SLLA 6990 Constructed Response

How is time allocated for all sections of the SLLA 6990?

• 
• 
• 
• 

Answer explanation

Answer: B - The test is divided into two sections. You have 2 hours, 45 minutes (165 minutes) for the selected response section and 1 hour, 15 minutes (75 minutes) for the constructed-response section.

How much time should you spend  to complete EACH of the four constructed questions on the SLLA 6990?

• a. 5 - 10 minutes

• b. 10 - 15 minutes

• c. 15 - 20 minutes

• d. 20 - 25 minutes

Answer explanation

Answer: C - You have exactly 18.75 minutes to complete EACH of the 4 constructed response essays.  This includes the time needed to read the task and prompt question, brainstorm and draft your thoughts, and write well developed paragraphs.

Which is the best strategy to use to make sure your answer thoroughly addresses the constructed response question?

• a. Provide an opinion based on your teaching experience.

• b. Rephrase the statement in your own words.

• c. Identify key issue, use specific examples and outline a process to solve

• d. Explain what the individuals in the scenario did incorrectly and why.

Answer explanation

Answer: C - A strong answer identifies the main issue and uses evidence from the scenario to support your process. Steps to solve the problem given should be clear in your written response.

Which of the following would be the best way to improve your answer to a constructed response question?

• a. Use bullet points to organize your response.

• b. Structure your answer using a leadership framework.

• c. Write as much as possible in a lengthy paragraph.

• d. Respond using personal anecdotes .

Answer explanation

Answer: B - A clear structure is easy to follow and using a leadership framework aligns your answer with SLLA standards.

1. What steps should you take when constructing a response on the SLLA exam?

(Select all that apply)

• a. Reference Data:  Make regular references to data.  Use specific language

• b. Write a rough draft:  Use your whiteboard or paper to write a full first draft before typing your final response

• c. Proofread:  Give yourself time to look through the essay several times to edit

• d. Outline:  Turn the bullets in the task description into headings into your paper.

Answer explanation

The correct responses are A, C, and D 

Step 1: Outline:  Turn the bullets in the task description into headings in your paper

Step 2:  Organize:  Fill in the information under the headings. Stay organized

Step 3:  Provide details:  Give tangible examples.  In professional learning communities, teachers will design common assessments and analyze the data from the common assessments to make decisions.”

Step 4:  Reference Data:  Make regular references to the data.  Be specific!  “Because only 27% of our lowest quartile of students make gains….”

Step 5:  Analyze.  Mention the different subgroups in the data.  You will reference ESE, ELL, SWD, and EDS students

Step 6:  Proofread.  Give yourself time to look through the essay several times to line edit

What are the most effective strategies for earning a high score on the constructed response portion of the SLLA exam? (Choose all that apply)

• a. Skim the text. You have a limited amount of time to respond.

• b. Practice as many prompts as you can before taking the test.

• c. Review your responses with someone who has taken the test

• Focus on the overall content of your message. Keep details to a minimum.

Answer explanation

The correct responses are B and C.

B.  Practice as many prompts as you can find in the test booklet or online.

C.  Review your answers with someone familiar with the test or who has recently taken the test

Which is NOT considered positive language to be used in writing the four constructed response essays for the SLLA 6990?

•  a. Align all similar cultures to collaborate on the same committees.

• b. Acquire and institutionalize cultural knowledge.

• c. Routinely conduct self assessment.

• d. Foster awareness and tolerance of diversity.

Answer explanation

Answer: A Aligning people with similar or common demographic traits is NOT honoring diversity. Working collaboratively at your best does not mean only working with like minded individuals.

Which types of language should you avoid using when writing your constructed response on the SLLA exam? (Choose all that apply)

• a. Vague or ambiguous phrases like “things,” “stuff,” or “some people”

• b. Professional and precise terminology related to educational leadership

• c. Personal opinions unsupported by evidence or examples

• d. Clear and concise language that directly addresses the prompt

Answer explanation

The correct responses are A and C.

You want to respond as clearly as possible, referencing data and specific examples when possible.

What is the most effective first step when analyzing a constructed response prompt on the SLLA 6990?

• a. Write an outline of your answer.

• b. Identify the stakeholders in the scenario.

• c. Read the prompt and begin responding.

• d. Highlight the leadership standard being assessed.

Answer explanation

ANSWER:  D - Identifying the relevant standard first helps focus your answer on what is being assessed.

How should you address stakeholders in your constructed response?

• a. Mention them briefly.

• b.  Identify and explain their roles in the solution.

• c. Keep focused only on parents and students involved in the scenario.

• d. Avoid discussing stakeholders unless asked.

Answer explanation

Answer: B - Explicitly acknowledging and including stakeholders improves credibility and realism.