Preparation Manual

Domain I—Designing Instruction and Assessment to Promote Student Learning

Competency 001—The teacher understands human developmental processes and applies this knowledge to plan instruction and ongoing assessment that motivate students and are responsive to their developmental characteristics and needs.

1. Which of the following activities would be the most developmentally appropriate for a first-grade teacher to include in a unit on the life cycle of plants?

1. Planting a bean and observing the stages of growth
2. Reading nonfiction books about plants and creating posters
3. Visiting a science center and touring the plant exhibits
4. Watching a video about plants and drawing the bean life cycle

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Option A is correct because children in first grade are concrete learners who learn best by doing experiments and observing real events as they occur. Option B is incorrect because reading about a topic in a book is not as effective as observing a real plant as it grows. Option C is incorrect because touring an exhibit on plants is not as effective as watching a real seed grow into a plant. Option D is incorrect because watching a video is not as effective as observing the real plant as it grows.

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2. Which of the following strategies most directly leads to increased academic performance?

1. Integrating social-emotional learning in classes
2. Scheduling daily time for students to read for pleasure
3. Rewarding students for meeting specific objectives
4. Enforcing regulations regarding excessive tardiness

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Option A is correct because research supports the conclusion that integrating social-emotional learning across the curriculum improves academic performance. Option B is incorrect because research suggests that simply allowing time for reading does not necessarily lead to improved skills in reading. Option C is incorrect because giving incentives for student performance reduces intrinsic motivation to learn. Option D is incorrect because although attendance is important to learning, a strategy focused only on tardy students will not improve student performance.

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3. Which of the following is the most powerful influence on a person's sense of identity before adolescence?

1. School
2. Family
3. Media
4. Peers

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Option B is correct because the family has the initial and most powerful influence upon children before and immediately after birth. The impact of socialization on personality development begins with the family before it extends to other social entities. Option A is incorrect because identity formation stems from early childhood exposure to family beliefs, values, and customs. The influence of school is secondary. Option C is incorrect because identity formation stems from early childhood exposure to family beliefs, values, and customs. Influence from media is secondary. Option D is incorrect because identity formation stems from early childhood exposure to family beliefs, values, and customs. However, as the child develops, the influence shifts so that peers and social forces in play a more powerful role. This occurs during adolescence, not before.

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4. Which of the following rationales would a supporter of block scheduling provide to convince others to support the organizational structure?

1. Teachers can focus on more subjects in a shorter time.
2. There is an emphasis on mastering facts and skills.
3. Students' time in quality learning situations is increased.
4. The responsibility for learning is shifted to the teachers.

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Option C is correct because block scheduling gives students longer periods so that they are able to spend more time in quality learning situations. Option A is incorrect because the students in a block schedule do not get instruction in more subjects in a shorter time. That is actually the opposite of block scheduling. Option B is incorrect because this is what tends to happen when there is a shorter time in class. Teachers feel rushed to teach skills and facts instead of giving students time to explore and discover. Option D is incorrect because block scheduling puts the emphasis on students to take responsibility for their own learning.

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Competency 002—The teacher understands student diversity and knows how to plan learning experiences and design assessments that are responsive to differences among students and that promote all students’ learning.

5. During a unit of study, a teacher uses books, artwork, and posters from different countries. For the culminating activity, the teacher invites members of the local community from diverse backgrounds to talk to the students about their experiences related to the unit. The teacher is most likely trying to

1. make social connections to the community.
2. adhere to state standards for curriculum.
3. introduce different languages to students.
4. promote students' cultural awareness.

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Option D is correct because the teacher is trying to take every opportunity to reach all students and help them make a connection to their various cultures. Option A is incorrect because the teacher is trying to help students understand the importance of their various cultures, not work on community connections. Option B is incorrect because expanding the curriculum and instruction or lesson planning is not the goal. Option C is incorrect because the teacher is not intending to introduce different languages to the students. The teacher is trying to work on building cultural awareness through personal connections.

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6. Which of the following instructional practices best ensures that a teacher structures the learning environment to address the needs of diverse students?

