CHAPTER ONE

 

WHY BECOME A TEACHER?

Knowledge-Level Items

 

  1. According to surveys conducted by the National Education Association, which of the following are the two most important reasons people give for choosing to teach?

a.           Short working hours and long summer vacations

b.           Long summer vacations and autonomy

c.           Autonomy and professional status

d.           Working with young people and contributing to society

 

  1. You’re a seventh-grade English teacher in your second year of teaching.  Of the following the best example of an intrinsic reward for you is likely to be

a.        a salary supplement for sponsoring the school yearbook.

b.       a former student coming back to visit you.

c.        a 2-week winter holiday vacation.

d.       tenure after your third year of teaching.

 

  1. You’re an eighth-grade math teacher.  Of the following the best example of an intellectual reward in teaching is likely to be

a.        a high school senior coming back to visit you.

b.       seeing students successfully predict the next number in the sequence 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8…

c.        having one of your students come up to you and say, “I used to hate math, but now I really like it.”

d.       receiving a salary supplement for sponsoring the school’s math club.

 

  1. You’re a third-grade teacher.  Of the following the best example of an extrinsic reward is likely to be

a.        a parent calling and thanking you for the extra help you’ve given her daughter.

b.       receiving a salary supplement for being the grade chairperson for third grade in your school.

c.        seeing Melissa, one of your low-achieving students, improve dramatically in her writing.

d.       getting a hug or a “high five” from each of your students as they enter the classroom in the morning.

 

  1. Autonomy—being in control of one’s existence—is best described as an

a.        intrinsic reward in teaching.

b.       emotional reward in teaching.

c.        extrinsic reward in teaching.

d.       intellectual reward in teaching.

 

  1. Which of the following best describes teacher status?

a.        Teacher status is low, so it is a difficulty in teaching.

b.       Teacher status is high, so it is an emotional reward in teaching.

c.        Teacher status is quite high, so it is an intellectual reward in teaching.

d.       Teacher status is quite high, so it is an extrinsic reward in teaching.

 

  1. Which of the following best describes teacher work schedules?

a.        They’re extrinsic rewards in teaching.

b.       They’re emotional rewards in teaching.

c.        They’re difficulties in teaching.

d.       They’re intellectual rewards in teaching.

 

  1. Of the following the most important reason teachers leave the profession is

a.        unfavorable work schedules.

b.       lack of autonomy.

c.        job stress.

d.       low-achieving students.

 

  1. Teachers are often concerned about unsupportive administrators, parents who don’t support teachers’ efforts, and students who are disruptive and unmotivated.  Of the following these difficulties are best classified as

a.        factors that detract from teachers’ status.

b.       factors that reduce teachers’ autonomy.

c.        factors that reduce the intellectual rewards in teaching.

d.       factors that make teachers’ working conditions difficult.

 

  1. Which of the following do teachers most commonly cite as a difficulty?

a.        Working with colleagues and administrators who lack human relation skills

b.       Spending so much time on non-teaching duties like filling out student progress reports that they don’t have time to teach

c.        Spending so much time with parents of low-achieving students that they don’t effectively organize instruction

d.       Spending so much time in faculty meetings that they don’t have enough preparation time

 

  1. Of the following which statement most accurately describes the issue of teacher salaries?

a.        Teacher salaries are frequently cited as a major reason people leave teaching, but salaries are improving.

b.       Teacher salaries, the most common reason people leave teaching, are falling further and further behind those of other professions.

c.        Teacher salaries are rapidly improving and are now on par with those of other professions like engineering.

d.       Teacher salaries start lower than those of other professions but catch up after 5 years of experience.

 

  1. Which of the following is closest to the average yearly teacher salary in the United States?

a.        $25,000

b.       $35,000

c.        $45,000

d.       $55,000

 

  1. Which one of the following is closest to the average beginning teacher salary in the United States?

a.        $20,000

b.       $25,000

c.        $30,000

d.       $35,000

 

  1. Which of the following are forms of merit pay:

(1)  Money that is awarded to schools because students’ test scores in the schools increased

(2)  Money that is awarded to teachers for needed materials such as supplementary textbooks

(3)  Money that is added to teachers’ base salaries for teaching in high-need areas, such as math, science, and special education

(4)  Money that is added to teachers’ base salaries based on principals’ evaluations

 

a.        1, 2, 3, 4

b.       1, 3, 4

c.        1, 2, 4

d.       3, 4

 

  1. Of the following which best describes teachers’ feelings about merit pay?

a.        Teachers overwhelmingly favor merit pay; about 95 percent are in favor.

b.       Teachers generally favor merit pay; about two thirds are in favor.

c.        Teachers have mixed reaction about merit pay; about half are in favor.

d.       Teachers are generally opposed to merit pay; about two thirds are opposed.


