California Preliminary Administrative Credential Examination (CPACE) Practice Exam

The classification of special needs typically encompasses a range of students who require accommodations or modifications to support their learning and development due to physical, emotional, or cognitive challenges. Students who have seizure disorders, hyperactive students, and gifted and talented students may fall into this category based on specific criteria or educational requirements that call for differentiated instruction. In contrast, students from low-income families are not inherently classified as having special needs in the same educational framework. While socioeconomic status can create barriers to learning and may require additional support, it does not pertain to a disability or special educational requirement. Instead, these students may benefit from programs aimed at addressing equity and access rather than special education services. This distinction is important in educational policy and program implementation, as it focuses on the need for specific educational interventions that are designed for students with documented disabilities or exceptional abilities, rather than economic disadvantage.