Middle Grades Generalist

Which sentence from “Real Life in the Classroom” provides the most relevant and sufficient evidence for the claim that taking practical types of classes may help students stay engaged in school?

• They also need to develop independent thinking and problem-solving skills that appeal to future employers.

• Capturing students’ interest helps ensure that they will stay in school and graduate.

• In fact, four out of five students who dropped out of school said they wanted more-interesting classes with real-life learning.

• In Wisconsin, students study topics based on ideas that come directly from the students, such as family, community, and career.

Part A

Based on “Real Life in the Classroom,” which inference can best be made about the merit of programs like those in North Carolina and Illinois?

• They lead to students getting jobs with the companies they study.

• They allow students to receive extra tutoring in academic subjects.

• They allow students to have real-world experiences that will help them as adults.

• They lead to students performing better in academic subjects while in high school.

Part B

Which sentences from the passage provide the best evidence for the answer to part A? Choose two answers.

• Many students achieve good grades throughout middle school and high school.

• Yet, when they graduate, they are unable to cook a meal or create a spending budget.

• Instead, courses focus mainly on academic subjects, like math, English, history, and science.

• Based on their interests, students are paired with businesses and become familiar with the latest technology in the business world.

• They expose students to a variety of different career options.

Which sentences best express the central ideas of “Academics in Middle School”? Choose two answers.

• Middle schools should reduce the number of advanced classes that they offer.

• Middle schools should work to develop more mentoring programs between teachers and students.

• Middle schools should focus primarily on teaching core academic subjects, such as math, history, and science.

• Middle school students should learn life skills such as cooking, budget writing, and woodworking at home or in community classes.

• Middle school students should take additional courses in subjects such as art, music, and physical education before they enter high school.

Based on “Academics in Middle School,” which details best support the author’s claim that it is impractical for schools to offer life-skill classes?

• There are not enough rooms in each school or enough money to be able to offer life-skill classes.

• There is not enough money in school budgets or time in the school day to support life-skill classes.

• There is not enough time during the school day or student interest to offer life-skill classes.

• There are not enough teachers certified for or students interested in life-skill classes.

Read the sentence from “Academics in Middle School.”

Recently, teachers at this level have been pushed to develop curricula that help students explore skills outside of the usual academic courses.

How does the word choice of pushed contribute to the tone of the sentence?

• It helps to create a friendly tone.

• It helps to create a sense of urgency.

• It helps to develop a questioning tone.

• It helps to develop a sense of hopefulness.