  1. Of the following what is the best description of teacher salaries in private schools compared to those in public schools?

a.        Teacher salaries in private schools are slightly higher (about 2%-5%) than teacher salaries in public schools.

b.       Teacher salaries in private schools are lower (about 30%) than salaries in public schools.

c.        Teacher salaries in private schools are approximately the same as teacher salaries in public schools.

d.       Teacher salaries in private schools are slightly lower (about 2%-5%) than teacher salaries in public schools.

 

  1. Which of the following are commonly cited as reasons for teachers preferring to teach in a private school rather than a public school:

(1)  Higher salaries

(2)  Smaller classes

(3)  Smaller school bureaucracy

(4)  Greater parental involvement

 

a.        1, 2, 4

b.       1, 2, 3, 4

c.        2, 3, 4

d.       1, 3, 4

 

18.     If you teach in a typical school, the number of students per class you can most likely expect is

a.        15-20

b.       20-25

c.        25-35

d.       35-40

 

19.     The student-teacher ratio (number of students per teacher) is best described as a(n)

a.        physical condition of teaching.

b.       psychological condition of teaching.

c.        intrinsic condition of teaching.

d.       extrinsic condition of teaching.

 

20.     Which of the following is the best label for this description:  “A developing aspect of teaching characterized by a specialized body of knowledge, emphasis on decision making, reflection, autonomy, and ethical standards for conduct”?

a.        Pedagogical content knowledge

b.       General pedagogical knowledge

c.        Reflection

d.       Professionalism

 

21.     Which of the following are considered to be characteristics of a profession:

(1)  A specialized body of knowledge

(2)  Extended training for licensure

(3)  Autonomy on the job

(4)  Supervision by superiors

(5)  Ethical standards for conduct

 

a.        1, 2, 3, 4

b.       1, 2, 3, 5

c.        2, 3, 4, 5

d.       1, 2, 4, 5

 


22.     Teaching skills, such as questioning or the ability to organize and maintain ordely classroosm, is best described as

a.           a knowledge of content.

b.           pedagogical content knowledge.

c.           general pedagogical knowledge.

d.           knowledge of learners and learning.

 

  1. Understanding the social, historical, philosophical, organizational, and legal aspects of teaching, together with the ability and inclination to continue to learn, is best described as

a.        pedagogical content knowledge.

b.       general pedagogical knowledge.

c.        knowledge about teachers and learners.

d.       knowledge of the profession.

 

  1. Goal-oriented problem solving based on professional knowledge is best described as demonstrating

a.        decision making.

b.       ethical behavior.

c.        pedagogical content knowledge.

d.       knowledge of the profession.

 

  1. “A person who uses specific skills to complete well-defined tasks” best describes a

a.        professional.

b.       school principal.

c.        school guidance counselor.

d.       technician.

 

  1. Before they are allowed to teach, most teacher candidates must complete a prescribed set of experiences that usually include earning a bachelors’ degree (sometimes in a content area, such as history), completing a clinical experience such as internship, and passing an examination.  If candidates successfully complete these requirements, they are eligible for

a.        a teaching license.

b.       an autonomous working environment.

c.        National Board certification.

d.       professional pedagogical certification.

 

  1. Which of the following terms best fits the idea of “description of moral standards for good behavior”?

a.        Professionalism

b.       Rewards

c.        Autonomy

d.       Ethics

 

  1. Consider the following statement:  “The educator strives to help each student realize his or her potential as a worthy and effective member of society.”  Of the following which is the best description of the statement?

a.        It is a statement describing the characteristics of teachers as professionals.

b.       It is a statement describing the intrinsic rewards in teaching.

c.        It is a statement describing a principle from a Code of Ethics.

d.       It is a statement describing the autonomy of teachers as they practice their craft.


 

  1. Some leaders argue that teaching si not a profession.  Which of the following are statements these leaders make in defending this position:

(1)  Teachers lack rigorous training.

(2)  Teaching isn’t an important institution in our society.

(3)  Teachers lack a unique function.

(4)  Teachers don’t have the autonomy characteristic of professionals.

(5) Teachers aren’t held accountable for student learning.

 

a.        1, 2, 3, 4

b.       1, 2, 3, 5

c.        2, 3, 4, 5

d.       1, 3, 4, 5

 

30.     Critics of education argue that teaching isn’t a profession because teachers aren’t held accountable for student learning.  Which of the following is the most accurate statement related to this assertion?

a.        Just as teachers don’t lose their jobs if their students don’t meet prescribed standards, physicians also don’t lose their rights to practice if a prescribed medication fails to improve a patient’s condition.

b.       Although the statement is true at the present time, teaching will become a profession if and when teachers are held accountable for their students’ learning.

c.        The statement is false, since high-stakes tests are now being given in most states so that teachers are now being held accountable for student learning.

d.       The statement is irrelevant because student learning is impossible to measure, making teacher accountability also impossible.