1. Differentiation
2. Remediation
3. Enrichment
4. Modeling

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Option A is correct because research shows that students learn better when lessons are tailored to their ability and learning style. Accommodating different ability levels within the class provides a positive learning environment for all students. Option B is incorrect because providing remedial instruction for some students does not address the needs of those students who are performing at or above expectations. Option C is incorrect because enrichment describes instructional approaches typically aimed at gifted learners. Option D is incorrect because during modeling, the teacher provides a demonstration of a finished product to students and does not make any adjustments for individual differences.

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7. Which of the following approaches is best for a teacher to take to increase students' awareness about local cultures?

1. Assigning a yearlong project focusing on students' cultures
2. Introducing students to authors' cultures from around the world
3. Showing video clips of various cultural cuisines
4. Inviting community members to discuss their cultures

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Option D is correct because involving community members is a great way to showcase the unique local cultures and encourage ethnocentric education within the classroom. Option A is incorrect because this is not a quick way to encourage cultural awareness, since the project takes all year the effect will be lost by the end of the year. Option B is incorrect because while it is a nice way to share authors from around the world but it does not necessarily make a connection to the students local community. Option C is incorrect because it does not address local cultures but showcase cuisines from around the world.

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Competency 003—The teacher understands procedures for designing effective and coherent instruction and assessment based on appropriate learning goals and objectives.

8. A social studies teacher is planning a unit for National Hispanic Heritage month. Which of the following activities will best engage kinesthetic learners?

1. Observing performers model dances from different regions of Mexico
2. Creating masks like those traditionally used in the Ponce Carnival in Puerto Rico
3. Identifying important geographical features on a map of Argentina
4. Comparing the monetary system of Colombia to that of the United States

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Option B is correct because it allows the students to work with their hands, which is appealing for a kinesthetic learner; it also integrates the arts. Option A is incorrect because, though it integrates social studies and the arts, it does not incorporate the student's bodies in the dance movements. Watching the dance is passive. Option C is incorrect because it incorporates other subjects in the social studies lesson but does not involve hands-on learning. Option D is incorrect because comparing the two monetary systems is a paper-and-pencil activity is not a hands-on activity.

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9. Which of the following approaches is the most effective way for a new teacher to improve implementation of a recently adopted curriculum?

1. Focusing on keeping pace with the other teachers in the grade
2. Using supplementary materials from the educational supply store
3. Continuing to use the old curriculum while gradually introducing the new one
4. Inviting another teacher to observe several lessons and give feedback

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Option D is correct because peer observation is the most effective way for teachers to get an objective view of their teaching and make needed changes in their teaching strategies. Option A is incorrect because the focus for the teacher is on completing the units on time rather than on ensuring that students master the needed skills. Option B is incorrect because using supplementary materials will not help her master the math curriculum she needs to be teaching. Option C is incorrect because the teacher should primarily be using the district-adopted curriculum.

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Competency 004—The teacher understands learning processes and factors that impact student learning and demonstrates this knowledge by planning effective, engaging instruction and appropriate assessments.

10. In a science class that includes English-language learners (ELLs), a teacher encourages all students to monitor their own level of understanding by having them take notes in their journal as they read assigned texts. What is the primary purpose of teaching ELLs in particular the skill of learning how to monitor understanding?

1. Decreasing the students' intimidation associated with learning a new language
2. Acknowledging the prior cultural experiences of the students
3. Cultivating a positive environment in which the students can learn
4. Promoting the students' ability to adjust their thinking as needed

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Option D is correct because by writing notes in their journals about what they are reading, the students are deploying metacognitive skills, i.e., monitoring and adjusting their thinking about the reading assignments. Option A is incorrect because the primary reason to encourage students to monitor their own understanding is not to decrease the intimidation associated with learning a new language but to aid them in becoming accomplished learners. Option B is incorrect because the primary reason to encourage ELL students to monitor their own understanding is not to acknowledge the prior cultural experiences of the students but to help them use metacognitive skills to learn. Option C is incorrect because the primary reason to encourage ELL students to monitor their own understanding is not to cultivate a positive environment in which students can learn but to help them use metacognition to monitor learning.

