Principal Assessment-Praxis 5412

Front

Which factor will have the greatest impact on communication and working relationships when a school leader sends e-mails to teachers and staff?

Back

The timing, content, and tone of the e-mails

Answer explanation

The correct answer is (D). This question tests the school leader’s knowledge of professional conduct. Correct timing, the content of the message in its entirety, and how the message will be perceived by the reader are key factors in the overall efectiveness of e-mails. These are all factors that a school leader should consider when sending correspondence electronically.

Front

The school leader of an elementary school is committed to a transformative model of multicultural education. Which action is most effective to achieve this model?

Back

Incorporating a range of cultural perspectives into the curriculum

Answer explanation

The correct answer is (A). This question tests the school leader’s knowledge of providing equity and adequacy to meet students’ and families’ cultural and educational needs. Incorporating diferent cultural perspectives into a guaranteed and viable curriculum refects the actualization of this goal.

Front

An elementary school leader is contacted by the parents of a student who broke his arm and are concerned about his ability to complete assignments. How can the school leader best address the concern?

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

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. What should be the school leader’s initial step in developing a plan to improve students’ scores?

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, what are teachers entitled to?

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 school leader receives a letter from the parent of a homeschooled student asking whether the student can participate in an upcoming district interscholastic mathematics competition. The school leader should first respond by:

Back

Referring to board policy before communicating with the parent.

Answer explanation

The correct answer is (A). This question tests the school leader’s knowledge of the relationship between public schools and homeschooled students. Referring to board policy ensures that the school leader is making the best decision based on district regulations.

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 school leader at a school with low student achievement works with the district’s human resources department to recruit new teachers. Which teacher candidates are most appropriate for the school leader to target?

Back

Candidates with successful teaching experience and qualifications to address student needs

Answer explanation

The correct answer is (C). This question tests the school leader’s knowledge of efective strategies to recruit qualifed personnel. To afect student achievement, the school leader’s most appropriate approach when hiring new staf would be to seek teachers with relevant experience and qualifcations.

Front

A school leader regularly meets with grade-level teams to discuss interventions for struggling students, how to address student learning styles, and enrichment opportunities for students who have achieved mastery. What is the primary purpose of these meetings?

Back

Promote differentiated instruction to support varying levels of student proficiency.

Answer explanation

The correct answer is (B). This question tests the school leader’s understanding of using processes to improve instructional programs in order to meet students’ needs. The role of the school leader is to promote individualized instruction and close the achievement gap. One way this can be done is by differentiating the instruction in the classroom based on student needs and learning styles. The school leader clearly has a goal of supporting varying levels of student profciency by facilitating conversations about interventions, learning styles, and appropriate learning opportunities for all students.

Front

How can a school leader best support the development of teachers’ skills in technology integration?

Back

Modeling the effective use of technology tools throughout the school year.

Answer explanation

The correct answer is (D). This question tests the school leader’s knowledge of best practices for assisting teachers with integrating technology into the classroom. Modeling the appropriate use of technology resources is the most efective way to show the school leader’s commitment to technology education as well as to build the staf’s understanding of various new methods and resources for technology use.