WEST-E Special Education Practice Test

What characterizes high incidence disabilities?

1. They occur with relatively high frequency

2. They include only physical disabilities

3. They are always severe in nature

4. They do not require special education services

The correct answer is: They occur with relatively high frequency

High incidence disabilities are characterized by their relatively high frequency in the population of students with disabilities. This means that these disabilities are commonly encountered in educational settings, making up a significant portion of the special education demographic. Examples of high incidence disabilities typically include learning disabilities, speech or language impairments, and emotional disturbances, which are prevalent among the student population. The other choices do not accurately reflect the nature of high incidence disabilities. They involve a wide range of disabilities, not limited to physical disabilities, and while they can vary in severity, they are not always severe. Additionally, students with high incidence disabilities often do require special education services to help them meet their educational needs, as their disabilities can affect their learning and participation in typical classroom activities.