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Praxis 5355

Special Education: Core Knowledge

Maryland Passing Score

153

MSDE Score Code

7403

Retake Wait

28 days

Score Valid

10 years

10 Free Practice Questions

Question 1 · Development and Characteristics

Down syndrome is a chromosomal condition that is one of the most common causes of intellectual disability. Which chromosomal abnormality is responsible for Down syndrome?

  1. A
  2. B
  3. C
  4. D

Explanation

Down syndrome is caused by trisomy 21, in which an individual has three copies of chromosome 21 instead of the typical two, leading to characteristic physical features and varying degrees of intellectual disability. A is incorrect because deletion of part of chromosome 5 causes Cri-du-chat syndrome, not Down syndrome. C is incorrect because a fragile site on the X chromosome describes Fragile X syndrome, a different genetic condition. D is incorrect because monosomy 18 does not describe Down syndrome; trisomy 18 (Edward syndrome) is a different chromosomal condition.

Question 2 · Development and Characteristics

The term 'phonological awareness' refers to a foundational literacy skill that is critical for learning to read. Which of the following is the best example of a phonological awareness task?

  1. A
  2. B
  3. C
  4. D

Explanation

Phonological awareness is the ability to recognize and manipulate the sound structure of spoken language, and segmenting words into individual phonemes is a classic phonological awareness task. A is incorrect because using context clues involves reading comprehension and vocabulary knowledge, not sound manipulation. C is incorrect because silent reading and comprehension involve higher-level literacy skills beyond phonological awareness. D is incorrect because writing with correct conventions involves written language mechanics, not the auditory-sound focus of phonological awareness.

Question 3 · Development and Characteristics

Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is a motivational theory relevant to understanding student behavior and learning. According to this hierarchy, which level of need must be satisfied before a student can focus on belonging and love needs?

  1. A
  2. B
  3. C
  4. D

Explanation

In Maslow's hierarchy, physiological needs (food, shelter) and safety needs must be met before social belonging and love needs can be addressed. Esteem needs come after belonging needs, not before. Self-actualization is the highest level and is addressed last. Cognitive needs are part of the extended hierarchy but come after basic and psychological needs have been met.

Question 4 · Development and Characteristics

Lev Vygotsky introduced the concept of the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) to describe a key aspect of learning. Which of the following best defines the ZPD?

  1. A
  2. B
  3. C
  4. D

Explanation

Vygotsky's ZPD refers to the gap between what a learner can accomplish independently and what they can achieve with support from a more knowledgeable other, such as a teacher or peer. A is incorrect because that describes the lower boundary of the ZPD, not the ZPD itself. C is incorrect because the ZPD is a social-constructivist concept, not a biologically determined ceiling. D is incorrect because mastered skills fall below the ZPD; they no longer require instructional scaffolding.

Question 5 · Development and Characteristics

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by a range of challenges and strengths. According to the DSM-5, which two core deficit areas define Autism Spectrum Disorder?

  1. A
  2. B
  3. C
  4. D

Explanation

The DSM-5 defines ASD by two core domains: persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction, and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. B is incorrect because reading fluency and mathematical reasoning deficits describe specific learning disabilities, not ASD. C is incorrect because motor coordination deficits are associated with Developmental Coordination Disorder, and ASD is not limited to expressive language deficits. D is incorrect because deficits in attention and impulse control are hallmarks of ADHD, not ASD.

Question 6 · Development and Characteristics

Intellectual disability is defined by significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. According to the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD), adaptive behavior includes which three skill domains?

  1. A
  2. B
  3. C
  4. D

Explanation

AAIDD defines adaptive behavior as comprising conceptual skills (e.g., language, literacy), social skills (e.g., interpersonal skills, social responsibility), and practical skills (e.g., activities of daily living). B is incorrect because verbal, nonverbal, and processing skills describe components of cognitive assessment, not adaptive behavior domains. C is incorrect because reading, writing, and mathematics are academic skills assessed in educational settings, not adaptive behavior domains. D is incorrect because sensory, motor, and perceptual skills relate to physical and neurological development, not the AAIDD adaptive behavior framework.

Question 7 · Development and Characteristics

Erik Erikson's psychosocial theory describes a series of stages in which individuals face specific developmental conflicts. Which stage involves the conflict of 'Initiative vs. Guilt' and is most associated with children between the ages of 3 and 6?

