STR Study Cards #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? A. Planting a bean and observing the stages of growth B. Reading nonfiction books about plants and creating posters C. Visiting a science center and touring the plant exhibits D. Watching a video about plants and drawing the bean life cycle

(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.)

Which of the following instructional practices best ensures that a teacher structures the learning environment to address the needs of diverse students? A. Differentiation B. Remediation C. Enrichment D. Modeling

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.

Which of the following strategies most directly leads to increased academic performance? A. Integrating social-emotional learning in classes B. Scheduling daily time for students to read for pleasure C. Rewarding students for meeting specific objectives D. Enforcing regulations regarding excessive tardiness

Option A is correct because research supports the conclusion that integrating social-emotional learning across the curriculum improves academic performance.

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 A. vertical teaming. B. horizontal teaming. C. campus improvement. D. superintendent's round table.

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.

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 A. administer an anticipation guide to activate prior knowledge of the cultures. B. provide a short video clip showcasing the cultures. C. show pictures of the part of the world associated with the cultures. D. assign groups to research the cultures and countries.

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.

Which THREE of the following are important factors to consider when establishing routines for cooperative group work? A. Goals to be met B. Daily schedule C. Classroom setting D. Individual accountability E. Equal opportunities

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.

Which of the following teacher actions will best promote parents as partners in their child's education? A. Having the parents sign their child's progress report so they can monitor the child's learning B. Contacting parents with good news about their child as needed C. Sending home with each child a copy of the school's policy on family involvement D. Encouraging parents to have high aspirations for their child's learning

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.

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

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.

Which of the following activities best supports improving middle school students' engagement in experiments during science class? A. Conducting debriefing activities where students discuss the validity and implications of the experiments B. Having students work in heterogeneous groups to complete lab reports immediately following the experiments C. Providing students with a checklist to mark as they complete each step of the scientific process for the experiments D. Allowing students to choose the topics and methodology to help plan the next classroom experiments

Option A is correct because students will engage when they are asked to think critically about evidence and offer explanations.

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? A. Texas Education Code B. Copyright law C. Educators' Code of Ethics D. Acceptable use policy

Option A is correct because the Texas Education Code and district policy will show that a school board may not charge fees for textbooks.

Which THREE of the following topics are most appropriate for a beginning teacher to discuss with a mentor? A. The school's attendance and tardiness policies B.Specific details of a student's home environment C. Clarification of a topic discussed at a staff meeting D. Methods for starting after-school tutoring for struggling students

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.

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? A. Engaging with the family B. Verifying attendance for a student C. Checking out local neighborhoods D. Verifying that parents receive paperwork

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.

(Competency 003—The teacher understands procedures for designing effective and coherent instruction and assessment based on appropriate learning goals and objectives.) Which of the following is a primary concern for the teacher to address when evaluating objective 2 of the unit? A. The desired outcome is not directly measurable. B. The student action is not appropriate for a group activity. C. The intended action does not meet the goal of the project. D. The proposed objective does not require higher-level thinking.

Option A is correct because there is no specific method given for students to demonstrate awareness, so there is no way for the teacher to measure or assess student mastery of the objective.

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? A.Presenting a multimedia presentation on a key concept B. Creating a blog discussing the attributes of a book they read recently C. Reading an electronic version of a chapter in a textbook D. Comparing accounts of historical events in film and print sources

Option B is correct because a blog is a collaborative activity that requires student interaction.

Which of the following strategies best supports a teacher's goal to incorporate critical thinking skills into language arts lessons? A. Providing students with opportunities to seek additional content knowledge B. Creating a forum for students to debate points of view C. Having students individually summarize various literature read D. Asking students to create practice questions as a review activity

Option B is correct because a debate allows students to analyze arguments, claims, or evidence, which strengthens critical thinking skills.

(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.) Which of the following will best ensure the proper classroom climate for objective 5? A. Discussing the importance of professional attire for the activity B. Having the students agree to ground rules for the activity C. Allowing students to rearrange the room to resemble a legislative chamber D. Showing students a video of a famous debate that occurred in a legislative session

Option B is correct because allowing the students to set the guidelines for the activity will help create a respectful atmosphere in which all students can freely and safely participate.

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

Option B is correct because by arranging classes to maximize eye contact, a teacher can promote a safe, engaging classroom climate.

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? A. Having students answer questions on paper in class B. Giving students think time after asking probing questions D. Asking students to answer questions online for homework D. Assessing students' understanding using an oral pop quiz

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.

A social studies teacher is planning a unit for National Hispanic Heritage month. Which of the following activities will best engage kinesthetic learners? A. Observing performers model dances from different regions of Mexico B. Creating masks like those traditionally used in the Ponce Carnival in Puerto Rico C. Identifying important geographical features on a map of Argentina D. Comparing the monetary system of Colombia to that of the United States

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.

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

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.

Which of the following is the best way for a teacher to improve personal knowledge of technology use in the classroom? A. Attending a professional development workshop B. Collaborating with district technology-support personnel C. Adding a variety of technology tools to the classroom D. Scheduling more time for students to use the computer lab

Option B is correct because it will provide the teacher with someone in a supportive role for ongoing contact.