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11. Which of the following strategies best supports a teacher's goal to incorporate critical thinking skills into language arts lessons?

1. Providing students with opportunities to seek additional content knowledge
2. Creating a forum for students to debate points of view
3. Having students individually summarize various literature read
4. Asking students to create practice questions as a review activity

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Option B is correct because a debate allows students to analyze arguments, claims, or evidence, which strengthens critical thinking skills. Option A, C and D are incorrect because these are lower levels of understanding and do not provide students with critical thinking opportunities.

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12. Which of the following activities best supports improving middle school students' engagement in experiments during science class?

1. Conducting debriefing activities where students discuss the validity and implications of the experiments
2. Having students work in heterogeneous groups to complete lab reports immediately following the experiments
3. Providing students with a checklist to mark as they complete each step of the scientific process for the experiments
4. Allowing students to choose the topics and methodology to help plan the next classroom experiments

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Option A is correct because students will engage when they are asked to think critically about evidence and offer explanations. Option B is incorrect because assigning groups and recording results does not promote engagement. Option C is incorrect because a checklist does not involve critical thinking and is more of a yea-or-nay activity. Option D is incorrect because these students do not have a knowledge of standards sufficient to develop their own experiments.

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Domain II—Creating a Positive, Productive Classroom Environment

Competency 005—The teacher knows how to establish a classroom climate that fosters learning, equity and excellence and uses this knowledge to create a physical and emotional environment that is safe and productive.

13. A teacher changes the arrangement of desks in the classroom from rows to a circle facing the center. Which of the following is the primary benefit of the adjustment?

1. Varying students' view of the classroom posters and instructional aids
2. Maximizing students' opportunities for interaction and discussion
3. Establishing a direct line of vision between the students and the front of the classroom
4. Allowing students opportunities to move freely around the classroom

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Option B is correct because by arranging classes to maximize eye contact, a teacher can promote a safe, engaging classroom climate. Option A is incorrect because the teacher is trying to foster a more engaging classroom, not focus on students' views from within the classroom. Option C is incorrect because the teacher is trying to maximize interactions, not put the focus on the front of the classroom. Option D is incorrect because this arrangement can limit movement. This arrangement is designed to increase eye contact and stimulate engaging classroom interactions.

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14. Every week a teacher who has a personal interest in music shares with the class current news about musicians and music events and then displays the articles on a bulletin board. The teacher then encourages students to share current events of their own choosing with the class. By doing this the teacher is

1. modeling good reading strategies.
2. making text-to-text connections.
3. promoting a passion for learning.
4. brainstorming topics for writing.

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Option C is correct because the teacher is showing enthusiasm for a topic and therefore engaging students in the learning process. Option A is incorrect because the teacher is not directly modeling any specific reading strategies. Option B is incorrect because the teacher is not necessarily modeling making text-to-text connections by sharing the articles. Option D is incorrect because there is no evidence that the purpose of sharing these current events is to develop topics for writing.

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Competency 006—The teacher understands strategies for creating an organized and productive learning environment and for managing student behavior.

15. Which of the following is the most effective informal strategy for continuous monitoring of student learning?

1. Administering benchmark assessments to track progress
2. Using formative assessments at the end of the unit
3. Questioning students during daily class discussions
4. Incorporating graphic organizers to teach key concepts for each unit of study

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Option C is correct because the teacher is continuously monitoring student understanding and can adjust instruction as needed. Option A is incorrect because a benchmark assessment is a formal assessment. Option B is incorrect because a formative assessment is used to inform instruction in the unit; if given at the end of the unit, it cannot help the teacher make changes to instruction based on student performance, so it is ineffective. Option D is incorrect because this is an appropriate strategy for introducing a new concept rather than a way to informally assess understanding of it.

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16. Which THREE of the following are important factors to consider when establishing routines for cooperative group work?