  1. A
  2. B
  3. C
  4. D

Explanation

Initiative vs. Guilt is the third stage in Erikson's model, occurring during the preschool years (ages 3–6), when children begin to assert control and take initiative in activities. A is incorrect because Trust vs. Mistrust is the first stage, occurring in infancy (birth–18 months). B is incorrect because Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt is the second stage, occurring in toddlerhood (18 months–3 years). D is incorrect because Industry vs. Inferiority is the fourth stage, occurring in middle childhood (6–12 years).

Question 8 · Development and Characteristics

During normal language development, children typically begin producing their first recognizable single words at a predictable age. At approximately what age do most children say their first meaningful word?

  1. A
  2. B
  3. C
  4. D

Explanation

Most children typically produce their first meaningful word between 10 and 14 months of age, which is a well-established developmental milestone in speech-language acquisition. A is incorrect because at 3–4 months, infants are primarily cooing and producing vowel sounds, not meaningful words. B is incorrect because at 6–8 months, babies are babbling (e.g., 'ba-ba'), which are not yet true words. D is incorrect because by 18–24 months, children typically have a vocabulary of 50 or more words and are beginning to combine words into two-word phrases.

Question 9 · Development and Characteristics

Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development identifies four stages that children progress through as they mature. Which stage is characterized by the use of symbols and language but is marked by egocentrism and lack of logical operations?

  1. A
  2. B
  3. C
  4. D

Explanation

The preoperational stage (ages 2–7) is defined by symbolic thinking and language development, but children in this stage are egocentric and cannot yet perform logical operations. A is incorrect because the sensorimotor stage (birth–2 years) is characterized by learning through senses and motor actions, not symbolic language. C is incorrect because the concrete operational stage (7–11 years) involves logical thinking applied to concrete objects, and egocentrism decreases. D is incorrect because the formal operational stage (12+) involves abstract and hypothetical reasoning, well beyond egocentrism.

Question 10 · Development and Characteristics

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is categorized in the DSM-5 into presentations based on symptom patterns. Which of the following is NOT one of the three presentations of ADHD identified in the DSM-5?

  1. A
  2. B
  3. C
  4. D

Explanation

The DSM-5 identifies three presentations of ADHD: Predominantly Inattentive, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive, and Combined Presentation. Oppositional-Defiant Presentation is not an ADHD presentation; Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is a separate diagnosis. A is incorrect as a wrong answer because Predominantly Inattentive Presentation is a legitimate DSM-5 ADHD presentation. B is incorrect as a wrong answer because Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation is also a legitimate DSM-5 ADHD presentation. C is incorrect as a wrong answer because Combined Presentation is the third valid DSM-5 ADHD presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Maryland passing score for Praxis 5355?

The Maryland passing score for the Praxis 5355 (Special Education: Core Knowledge) is 153. This is set by MSDE and differs from other states. Always verify current requirements at msde.maryland.gov.

What is the MSDE score recipient code for Maryland?

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) score recipient code is 7403. Select this code at every Praxis registration to have your scores sent directly to MSDE for licensure processing.

How long do I have to wait to retake the Praxis 5355?

Maryland requires a 28-day wait between Praxis 5355 attempts. This wait applies regardless of your score. Plan your test dates accordingly.

How many questions are on the Praxis 5355?

The Praxis 5355 contains 120 selected-response questions plus 2 constructed-response items (for PLT exams). You have 2 hours to complete the exam.

What domains does the Praxis 5355 cover?

The Praxis 5355 covers content knowledge specific to Special Education: Core Knowledge. See the official ETS test framework for the complete domain breakdown.

How long are Praxis 5355 scores valid in Maryland?

Praxis scores are valid for 10 years from the test date in Maryland. Scores do not expire for the purposes of Maryland teacher certification within this window.

Can I use a calculator on the Praxis 5355?

No on-screen calculator is provided for the Praxis 5355.

Does PraxisPass tell me when I'm ready to book the Praxis 5355?

Yes. PraxisPass is the only platform that tells you exactly when to book your exam. When your Pass Probability Score (PPS) for the 5355 reaches 90%, sustained over 7 consecutive days with 2 passing mock exams, PraxisPass declares you ready and prompts you to schedule.

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PraxisPass offers a permanent free tier that includes your Exam Readiness Score diagnostic, Pass Probability Score baseline, and your first complete 25-minute study mission for the 5355. The Individual plan at $19/month unlocks unlimited study sessions across all 50+ Maryland Praxis exams.