored exceptionally well and feel this resource helped me get into the right mindset to test. Thank you!”

S G (TPT Seller)

“I used this resource before I took my National Board test on May 26th. It seemed to really help me. I struggle with the behaviorists and the resources used in this really refreshed my memory.”

Shawna L.

“Organized and helpful with areas of study. Just started using and will continue to use it over the next couple of months to prepare for my test.“

Holly G.

"Overwhelmed at trying to study all the concepts covered in the NBCT C1 exam; so helpful to have all the key concepts in one place! Thank you."

Megan D.

About the Author

As a veteran special education teacher with over 12 years of experience, I have dedicated my career to creating inclusive and supportive learning environments for all students. In my 4 years of teacher leadership, I have mentored and coached fellow educators to foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.

I am proud to be National Board certified, a testament to my commitment to ongoing growth and development in the field of education. My academic background includes a Bachelor's degree in special education and a Master's degree in Literacy, providing me with a solid foundation in both content and pedagogy.