PASL Practice Test 1

Where should the science task force begin?

• Take site visits to neighboring elementary schools that have shown progress on improvement of science exam scores.

• Review all state adopted science textbooks to determine which books the science teachers prefer.

• Conduct a comprehensive needs assessment of student performance by group from multiple data sources.

• Identify successful science instructional strategies that are supported by research.

One of the strategies the science task force included in the campus improvement plan was specific science professional development. Mrs. Gonzales must ensure that the plan includes which of the following? Select all that apply.

• Measurable performance objectives

• Timelines for monitoring strategies

• Formative and summative evaluation criteria

• Identifying the resources needed to implement the plan

• Identifying the staff needed to implement the plan

Elena Medina is the new principal of Clarkson Middle School. Clarkson is located in a community that has undergone significant loss of population and resources due to major economic shifts. Community and school relationships have suffered. Which of the following should Ms. Medina do first in an effort to gain broad-based support for the school?

• Hold a community-wide open town meeting to get to know community members.

• Spend time visiting business and community leaders from all sectors of the community.

• Hire an outside consultant to analyze the best way to promote support for the school.

• Begin a series of informal lunch meetings with school personnel to seek divergent opinions and gain background information.

The excerpt below is a sample of the Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS) written summative annual appraisal report. Read the information in the sample, then answer the question that follows. Mrs. Soares consistently demonstrates commitment to the well-being and development of all students. She applies knowledge effectively about how students develop and learn physically, socially, and cognitively and shapes her teaching appropriately so that it is helpful to students who learn in a variety of ways. Mrs. Soares effectively motivates students to improve their learning through self-assessment and peer-assessment. Mrs. Soares provides responsive and thoughtful feedback on assignments. She effectively uses student work to diagnose learning difficulties and provides appropriate remediation. She effectively supports and/or assists students in meeting their academic, social and emotional needs by addressing their individual needs. She demonstrates a positive rapport with students and recognizes student difficulties by employing effective assessment strategies. This year, Mrs. Soares and her department are focusing on differentiated learning and assessment which will further her expertise and repertoire. Based on the information in the sample, which of the following Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS) domains do the comments in the excerpt most likely address?

• Planning

• Instruction

• Learning Environment

• Professional Practices and Responsibilities

Which of the following Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS) domains do these comments most likely describe?

• Planning

• Instruction

• Learning Environment

Ms. Quinton is a principal who believes effective classroom management is built on respect. How can Ms. Quinton encourage teachers to communicate respect for students while maintaining high standards of discipline?

• Listen attentively, treat students equitably, use appropriate voice control, and share appropriate thoughts and feelings.

• Look at students when they speak, treat students differently, speak quietly, and keep reactions private.

• Remain distant and act as the authority figure.

• Listen selectively, treat students the same, speak firmly, and talk only about subject matter.

Parental involvement, student transportation needs, behavior and social problems of students are information items most likely to be found specifically in —

• longitudinal data

• achievement data

• demographic data

• program data

Mrs. Jones is pleased that the faculty and staff at Barnes Elementary have developed a shared vision of the importance of making sure all students are challenged. Which of the following would be the next step to ensure that this vision is made known to the community?

• Make sure that parents and members of the community are involved in the development of the vision and mission for Barnes Elementary and involved on delivering this vision.

• Develop a brochure that will state the vision and mission that will be distributed throughout the committee.

• Contact the media to help share the vision with all the community.

• Holding an open house for all parents and community members to visit the campus and classrooms before school starts.

What is Mrs. Jonas's biggest obstacle to her success in implementing programs at Barnes Elementary?

• Creating a shared vision that is understood

• Articulating the direction of the school

• Overcoming problems that Mrs. Jonas is not aware of

• Establishing herself as a well-informed administrator who has had successful experiences in promoting student learning

What should be Mrs. Jonas' best step in addressing Mrs. Rodriguez's initiative to implement the dual language model at Barnes Elementary?

• Announce to the faculty at the next staff meeting that next year, the bilingual program will follow the dual language model.

• Meet with members of the improvement planning committee to discuss the needs and concerns of the current bilingual model.

• Meet with the current bilingual parents and ask for their input.

• Encourage Mrs. Rodriguez to compile a list of the concerns with the current bilingual program.