Intro to Education Exam 2
Check My Work Why should a new teacher embrace a philosophy of education?
Philosophy is the expression of what a teacher values.
What has been a major effect of the Supreme Court cases dealing with prayer in school, religious extracurricular clubs, and the presence of the Bible in schools?
Public educators tend to discourage any expression of religion in school.
What is the most important aspect of the whole language reading approach?
Reading, writing, speaking, and listening relate to children's experiences.
Why are teachers being urged to focus on conceptual mathematics understanding before introducing procedural rules?
Research has found that learning concepts first is more effective.
Why is understanding the legal aspects of teaching complex?
School laws come from local agencies, state and federal legislatures, and the courts.
Why are issues of law and ethics important to teachers?
Schools are "awash" with legal and ethical issues.
What are some of the effects of John Dewey's instrumentalism?
Schools are more humanistic, and curriculum is more relevant than before; Participation in life, rather than preparation for it, is effective education ;Making good citizens is more important than providing a classical education.
Why is it difficult for educators to agree on a single curriculum?
Schools both transmit culture and are agents of social reconstruction; The function of education is to increase humanity's chances of survival; Curriculum choices are based on differing philosophies of education.
What is the purpose of tenure?
Tenure allows competent teachers to be secure and perform their duties; Tenure helps maintain a competent teaching staff, free from political bias; Tenure is a guarantee of procedural due process.
Which criticisms draw attention to the quality of textbooks?
The writing style of textbooks is awkward and stiff; Texts are dry, barren of ideas, and devoid of concepts; Texts are "dumbed down" to meet readability requirements; Textbooks meet arbitrary criteria for length of words.
An interdisciplinary or integrated curriculum focuses on meaningful study in broad-based areas across subject disciplines.
True
According to the romantic school of philosophy, what motivates learning?
children's interests and innate curiosity about the world
What influences are drawn upon most often to develop one's personal philosophy?
cultural values and traditions; home and family experiences; literature and current events; religious views and traditions
What are the major sources of revenue for public education?
federal government; local property taxes; existing state-run lotteries; state government
"A well-educated person does not necessarily have a definite body of knowledge; rather, a well-educated person is able to function well in society and life." Which philosophical school of thought does this quotation represent?
progressivism
What describes the primary functions of a superintendent of schools?
recruiting and promoting educational personnel; providing information to the local school board; making decisions concerning curriculum and instruction; supervising school maintenance and construction
A culturally literate person is someone who is aware of a culture's central ideas, stories, scientific knowledge, events, and personalities.
true
What are Jim Crow laws that legalized racial segregation considered today?
unethical
Why might a teacher now face legal jeopardy resulting in possible termination or dismissal?
using excessively obscene language in the presence of students; taking drugs or drinking alcohol with students; engaging in any kind of sexual relationship with a student
Approximately what percentage of education funding comes from the federal government?
10 percent
All teachers are required to take an ethical oath, similar to the Hippocratic oath for new doctors.
False
The Supreme Court has declared corporal punishment in schools unconstitutional, making it illegal in all 50 states.
False
The Supreme Court has ruled that financing schools on the basis of local property taxes violates the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
False
How has society changed in its view of student rights and teacher authority?
It is no longer generally agreed that teachers have broad leeway to act in the place of parents; Teachers are required to exercise caution to prevent an infringement of students' rights; The authority of adults in general, and teachers in particular, has eroded noticeably; The tendency to use courts to settle conflicts has had an impact on teachers
Why is it important for a new teacher to understand the major philosophies of education?
A philosophy of education helps teachers understand where they're going and why; Developing one's own philosophy of education is a lifelong endeavor; Eclectics select the most attractive features of different philosophies; No single philosophy can match all the teaching situations encountered.
How may the Supreme Court rulings in Pickering v. Board of Education (1968) and Scoville v. Board of Education (1970) be interpreted?
A teacher's criticism may not interfere with the operation of the school.
Where do human beings look for the fundamental truths of existence?
Aristotelian powers of reasoning; trial-and-error experimentation; governmental authority and laws; divine revelation in the Bible
What is the most important reason why educators should be concerned about curriculum?
Basic beliefs about what is most worth knowing are changing.
Why does the business community show great interest in public education?
Businesses want better educated and trained students for their workforces.
People who are most concerned about America's performances in international assessments are likely to support:
Common Core Curriculum
Mr. Jones' goal is for his social studies students to understand the concept of democracy. Which teaching strategy would best accomplish this goal for most students?
Conduct a role play where students act as citizens in a democracy.
Ms. Green is teaching high school and wants to provide an inclusive alternative to the perennialist curriculum in literature, history, and philosophy. What is her likely choice?