1. Goals to be met
2. Daily schedule
3. Classroom setting
4. Individual accountability
5. Equal opportunities

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Option A is correct because knowing the goals to be met should be part of planning the cooperative learning teams so that students understand what is to be accomplished and earn recognition for the improvement of each member of a group. Option D is correct because while the teammates work together the learning gains of individuals form the basis of a team score. Option E is correct because within a cooperative team there should be equal opportunities for success. Option B is incorrect because the daily schedule does not affect whether the classwork is completed individually or in cooperative learning teams. Option C is incorrect because the classroom setting does not determine the routines for cooperative group work.

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Domain III—Implementing Effective, Responsive Instruction and Assessment

Competency 007—The teacher understands and applies principles and strategies for communicating effectively in varied teaching and learning contexts.

17. During whole class instruction, a middle school teacher realizes that most of the students are reluctant to participate in class discussions and give one-word answers when they do participate. Which of the following strategies is most effective for the teacher to use to increase student engagement?

1. Having students answer questions on paper in class
2. Giving students think time after asking probing questions
3. Asking students to answer questions online for homework
4. Assessing students' understanding using an oral pop quiz

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Option B is correct because increasing the wait time after an initial question can evoke higher-level thinking and result in more detailed student responses. Option A is incorrect because writing answers to questions on paper does not increase student engagement. Option C is incorrect because writing answers to questions for homework does not increase student engagement. Option D is incorrect because without the appropriate wait time, oral quiz questions would produce the same reluctance from students and therefore would not increase student engagement.

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18. A teacher has posted the steps of a procedure on the board. While explaining the procedure to the class, the teacher points to each step. The primary reason the teacher uses a nonverbal hand gesture is to

1. correctly sequence the order of completion.
2. show that the steps are being read verbatim.
3. provide visual cues to direct students' focus.
4. allow for movement during lesson delivery.

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Option C is correct because students benefit from auditory and visual cues when receiving instructions, since it helps them retain information. Option A is incorrect because the primary purpose of pointing and using gestures is to direct the students' focus. Option B is incorrect because using hand signals in this situation is not intended as a reading tracking tool. Option D is incorrect because gestures and hand signals have nothing to do with the teacher's movement, but instead aid with helping students clarify questions and focus.

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Competency 008—The teacher provides appropriate instruction that actively engages students in the learning process.

19. Which of the following strategies is most appropriate for assisting English-language learners (ELLs) at the beginning level of proficiency with reading content-specific material?

1. Providing instruction on text-based academic vocabulary prior to reading
2. Requiring students to develop outlines of the text in English while reading
3. Having students read content material aloud in groups with other ELLs
4. Providing students with parallel texts in English and their native language

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Option A is correct because providing instruction on content-specific vocabulary has been proven to help both ELLs and native speakers acquire new vocabulary and comprehend content instruction. Option B is incorrect because note taking is not appropriate for beginning ELLs, as they lack the language skills to take notes in a second language. Option C is incorrect because ELLs at this level will most likely lack the language skills to comprehend content-specific texts. Option D is incorrect because although providing information in students' native language may help with their content knowledge, it will not help them with language acquisition.

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20. A class is learning about the impact a famous person had on society. As an enrichment activity, the teacher allows students to choose any person that has influenced their life in a positive way and write about that person. By giving students a choice, the teacher best demonstrates an understanding of the importance of

1. having the students participate in community service projects.
2. promoting motivation to better engage students in the learning process.
3. making the students responsible for their own work.
4. asking the students to work in groups to complete the project.

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Option B is correct because the students always learn better if they can relate the lesson to their own life or real-life experience. Option A is incorrect because making students do community service project is going to help them learn how to serve their community, not encourage students' self-motivation. Option C is incorrect because making the students responsible for their work will help student become accountable for their work, not encourage students' self-motivation. Option D is incorrect because students working in groups is not going to encourage student motivation.

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21. A teacher is beginning a new unit of study covering cultures. To best meet the student's needs and drive instruction, the teacher's first step should be to

1. administer an anticipation guide to activate prior knowledge of the cultures.
2. provide a short video clip showcasing the cultures.
3. show pictures of the part of the world associated with the cultures.
4. assign groups to research the cultures and countries.

