Effective Teaching Practices for Students with Disabilities Practice Test

The statement is false because a teacher's mindset about a student's ability significantly influences that student's performance. Research in educational psychology has shown that teachers who hold a growth mindset—believing that abilities can improve with effort and learning—are more likely to foster a positive learning environment. This positive interaction encourages students to engage more actively in their learning process, take risks, and persevere through challenges. Conversely, if a teacher has a fixed mindset, believing that abilities are static, it can lead to lower expectations for students, which often results in diminished performance and motivation.

The impact of a teacher's beliefs is especially pronounced for students with disabilities. These students may already face societal biases regarding their capabilities, making a supportive and encouraging teacher mindset even more critical for their success. Therefore, a teacher's perceptions can have a profound effect on student learning and achievement, demonstrating the essential role that educator attitudes play in shaping student outcomes.