 

31.     “Suggested changes in teaching and teacher preparation intended to increase the amount students learn” are best described as

a.        codes of ethics.

b.       increasing professionalism.

c.        standards-based education.

d.       reforms.

 

32.     We best describe teachers who “thoughtful, analytical, and even self-critical about their teaching” as

a.        artistic.

b.       reflective.

c.        scientific.

d.       practical.

33.     “Focusing curriculum and instruction on predetermined criteria” best describes

a.        accountability.

b.       standards-based education.

c.        educational reforms.

d.       codes of ethics.

 

34.     Requiring students to demonstrate that they have met specified standards or that they demonstrate understanding of the topics they study as measured by standardized tests and ho9lding teachers responsible for students’ learning best describes

a.        teacher autonomy.

b.       accountability.

c.        educational reform.

d.       high-stakes tests.


35.     The PRAXIS series is best described as

a.        support given first-year teachers to help them make the transition into the classroom.

b.       experiences provided for teachers that allow them to practice classroom skills.

c.        a test given to teachers designed to measure their readiness for teaching.

d.       a series of moral dilemmas designed to measure teachers’ understanding of their professional codes of ethics.

 

36.     Of the fooling the most accurate meaning of the term PRAXIS is

a.        putting theory into practice.

b.       practicing skills in schools.

c.        providing support for the first-year teachers.

d.       exit criteria for teachers.

 

37.     Which of the following is the best description of the statement “The teacher understands how children learn and develop and can provide learning opportunities that support their intellectual, social, and personal development?

a.        It is a statement taken from the NEA Code of Ethics.

b.       It is a description of one of the INTASC principles.

c.        It is a statement taken from the description of the No Child Left Behind Act.

d.       It is a statement taken from the description of teachers as advanced professionals.

 

38.     Which of the following are accountability provisions of the No Child Left Behind Act?

a.        It is an amendment to the National Education Association Ode of Ethics.

b.       It is one of the INTASC principles.

c.        It is an attempt by several states to increase the professionalism of teaching.

d.       It is an accountability reform sponsored by the federal government.

 

39.     Which of the following are accountability provisions of the No Child Left Behind Act:

(1)  All states are required to create standards for what every child should know at all grades.

(2)  Independent agencies (agencies outside school districts) sponsored by the federal government will determine the extent to which standards are being met.

(3)  Students attending schools that fail to make adequate yearly progress for 2 years in a row can transfer to another school.

(4)  Schools, districts, and states must keep records of performance to document achievement of different groups of students by race, ethnicity, gender, and English proficiency.

 

a.        1, 2, 3, 4

b.       1, 3, 4

c.        1, 2, 4

d.       1, 4

 

40.     Of the following the most common criticism directed at high-stakes tests is

a.        the tests fail to measure achievement in important areas of the curriculum, and as a result they aren’t a valid measure of student achievement.

b.       the tests are very time consuming and difficult for teachers to grade.

c.        the tests narrow the curriculum by forcing teachers to focus primarily on the subjects measured by the tests.

d.       the tests take too much time to administer and score, leaving teachers with less time to devote to instruction.


 

Items for Analysis and Critical Thinking

 

41.     Jana Juarez illustrates the concept of dominant and recessive genes by playing two radios simultaneously.  The students can hear one but not the other.  As Jana questions the students, she reminds them that both radios are playing but the sound of one drowns out the other.  Jana’s ability to represent a topic like genetics in this way best illustrates

a.        knowledge of content.

b.       pedagogical content knowledge.

c.        general pedagogical knowledge.

d.       knowledge of learners and thinking.

 

42.     “I don’t understand why they can’t seem to be able to use longitude and latitude to find exact locations,” Konminko Jones, a seventh-grade geography teacher, said to herself out loud, seeing that her students weren’t doing well on a  quiz.  “I don’t think I went through enough examples,” she thought.  “They’re trying to simply memorize some rules.  I’m going to re-teach it next week, and I’m going to do it differently.  I know that I can get them to understand it.”  Of the following which is the best description of Kominko’s thinking?

a.        She is demonstrating pedagogical content knowledge.

b.       She is demonstrating general pedagogical knowledge.

c.        She is demonstrating a high level of ethics.

d.       She is demonstrating a reflective attitude.

 

Use the following vignette for Items 43 and 44:

 

Four teachers were talking in the teachers’ lounge.  “What are you doing?” Manuel asked.

                “I just got my Elementary School Journal today,” Juanita responded.  “They always have an article of two that help me.  This one has a good article on what we can do to get kids from disadvantaged backgrounds to be more conscientious about their work.  I work so hard, but I really need the help.”

                “Wow, impressive,” Manuel waved.  “How in the world do you have time to read journals?  I can barely keep my head about water with all the paperwork.”