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Option A is correct because anticipation guides are a great way for students to make predictions as well as build curiosity of a new topic while also activating prior knowledge. Option B is incorrect because the students' are just watching a video and this is not helping with adjusting instruction as needed. Option C is incorrect because showing pictures of the world does not help with activating prior knowledge. Option D is incorrect because students are not helping adjust the teacher's instruction by working on a group assignment.

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Competency 009—The teacher incorporates the effective use of technology to plan, organize, deliver and evaluate instruction for all students.

22. A school district has implemented a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policy, which allows students to use their Internet-capable personal devices in class with teacher permission. Teachers are planning to have students use the devices for end-of-chapter quizzes. Which of the following is the most appropriate way for the teachers to ensure that students who do not own personal devices can participate?

1. Requiring all students to answer the quizzes on paper and to submit the paper
2. Providing loaner devices from school inventories that are capable of accessing the quizzes
3. Asking students to share their devices with students who do not own a device
4. Telling students about activities in advance and requiring them to borrow or rent a device

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Option B is correct because it provides each student with the opportunity to participate in the activity using a basic device fulfilling the original purpose of the activity: informal assessment and student engagement. Option A is incorrect because it does not provide an equal opportunity for all students to participate in the activity using technology. Option C is incorrect because it can identify inequities between students in the area of personal devices. Additionally, students may not be able to share devices because of parental concerns or liability issues. Option D is incorrect because it requires students to provide technology to participate in class activities. Science is not a course of study that requires payment for materials in the classroom.

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23. A teacher plans to use an online discussion board on which students will respond to open-ended questions about the novel they are studying. Parents have already given permission for the students to post online. Which of the following is the next step the teacher should take?

1. Assigning a certain time of day for students to contribute to the discussion board
2. Modeling the types of communication the students should use
3. Securing permission for the board from the school technology coordinator
4. Assessing the computer literacy skills of the students

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Option B is correct because students need to understand the expectations for online communication and what is acceptable to the teacher. Option A is incorrect because one of the advantages of online communication is that it can be completed at any time of day. There should not be one specific time assigned for making contributions. Option C is incorrect because it is not necessary to get permission from the school technology coordinator if the teacher already has the students' Acceptable Use Policy. Option D is incorrect because assessing computer skills is not the most important next step. If a student has a concern about how to use the computer, the teacher can show the student individually.

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24. A teacher plans to integrate technology into a collaborative learning environment. Which of the following student activities will be most engaging to the students and achieve the teacher's goal?

1. Presenting a multimedia presentation on a key concept
2. Creating a blog discussing the attributes of a book they read recently
3. Reading an electronic version of a chapter in a textbook
4. Comparing accounts of historical events in film and print sources

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Option B is correct because a blog is a collaborative activity that requires student interaction. Option A is incorrect because the activity does not promote collaboration among students. Option C is incorrect because the activity does not promote collaboration among students. Option D is incorrect because the activity does not promote collaboration among students.

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Competency 010—The teacher monitors student performance and achievement; provides students with timely, high-quality feedback; and responds flexibly to promote learning for all students.

25. After students have taken a summative assessment, which of the following strategies is best for a teacher to use to provide feedback to students on their progress?

1. Comparing individual student results with former students' performance
2. Having parents provide signatures to acknowledge receipt of the assessment
3. Discussing the results with students to establish learning goals
4. Including the assessment results in student portfolios

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Option C is correct because looking back over the test allows students to gain understanding and to reflect on any errors they might have made. Option A is incorrect because it does not provide a way for students to reflect on their learning and improve their understanding after going over an assessment. It is inappropriate to compare students with each other in front of the students, and it is not helpful for the teacher to do alone. Option B is incorrect because it does not give students the opportunity to reflect on their misconceptions after the assessment. Making parents aware of assessment scores is useful only for giving them information and/or soliciting support. Option D is incorrect because assessments in a portfolio create a good record of learning but do not give feedback to students.

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26. Which of the following teacher strategies will best help students enhance their own learning after being given quality feedback?

