SLLA - Instructional Leadership - Summer 2023

What are some sources of teacher evaluation data and information (other than direct classroom observations)?

• Unit Instructional Plans

• Student Surveys

• Teacher Self-Evaluations

• Both A & B

Answer explanation

ANSWER:  D - Both A and B are the correct choices because a leader can use daily and unit lesson plans to evaluate how instruction is being implemented for students. In addition, student surveys would allow feedback to see what strategies are working in the classroom. Teacher surveys would not be a valid way to measure evaluation, because individuals could (potentially) value themselves higher than they should. https://www.ets.org/pdfs/sls/6990.pdf

Which of the following is not a function of instructional leadership?

• Professional Development and Building Capacity

• Ethical Values and Beliefs

• Rigorous Curriculum and Instruction

• Assessment and Accountability

Answer explanation

ANSWER:  B - This is the correct answer since B is a function of Ethical Leadership. https://www.ets.org/pdfs/sls/6990.pdf

Which of the following is not a practice to develop and implement curricular and instructional programs to ensure student needs are met?

• Evaluate the effectiveness of instructional programs

• Identify student needs

• Provides school resources for families within the community

• Develop plans to meet and monitor student needs through appropriate instructional practices.

Answer explanation

ANSWER:  C - This is the correct answer since C is helping build outside relationships rather than focusing on developing instructional programs. https://www.ets.org/pdfs/sls/6990.pdf

The principal at Eastern High School would like to monitor student progress for the grading period. Which of the following sources of data would best inform the principal of student progress?

• Student portfolios of work samples from previous and current marking periods.

• Benchmark scores from the previous and current marking periods.

• Anecdotal teacher notes.

• Report card grades for the marking period.

Answer explanation

ANSWER:  B - This is the correct answer choice as benchmark scores will provide the most solid data and source of measured progress for the students.  https://www.mometrix.com/academy/slla-test/

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

• asking teachers to complete weekly self evaluations.

• reviewing teachers' past performance evalutions.

• checking weekly lesson plans for alignment to state standards.

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

Answer explanation

ANSWER:  D - This is the correct answer because it gives the administrator a broad overview of the instructional practices that the teacher is using.  By getting lots of brief, non-evaluative moments in the classrooms, the administrator will have a better idea of the competency of the staff. (https://www.ets.org/pdfs/sls/6990.pdf)

Ms. Sylvester, an elementary school leader, uses a classroom observation app during walkthroughs. She utilizes a feature that allows her to timestamp 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:

• storing important documentation for annual teacher evaluations.

• using technology to expedite administrative tasks and duties.

• modeling the appropriate use of observation tools.

• having systems in place for providing timely feedback.

Answer explanation

ANSWER:  D - This is the correct answer because it is essential to the evaluation process that an administrator provides timely feedback.  Receiving feedback days or weeks later weakens the effectiveness of the administrator to the teacher. (https://www.ets.org/pdfs/sls/6990.pdf)

Mrs. Smith is a new principal at River Middle School.  The previous principal was focused solely on relationships and didn’t focus much of their energies on data collection as it relates to student improvement.  Based on the lack of data, what types and sources of classroom data could Mrs. Smith integrate into the building that could be used to evaluate student improvement?

Answer explanation

Answer:  Mrs. Smith could integrate in the use of teacher SMART goals that relate specifically to student improvement.  Teachers could give a pre assessment (formal or informal), collect data mid-way through the year and follow up in the last quarter with a formal post assessment.  Additionally, the use of last year’s SOL test score could be used to group students of similar ability level in classrooms with additional support, as needed.  Finally, formal and informal walkthroughs could be completed by the administration team.  This would provide a broader snapshot of student learning and teacher instructional presentation strategies.https://www.ets.org/pdfs/sls/6990.pdf

Ms. Washington, the school leader of a middle school, has a new assistant principal, Mr. Levinson. She is concerned that she will not be able to effectively train him while maintaining her responsibilities as the school leader. How can she best orient Mr. Levinson to his new position while still attending to her own responsibilities?

• Have Mr. Levinson shadow her for at least a week so he can learn his basic responsibilities

• Meet with Mr. Levinson, outline his responsibilities, and provide him with a detailed job description

• Spend a week working alongside Mr. Levinson, showing him school procedures and introducing him to teachers and students

•  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

Answer: (D) is correct. This question tests the school leader’s knowledge of effective 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. https://www.ets.org/pdfs/sls/6990.pdf

A local high school plans to distribute laptops to all students for use on academic assignments and homework. Staff members express some concern about students using the laptops on campus and the potential for classroom disruptions. To best assist with the implementation of the new technology initiative and address teachers’ concerns, the school leader should ensure that

•  students access the Internet on the school-based network

• stakeholders are aware of the district’s new initiative

• students, staff, and parents are aware of policy expectations (D) professional development opportunities address digital learning

Answer explanation

Answer (C) is correct. This question tests the school leader’s understanding of how to use and manage technology to improve instruction. Establishing expectations and procedures with a wide variety of groups can help members of the staff, students, and parents understand the policy, its implementation, and repercussions when expectations are not followed. These procedures will help create a school culture that addresses technology and the new policy implementation. https://www.ets.org/pdfs/sls/6990.pdf

Which of the following best describes shared leadership?

• Authoritarian Leadership

• 1. The delegation of authority and responsibility to other team members

• Consulting others before making decisions

• 1. Publicly recognizing stakeholders that demonstrate leadership

Answer explanation

Answer (B) is correct. The leader demonstrates shared leadership and is able to distribute power and authority to others, regardless of title, but dependent on ability.  https://www.testprepreview.com/slla.htm