                “Me, too,” said David, who was sitting nearby.  “Besides, there isn’t much we can do for some of these kids.  Doing extra reading isn’t going to help all that much.  I’d rather have someone tell me how to get to behave.”

                “It isn’t quite that bad,” Rey retorted.  “I know these kids have trouble, but we have to try as hard as possible to help them.”

 

43.     Based on the evidence in the vignette, the teacher who displayed behavior most characteristic of a professional was

a.        Manuel.

b.       Juanita.

c.        David.

d.       Rey.

 

44.     Based on the evidence in the vignette, the teacher who displayed behavior least characteristic of a professional was

a.        Manuel.

b.       Juanita.

c.        David.

d.       Rey.


45.     Kevin is a very difficult student.  In spite of using every technique you know, you have difficulty in preventing him from disrupting your class.  In response to your frustration with him, Jack, one of your colleagues, says, “I hate doing it, but sometimes we have no choice.  You simply have to put him down.  I had him last year, and embarrassing him was the only thing that worked.  You may have to go that far.”  Of the following what is the best assessment of Jack’s suggestion?

a.        His suggestion is consistent with teachers’ professional code of ethics, since one student doesn’t have the right to disrupt the learning for others.

b.       His suggestion is not consistent with teachers’ professional code of ethics, since the code says that a teacher “shall not intentionally expose the student to embarrassment.”

c.        His suggestion is consistent with teachers’ professional code of ethics, since the code says that “the education profession is vested by the public with a trust ad responsibility requiring the highest ideals of professional service.”

d.       His suggestion is not consistent with teachers’ professional code of ethics, since teachers are responsible for maintaining a safe and orderly classroom.

 

46.     “I’m going to use a paragraph,” Manuel Maniere thought as he started writing a vignette to illustrate the concept of adjectives.  “They think that adjectives are words that go just before nouns, and plus, they understand parts of speech better if they’re in context.  I’ll use exciting because it comes after a noun, and I’ll use running because it looks like a verb, and home looks like a noun.  Then I’ll use words like soon, very, and incredibly, as non-examples since they’re adverbs.”  The following is the paragraph he wrote to use in his lesson:

 

John and Karen drove together in his old car to the football game.  They soon met their very best friends, Latoya and Michael, at the large gate near the entrance.  The game was incredibly exciting, and because the team’s running game was in high gear, the home team won by a bare margin.

 

Of the following Manuel’s efforts best illustrate

a.        general pedagogical knowledge.

b.       professional ethics.

c.        knowledge of the profession.

d.       decision making.

 

Use the following vignette for Items 47 and 48:

 

Students at Baker County High School (BCHS) all have to pass the Comprehensive Assessment Measure (CAM), which focus on reading, writing, and math.  BCHS is “graded” on the students’ performance, and the school receives bonus funds from the state if BCHS students perform well on the CAM.  Students are not allowed to graduate from high school until they reach a prescribed level of performance on the measure.

 

  1. Of the following the CAM is best described as a(n)

a.        educational reform.

b.       type of accountability.

c.        high-stakes test.

d.       prescribed standard.

 

  1. Teachers at BCHS are responsible for students’ performance on the CAM.  Holding teachers responsible in this way best illustrates

a.        standards-based education.

b.       accountability.

c.        educational reform.

d.       teacher autonomy.


  1. Juan, a pre-service teacher, is in the process of collecting evidence of his work in schools.  He has a box into which he has put a lesson plan that he used when he taught a lesson in math, the examples he used to illustrate the topic he taught, a videotape of the lesson, and written feedback about the lesson from his directing teacher.  He is now in the process of doing the same thing in language arts and science.  Of the following which is the best description of Juan’s efforts?

a.        He is preparing pedagogical content knowledge.

b.       He is demonstrating accountability.

c.        He is responding to a high-stakes test.

d.       He is preparing a professional portfolio.

Extended-Response Items

 

  1. Identify the two most commonly cited reasons people give for choosing teaching as a career.  What is the most likely explanation for these reasons?  (4 points)

 

  1. Describe three different kinds of rewards in teaching.  Give a specific, concrete example of each.  (6 points)

 

  1. Describe two different difficulties in teaching.  Give a specific example of each.  (4 points)

 

  1. Describe the characteristics of a profession.  Provide an example that illustrates each of the characteristics.  (8 points)

 

  1. Describe each of the types of knowledge that teachers must possess to be effective.  Give a specific example of each.  (8 points)

 

  1. Take one of the following positions:  (1) teaching is a profession, or (2) teaching is not a profession.  Cite specific evidence in support of the position you take.  (8 points)

 

  1. Critics of high-stakes testing raise three issues with respect tot eh testing of cultural minorities.  Identify and explain the issues.  (6 points)