Question 44

A fifth-grade student with an overall IQ of 70 and limited expressive communication skills

This option best describes a student with an intellectual disability, as it highlights both a significantly below-average IQ and challenges in communication, which are key characteristics of such disabilities.

A) A third-grade student who can read only second-grade words but can perform grade-level math calculations

This option describes a student with a specific learning difficulty rather than an intellectual disability. The ability to perform grade-level math calculations suggests that the student has adequate cognitive functioning in some areas, which does not align with the criteria for an intellectual disability.

B) A fifth-grade student with an overall IQ of 70 and limited expressive communication skills

This option accurately reflects the definition of an intellectual disability, characterized by an IQ score significantly below the average range (typically below 70) and associated difficulties in communication and other adaptive behaviors.

C) A fourth-grade student who has an overall IQ of 80 and struggles to think logically on academic tasks

While this student exhibits some difficulties in academic tasks, an IQ of 80 is above the threshold typically used to define intellectual disability. This option does not meet the criteria, as it does not indicate significant limitations in adaptive functioning or intellectual capacity.

D) A first-grade student who is on grade level academically but struggles with daily living skills

Although this student may face challenges in daily living skills, being on grade level academically indicates that their cognitive abilities are not significantly impaired. Intellectual disabilities are characterized by deficits in both intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior, which is not reflected in this option.

Conclusion

Option B is the clearest representation of a student with an intellectual disability due to the combination of a low IQ score and limited communication skills. The other options either describe students who do not meet the criteria for intellectual disabilities or highlight strengths that contradict such a diagnosis. Therefore, B stands out as the most appropriate choice based on established definitions.