Create a diverse curriculum that includes works by women and minority writers.
The United States devotes a greater proportion of its resources to public education than other industrialized nations.
False
Which constitutional basis justifies due process protections for teachers?
Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments
Why are the arts being reduced or eliminated from the curriculum in favor of basic skills instruction?
High-stakes assessments and budgets dictate the curriculum.
How do state legislatures and governors affect educational policy?
Legislatures make the laws that govern education within their states; school district funding depends on the state legislature and the governor.
Which cognitive psychologist is most linked with constructivist teaching?
Lev Vygotsky
A student makes a rude remark. What is a teacher's most ethical course of action?
Maintain a professional stance, and correct the student in private.
What are the components of a cooperative learning lesson?
Mastery of the content is assessed individually; Group goals reward team efforts and success; Team scoring is for improvement over prior performance.
What is the message of A Nation at Risk?
Mediocre schools make the United States vulnerable to economic rivals; There needs to be greater focus on academic achievement; The nation's future depends upon quality education; Schools must administer tests to measure student effort.
What is known as "the nation's report card"?
National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) assessments
Why do philosophers use ordinary language to answer fundamental questions?
Philosophers try to be clear and careful about terminology.
How does a philosophy of education guide and support teachers?
Philosophy serves as an engine of ideas responding to changing situations; Philosophy provides a moral compass for making ethical decisions; Philosophy is an expression of what is valued by the teacher.
Why should teachers use a balanced approach to reading instruction?
Phonics and literature-based approaches are both essential.
When dealing with matters that might lead to suspension or expulsion, what guidelines are recommended for teachers and administrators?
Provide a clear explanation of the evidence for disciplinary charges; Offer an opportunity to refute the charges before an impartial authority; Notify the student, documenting the offense and intended punishment.
Why are actions by the state department of education important to schools, school districts, and colleges of education?
States certify that teachers are qualified to teach particular subjects.
How do cognitive psychologists view the process of learning?
Students engage in making meaning from experience; Students seek to integrate new information into what is already known.
What guidelines are provided to teachers in instituting a religious neutrality principle in a public school?
Students may not be required to stand or salute the flag; Bible reading to promote worship may not be practiced; Worship services in school are not constitutional, even if voluntary
Why is perennialism considered a teacher-centered educational philosophy?
Teacher direction is necessary for development of the intellect.
Why do parents want their children to be taught by ethical people?
Teachers convey that we are all ethically bound to one another; Teachers act as role models of ethical behavior.
What are the major powers of the "office" of teacher?
Teachers have authority to control their classes; Teachers impact malleable young people's lives; Teachers make the rules for their classrooms; Teachers evaluate students' work and behavior.
What are the important implications of the Supreme Court rulings in Pickering v. Board of Education (1968) and Scoville v. Board of Education (1970)?
Teachers may criticize school administration as long as they don't interfere with school operation.
Why is it important for a future educator to identify the hidden curriculum?
Teachers need to be aware of underlying messages students receive.
How do teachers ethically influence students?
Teachers set personal examples of moral behavior; Teachers discuss moral values with the students.; Teachers establish safe classroom climates.
How may textbooks be considered powerful statements of curriculum?
Textbooks define objectives and goals for student learning; Textbook publishers prepare tests geared to the textbook's objectives; Textbook packages include learning activities and materials.
Why did public school operation and administration become a state responsibility?
The Tenth Amendment to the Constitution made education a state function.
How does ability tracking influence a school's instructional program?
The general track is less rigorous than the academic track; Tracking sets different standards of achievement; The academic track stresses traditional subjects; Career and technical students receive job training.
If a teacher has a behaviorist approach to teaching, how might the teacher plan lessons?
The learning environment reinforces desired behaviors; The curriculum is organized in discrete sequenced segments; Objectives are considered behaviors to be learned; The teacher monitors and provides feedback to learners.
Which of the following characterize the progressive philosophy of education?
The mind is a marvelous mechanism for problem solving; Teachers are intellectual guides; Education begins with the student.
How has public education been influenced by federal court rulings?
The powers of state and local education authorities were altered; Intrusions into states' rights have generated resentment; The rights to education of disabled people were expanded; Key rulings affected educational policies across the United States.
Why should a K-12 teacher be aware of the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) or the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) international achievement test results?
The results call for setting high standards in math and science.
Why should teachers be aware of perennialism, essentialism, romanticism, and progressivism?
They are major influences on educational thought.
Business has donated hundreds of millions of dollars to improve elementary and secondary schools.
True
Ethics refers to a system or a code of morality embraced by a particular person or group.
True
The federal Title I program permits funding on a school-wide basis for low-income and low-achieving students.
