Praxis 5412

Front

A school leader and fourth-grade teachers want to improve writing instruction by examining student writing samples. What should they do first?

Back

Review all writing samples to identify common areas of weakness.

Answer explanation

The correct answer is (B). This question tests the school leader’s understanding of how to provide instruction that meets the standards of rigor measured by standardized assessment. Identifying specifc areas of weakness will help teachers focus instruction and assessment on those areas most likely to adversely afect students’ performance.

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: (A)  temporary placement in special education, (B)  Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, (C)  Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, (D)  occupational therapy

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. What is the school leader’s best response?

Back

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

Back

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 uses a classroom observation app during walk-throughs to time stamp behaviors and make notes, sending instant reports to teachers. What commitment does this demonstrate?

Back

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

Ms. Bartholomew chairs the business education department in a large vocational high school. She uses a portion of each department meeting to present issues to be discussed and decided upon by the department members. During meetings, members argue openly with one another and are unable to come to consensus on any of the issues presented. It is clear to Ms. Bartholomew that she must concentrate on team building if she ever expects to operate the department as a unit. Which step in team building should she concentrate on first?

Back

Establishing shared goals to which all department members are committed.

Answer explanation

The correct answer is (D). This question tests the school leader’s knowledge of building consensus among staf through the development of shared commitments to implement the established vision and goals. For any team to be successful, it frst needs to have clear, shared goals and a sense of commitment toward working together to meet an agreed-upon outcome.

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. What is a primary benefit of establishing a PTO in the school?

Back

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.