1. Assigning practice work and reassessing skills at the end of each unit of study
2. Asking students to confer with peers and regularly correct their work on their own time
3. Sending a letter home to the parents detailing the progress a student has made
4. Providing students with timely opportunities to talk with the teacher about their work

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Option D is correct because it gives students the ability to talk about their mistakes and then correct what they have learned from their feedback. Option A is incorrect because assigning practice work when students do not know how to do it correctly can only reinforce their misconceptions. Option B is incorrect because it asks students to confer and make corrections on their own time instead of providing an opportunity for them to do so. Option C is incorrect because it places the expectation of learning from the feedback onto the parent, not the student.

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27. A teacher implements a scientifically based instructional reading strategy for the first time with a class. The teacher then assesses students' learning but does not see the desired results. Which of the following is most important for the teacher to consider before using the strategy again?

1. Students' learning levels differ, and the assessment results may not be valid for all the students in the class.
2. Some students participating in the lesson may not have liked the content of the lesson, and so they may not have scored as well on the assessment as they would have for different subject matter.
3. Students must be exposed to the strategy over time by a teacher who is using the strategy faithfully as designed before seeing improved learning results.
4. Students were unfamiliar with the assessment format and so scored poorly.

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Option C is correct because implementing the strategy on a one-time basis does not guarantee improved student learning outcomes. The teacher must be committed to using the strategy faithfully as designed and over time. Option A is incorrect because while it is a factor in the results, the teacher's commitment to using the strategy faithfully as designed is more important. Option B is incorrect because the content of the lesson should be a lesser factor affecting the successful use of a scientifically based instructional strategy. Option D is incorrect because even though it may be true, it is fidelity to the original research that must be considered first.

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Domain IV—Fulfilling Professional Roles and Responsibilities

Competency 011—The teacher understands the importance of family involvement in children’s education and knows how to interact and communicate effectively with families.

28. Which of the following teacher actions will best promote parents as partners in their child's education?

1. Having the parents sign their child's progress report so they can monitor the child's learning
2. Contacting parents with good news about their child as needed
3. Sending home with each child a copy of the school's policy on family involvement
4. Encouraging parents to have high aspirations for their child's learning

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Option A is correct because parents are vital partners in their child's education and life success. Having parents sign progress reports ensures that they are aware of their child's learning. Option B is incorrect because sending home good-news reports should be an ongoing action, not one that occurs as needed. Option C is incorrect because the action will provide important information for the parents, but it will not promote parents as partners. Option D is incorrect because while all parents should have high aspirations for their children, this action will not guarantee that that will happen.

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29. A teacher wants to increase parental involvement for a kindergarten class. After some parents did not attend the school open house at the beginning of the year, the teacher set up home visits with three families. Which of the following is the most important reason for home visits?

1. Engaging with the family
2. Verifying attendance for a student
3. Checking out local neighborhoods
4. Verifying that parents receive paperwork

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Option A is correct because the teacher understands the importance of parent contact and that when not all parents can come to school, home visits are the best option. Option B is incorrect because the teacher is not responsible for verifying attendance; this would be the job of an administrator or attendance clerk. Option C is incorrect because the teacher should not be concerned about looking over homes in the local neighborhood. Option D is incorrect because the teacher does not need to make a home visit for paperwork.

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30. To best help parents from culturally diverse backgrounds actively participate in school, a teacher should

1. complete training to learn to speak the parents' language.
2. encourage parents to provide direct instruction at home.
3. explain to parents how to join a parent organization.
4. send messages home in the parents' native language.

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Option C is correct because educators should adopt the role of advocate. Parents from culturally diverse backgrounds should be encouraged to join parent organizations and share their cultural points of view. Option A is incorrect because it is not necessary to learn to speak the other language to get parents to actively participate in schools. Option B is incorrect because it encourages parental participation at home, not school. Option D is incorrect because this is used to facilitate communication, not encourage parents to actively participate in schools. Also, the teacher may not have the resources to do this.

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Competency 012—The teacher enhances professional knowledge and skills by effectively interacting with other members of the educational community and participating in various types of professional activities.