True
The standards-based reform movement is designed to promote academic excellence and equity.
True
Why is there concern about the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) scores of American students?
U.S. students lack necessary knowledge of history, geography, and civics; Most U.S. students fail to achieve proficient levels in NAEP assessments; Whites and Asian Americans have higher scores than other ethnic groups.
How may teachers differentiate curriculum?
adapting content, processes, and products to the student
When are teachers most vulnerable to legal action regarding prayer in public schools?
advocating a particular religion or involving students in prayer
What concerns the National Education Association (NEA) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT)?
articulating positions on educational issues; lobbying government officials; influencing educational policy; bargaining for teacher salaries and benefits
How do progressives perceive the role of the school?
as an integral aspect of a student's life
What describes the view that humans learn to act in specific ways based on the response they receive for their actions?
behaviorism
How do states qualify to win the Race to the Top competition?
by adopting standards and assessments in all grades
How do principals best serve as effective instructional leaders?
by assigning, supervising, and evaluating teaching staff; by promoting productive learning environments
How may public schools increase parental involvement?
by providing frequent parent-teacher conferences; by creating school hotlines and websites; by involving parents in school councils; by encouraging parent volunteers
What are the primary responsibilities of the chief state school officer?
creating task forces to identify problems and propose solutions; recommending improvements in educational legislation; serving as chief administrator of the state department of education; reporting on the status of education within the state
Mr. Green believes that teaching gifted students to understand the great books of the Western world is necessary to prepare culturally literate citizens. Which curricular model does Mr. Green's selection of books reflect?
cultural literacy
What does the federal government do to facilitate compensatory education?
delivers funds to local districts to educate students from low-income families; supplements educational services provided to low-income, low-achieving students
Which duties do school principals and assistant principals perform?
disciplining students for behavior violations; supervising teachers and staff members; functioning as instructional leaders; reporting achievement test scores
Which of the following describe romanticism?
education that grows from child's inner curiosity; exemplified by schools like England's Summerhill School; based on the teachings of Rousseau
What do courts consider when deciding cases of academic freedom regarding assignment of selected reading materials?
educational relevance of the controversial publication; teacher's purpose for assigning the reading material; quality of the disputed material and its effects on the class; age of the students assigned to read the publication
What does the traditional approach to mathematics curriculum stress?
emphasis on drill and practice; memorization of algorithms and formulas; explicit computation instruction
Which characteristics of essentialism are reflected in the Core Knowledge program based on the work of E. D. Hirsch, Jr.?
emphasis on science and current literature
Which of the following are primary responsibilities of state boards of education?
establishing academic standards and assessment; formulating education policy and curricular offerings; enforcing rules and regulations for program operation; setting state goals and priorities for education
What governs whether a teacher may make multiple copies of a particular document for use in the classroom?
fair use copyright guidelines
How would a metaphysical philosopher interpret school curriculum?
ideas community members believe are most worth knowing
Teachers Mr. Brown and Ms. Jones team together to integrate the study of the nineteenth century by examining that period's history and literature. Which type of instructional design is being used to teach English and social studies?
integrated curricula
Which characteristics of behavior should ethical teachers exhibit?
knowledge of pertinent facts; ability to reason systematically; appreciation of moral complexities; courage to act on decisions
Which term best describes concrete written codifications of moral obligations?
laws
What are the primary functions of a state department of education?
licensing teachers and other educational personnel; evaluating college and university teacher preparation programs; providing technical assistance in curriculum and teaching; administering and distributing state and federal funds
"The curriculum represents what the community believes is most worth knowing" would most likely be attributed to which philosophy?
metaphysics
Which disciplines constitute social studies curriculum?
religion, literature, and the arts; political science, sociology, and economics; psychology and anthropology; history, geography, and government
What are the primary responsibilities of a local school board?
representing district citizens; evaluating educational programs; determining district-wide school policy
Which term describes people who question the human capacity to ever really know the truths of existence?
skeptics
Which of the following are considered elements of a public school curriculum?
society's attitudes and values; methods used to teach subjects; any school-sponsored activity; content of subject matter
Which of the following is the state's educational policy-making body for elementary and secondary schools?
state board of education
What are the most common forms of school infractions today?
stealing or vandalizing school or private property; fighting or bringing a weapon to school; possessing, using, or selling drugs or alcohol; disobeying reasonable directives repeatedly
According to the NEA and the AFT, which of the following issues should be subject to collective bargaining?
teacher salaries and benefits; curriculum and textbooks; class-size limitations; in-service training
Which of the following entities is charged with the primary responsibility for public schools?
the individual state
What is the purpose of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS)?
to prepare all students for college and careers
