Principal Assessment-Praxis 5412

Front

An elementary school leader is contacted by the parents of a student who broke his arm over the weekend. They are concerned that he will be unable to complete assignments because of his inability to write. The school leader can best address the parents’ concern by providing the student with services through

Back

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

Answer explanation

The correct answer is (C). This question tests the school leader’s understanding of how to help maintain a supportive environment that meets the student’s educational needs. One of the eligibility factors for Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act is a physical or mental impairment. The student can temporarily receive accommodations for completing assignments through Section 504.

Front

How can Ms. Walsh best orient Mr. Levinson to his new position while still attending to her own responsibilities?

Back

Ask another district assistant principal to serve as Mr. Levinson’s mentor, showing him the responsibilities of the job and offering him support and guidance.

Answer explanation

The correct answer is (D). This question tests the school leader’s knowledge of efective strategies for supervising other school administrators and personnel. Providing mentorship by direct intervention with an experienced administrator over the entire school year will help to orient the new assistant principal in a consistent, ongoing manner.

Front

A new high school leader observes a long-standing pattern of high rates of disciplinary referrals among students from ethnic minorities. Which of the following is the school leader’s best response to the observation? (A) Reviewing the disciplinary records of all students for the previous year, (B) Prioritizing the recruitment of teachers who represent different cultures, (C) Arranging professional development that builds teachers’ intercultural competency, (D) Revising the code of conduct to acknowledge behavioral differences among cultures

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Arranging professional development that builds teachers’ intercultural competency

Answer explanation

The correct answer is (C). This question tests the school leader’s knowledge of equity and cultural awareness. A long-standing issue indicates an underlying insufciency in teachers’ understanding of how culture afects behavior. Building intercultural competency is the frst step in addressing how teachers relate to students in this and other ethnic groups.

Front

The newly appointed school leader of an elementary school is concerned about the performance of the fourth grade on the state standardized tests for mathematics. Which of the following should be the school leader’s initial step in developing a plan to improve students’ scores? (A) Hire a staff developer to teach staff innovative approaches to mathematics instruction, (B) Collect information about the instructional methods, materials, and assessments currently in use, (C) Conduct a curriculum audit of the mathematics program at all grade levels, (D) Administer another assessment to identify specific areas of weakness in students’ performance

Back

Administer another assessment to identify specific areas of weakness in students’ performance.

Answer explanation

The correct answer is (C). This question tests the school leader’s knowledge of developing a plan to improve student assessment outcomes. A mathematics curriculum audit is an appropriate frst step because it will allow the school leader to ensure the curriculum is properly aligned with the standards and instruction across all grade levels in order to improve student assessment outcomes.

Front

According to due process, teachers are entitled to adequate notice of the charges against them and a hearing in which they have the opportunity to defend themselves against those charges.

Back

adequate notice of the charges against them and a hearing in which they have the opportunity to defend themselves against those charges

Answer explanation

The correct answer is (B). This question tests the school leader’s knowledge of the basic due-process protections aforded to school personnel. The United States Constitution and key court cases give teachers the right to hear and contest charges against them.

Front

A new school leader can best assess the competency of the campus faculty by

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using walk-throughs that target evidence of positive student outcomes.

Answer explanation

The correct answer is (D). This question tests the school leader’s knowledge of processes that best assess the competency levels of teachers. By conducting frequent walk-throughs, the school leader can observe teachers and gather evidence on whether they are utilizing efective instructional practices.

Front

Ms. Sylvester, an elementary school leader, uses a classroom observation app during walk-throughs. She utilizes a feature that allows her to time stamp specific teacher and student behaviors and make notes about what she observes. Once a walk-through is complete, the app instantly sends a report to the teacher. By using the app, Ms. Sylvester primarily demonstrates a commitment to

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having systems in place for providing timely feedback

Answer explanation

The correct answer is (D). This question tests the school leader’s knowledge of the purpose and benefts of a variety of data and communication systems. The school leader has established a data system that supports her role as instructional leader by providing timely and relevant feedback to classroom teachers.

Front

A school leader in a diverse community leads a school that does not currently have a parent-teacher organization (PTO) in place. The school leader prioritizes establishing a parent-teacher organization for the upcoming school year. Which of the following is a primary benefit of establishing a PTO in the school? (A) The PTO will hold fund-raising events to supplement the school budget allowing for more significant purchases to be made. (B) The PTO will assist the school administrators in making decisions about student activities that impact education. (C) The PTO will provide a way for parents to be more involved in their children’s education and foster a sense of community between families and educators. (D) The PTO will reduce the number of transient families and establish a common vision for improved attendance and achievement.

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The PTO will provide a way for parents to be more involved in their children’s education and foster a sense of community between families and educators.

Answer explanation

The correct answer is (C). This question tests the school leader’s understanding of the importance of collaborating with families to support student learning. A PTO helps break down barriers and encourages collaboration between parents and teachers.

Front

A school population has become increasingly diverse during the last two school years. Many faculty members feel that the changing population is less capable academically; as a result, the members feel powerless to help their students succeed in school. Which of the following steps taken by the school leader can best help the staff address assumptions that could be impacting student success?

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Providing opportunities for teachers to identify their biases and learn to embrace student differences.

Answer explanation

The correct answer is (D). This question tests the school leader’s knowledge of strategies for leading others in safely examining deeply held assumptions and beliefs that may confict with the school’s vision and goals. Strategies that help teachers learn about diverse cultures, identify their own biases, and discover ways to be more accepting of various populations will allow the teachers to help their students succeed academically.

Front

Of the following evaluation methods, which would provide the most valid indication of the success of a course of study in meeting its instructional goals? (A) Compiling results of a survey of the students’ opinions of the course, (B) Reviewing anecdotal records that describe students’ interpersonal growth during the course, (C) Reviewing data that indicate the degree of students’ mastery of course objectives, (D) Surveying parents about the students’ transfer of concepts learned in the course

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Reviewing data that indicate the degree of students’ mastery of course objectives

Answer explanation

The correct answer is (C). This question tests the school leader’s knowledge of selecting the most accurate method for evaluating the effectiveness of a course of study in meeting its learning objectives. Reviewing data and course objectives provides evaluative information directly related to students’ understanding of the knowledge and skills as described in the course’s instructional goals.