31. Which THREE of the following topics are most appropriate for a beginning teacher to discuss with a mentor?

1. The school's attendance and tardiness policies
2. Specific details of a student's home environment
3. Clarification of a topic discussed at a staff meeting
4. Methods for starting after-school tutoring for struggling students

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Option A is correct because the requirements for taking attendance can vary, so it is important for a beginning teacher to receive guidance from a veteran teacher who is familiar with the process. Option C is correct because a mentor teacher will be a good source to answer the question or know where to get clarification. Option D is correct because each school has a different procedure for tutoring, and it is important to be on the same page as the rest of the campus and be aligned with the school's expectations. Option B is incorrect because discussing personal information about a student's home environment is against FERPA.

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32. Which of the following is the best way for a teacher to improve personal knowledge of technology use in the classroom?

1. Attending a professional development workshop
2. Collaborating with district technology-support personnel
3. Adding a variety of technology tools to the classroom
4. Scheduling more time for students to use the computer lab

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Option B is correct because it will provide the teacher with someone in a supportive role for ongoing contact. Option A is incorrect because one-time workshops often don't change teacher practice and have no effect on student achievement. Option C is incorrect because quantity does not ensure quality, and the teacher will not know how to use the tools without training and support. Option D is incorrect because spending more time in the computer lab will not improve the teacher's knowledge directly.

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33. A sixth-grade teacher wants to have a better understanding of what students will be expected to know when they leave fifth grade and when they enter seventh grade. The committee type that will best help this teacher is

1. vertical teaming.
2. horizontal teaming.
3. campus improvement.
4. superintendent's round table.

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Option A is correct because a vertical team is comprised of members from different grade levels who meet to share ideas and fine tune their curriculum. Option B is incorrect because a horizontal team is comprised of members from different content areas, but they are all on the same grade level. Option C is incorrect because the campus improvement team addresses issues for the whole campus and is comprised of members from all departments and grade levels. Option D is incorrect because the superintendent's round table is focused on addressing issues affecting the entire district, not necessarily curriculum.

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Competency 013—The teacher understands and adheres to legal and ethical requirements for educators and is knowledgeable of the structure of education in Texas.

34. Which of the following is the most appropriate first step to take if a teacher is concerned that a student is suffering from abuse?

1. Calling the parents for a conference to discuss the suspicions
2. Reporting the suspicions to the child protective services agency
3. Sharing the concerns with the designated school personnel
4. Asking the student pointed questions to ensure that all is well at home

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Option B is correct because state law mandates that anyone who suspects child abuse or neglect must report it to appropriate authorities immediately. Option A is incorrect because contacting the parents may bring repercussions for the child. Option C is incorrect because while it is important to follow school policy and report suspected abuse or neglect to school personnel, the initial person is responsible for ensuring that it gets reported to the authorities immediately. Option D is incorrect because the student may deny the abuse and the action does not follow the law.

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35. A student qualifies for special education services, and the student needs an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Which THREE of the following people must be involved in developing the plan?

1. A special education teacher
2. A school administrator
3. A social worker
4. A counselor
5. A general education teacher

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Options A, B and E are correct because according to the legal requirements for the Individualized Education Program team, a special education teacher, school administrator and general education teacher are team members who are able to assist in writing an IEP. Options C and D are incorrect because social workers and counselors do not have to be present when an IEP is being written.

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36. A teacher wants to require students to purchase a novel for an assigned reading. Which of the following is the most appropriate source for the teacher to check whether requiring the purchase is allowable?

1. Texas Education Code
2. Copyright law
3. Educators' Code of Ethics
4. Acceptable use policy

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Option A is correct because the Texas Education Code and district policy will show that a school board may not charge fees for textbooks. Option B is incorrect because copyright law is in place to protect the author, not to determine whether students can be required to buy books. Option C is incorrect because it is not specific enough to address the situation. While it relays the need to be ethical, it does not provide the teacher with information to know if the action is allowable. Option D is incorrect because the acceptable use policy refers to procedures for using school computers and resources.

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