Which of the following is the most appropriate first step to take if a teacher is concerned that a student is suffering from abuse? A. Calling the parents for a conference to discuss the suspicions B. Reporting the suspicions to the child protective services agency C. Sharing the concerns with the designated school personnel D. Asking the student pointed questions to ensure that all is well at home

Option B is correct because state law mandates that anyone who suspects child abuse or neglect must report it to appropriate authorities immediately.

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? A. Assigning a certain time of day for students to contribute to the discussion board B. Modeling the types of communication the students should use C. Securing permission for the board from the school technology coordinator D. Assessing the computer literacy skills of the students

Option B is correct because students need to understand the expectations for online communication and what is acceptable to the teacher.

Which of the following is the most powerful influence on a person's sense of identity before adolescence? A. School B. Family C. Media D. Peers

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.

(Competency 006—The teacher understands strategies for creating an organized and productive learning environment and for managing student behavior.) Which of the following questions is best designed to elicit student responses that demonstrate mastery of both components of objective 4? A. What is the main objective of your bill? B. Why should I vote for your bill? C. Where did you find the information you used to draft your bill? D.Who else supports this bill?

Option B is correct because the question requires students to provide information about the bill as well as demonstrating persuasive skills by constructing an argument to convince the audience.

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 A. having the students participate in community service projects. B. promoting motivation to better engage students in the learning process. C. making the students responsible for their own work. D. asking the students to work in groups to complete the project.

Option B is correct because the students always learn better if they can relate the lesson to their own life or real-life experience.

Which of the following rationales would a supporter of block scheduling provide to convince others to support the organizational structure? A. Teachers can focus on more subjects in a shorter time. B. There is an emphasis on mastering facts and skills. C. Students' time in quality learning situations is increased. D. The responsibility for learning is shifted to the teachers.

Option C is correct because block scheduling gives students longer periods so that they are able to spend more time in quality learning situations.

To best help parents from culturally diverse backgrounds actively participate in school, a teacher should A. complete training to learn to speak the parents' language. B. encourage parents to provide direct instruction at home. C. explain to parents how to join a parent organization. D. send messages home in the parents' native language.

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.

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? A. Students' learning levels differ, and the assessment results may not be valid for all the students in the class. B. 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. C. 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. D. Students were unfamiliar with the assessment format and so scored poorly.

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.

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? A. Comparing individual student results with former students' performance B. Having parents provide signatures to acknowledge receipt of the assessment C. Discussing the results with students to establish learning goals D. Including the assessment results in student portfolios

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.

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 A. correctly sequence the order of completion. B. show that the steps are being read verbatim. C. provide visual cues to direct students' focus. D. allow for movement during lesson delivery.

Option C is correct because students benefit from auditory and visual cues when receiving instructions, since it helps them retain information.

Which of the following is the most effective informal strategy for continuous monitoring of student learning? A. Administering benchmark assessments to track progress B. Using formative assessments at the end of the unit C. Questioning students during daily class discussions D. Incorporating graphic organizers to teach key concepts for each unit of study

Option C is correct because the teacher is continuously monitoring student understanding and can adjust instruction as needed.

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 A. modeling good reading strategies. B. making text-to-text connections. C. promoting a passion for learning. D. brainstorming topics for writing

Option C is correct because the teacher is showing enthusiasm for a topic and therefore engaging students in the learning process.

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? A. Decreasing the students' intimidation associated with learning a new language B. Acknowledging the prior cultural experiences of the students C. Cultivating a positive environment in which the students can learn D. Promoting the students' ability to adjust their thinking as needed

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

Which of the following approaches is best for a teacher to take to increase students' awareness about local cultures? A. Assigning a yearlong project focusing on students' cultures B. Introducing students to authors' cultures from around the world C. Showing video clips of various cultural cuisines D. Inviting community members to discuss their cultures

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.

Which of the following teacher strategies will best help students enhance their own learning after being given quality feedback? A. Assigning practice work and reassessing skills at the end of each unit of study B. Asking students to confer with peers and regularly correct their work on their own time C. Sending a letter home to the parents detailing the progress a student has made D. Providing students with timely opportunities to talk with the teacher about their work

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.

Which of the following approaches is the most effective way for a new teacher to improve the implementation of a recently adopted curriculum? A. Focusing on keeping pace with the other teachers in the grade B. Using supplementary materials from the educational supply store C. Continuing to use the old curriculum while gradually introducing the new one D. Inviting another teacher to observe several lessons and give feedback

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.

(Competency 007—The teacher understands and applies principles and strategies for communicating effectively in varied teaching and learning contexts.) Which of the following statements is the best way to express the desired outcome of objective 3 in a lesson plan? A. Students will be able to outline the process involved in drafting legislation for consideration. B. Students will understand the collaborative part of the legislative process. C. Students will appreciate the complexities of the legislative process. D. Students will be able to draft a piece of legislation to present for debate.

Option D is correct because the statement clearly explains the outcome that the teacher expects by stating what students should be able to produce to show that they have met the objective.

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 A. make social connections to the community. B. adhere to state standards for curriculum. C. introduce different languages to students. D. promote students' cultural awareness.

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.

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? A. A special education teacher B. A school administrator C. A social worker D. A counselor E. A general education teacher

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.