Question 1

The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) argued that _________ should "guarantee" educational programs, so everyone can graduate from high school.

Accepted Answer

State law is the correct answer because it is the only option that can guarantee educational programs. National law, local government, and school districts do not have the authority to guarantee educational programs.

Question 2

Organizational decisions regarding the implementation of innovations are most successful when

Accepted Answer

Decisions tailored to the specific context and needs of an individual school are more likely to address the unique challenges and opportunities present, leading to more successful implementation of innovations.

Question 3

A promising innovation designed to meet the needs of rural schools is

Accepted Answer

Distance education allows students in rural areas to access educational resources and instruction that may not be available locally, thus addressing the challenges of geographic isolation.

Question 4

Which of the following is essential to the success of school improvement and reform?

Accepted Answer

The understanding that any changes must take into consideration the unique contexts of the schools and the people in them, as well as an appreciation for the impact that that unique character will have on the opportunity for success, is essential to the success of school improvement and reform. This involves recognizing that each school has its own set of challenges and strengths, and that a one-size-fits-all approach is unlikely to be effective. School improvement and reform efforts must be tailored to the specific needs, resources, and contexts of each school.

Question 5

Which of the following is a characteristic of true school reform?

Accepted Answer

True school reform involves adaptive problem solving, leadership and shared agreements, and staff training, as all these elements contribute to effective and sustainable improvements in education.

Question 6

Magnet schools attract students through the use of

Accepted Answer

Magnet schools are designed to attract students with special instructional programs that are not typically offered in traditional public schools. These programs may focus on specific subjects such as science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), performing arts, or language immersion. The goal is to create a specialized learning environment that caters to the interests and talents of the students. Full-range athletic programs and promotions by the Parent Teacher Association may be offered at magnet schools, but they are not the primary attraction for students. Additionally, magnet schools may have a larger attendance boundary or draw students from across the city rather than having restructured attendance boundaries.

Question 7

Which of the following demonstrates an effective classroom management technique?

Accepted Answer

All three options demonstrate effective classroom management techniques. Clearly communicating expectations to the students helps them understand what is expected of them, which can decrease the chance of misbehavior. Rewards, when used appropriately, can reinforce positive behavior and help maintain classroom order. Designing tasks that draw on students' previous knowledge can help reduce confusion and help students engage with the material better, which can decrease the chance of disruptions. Therefore, all of the above choices are effective techniques for managing a classroom.

Question 8

Rosemary, a high-school principal, argues that so-called effective schools are difficult to achieve.She uses the following reasons to support her argument.Which is least defensible?

Accepted Answer

While it may be true that there are relatively few examples of highly successful school effectiveness projects, this does not necessarily mean that effective schools are difficult to achieve. A lack of examples may simply reflect a lack of knowledge about successful practices, rather than a fundamental difficulty in achieving success. In contrast, the other three reasons given -- that there is little agreement on a definition of school effectiveness, that no two schools have exactly the same improvement needs, and that schools are complex organizations that are difficult to change -- all speak to genuine challenges in achieving school effectiveness, and are therefore more defensible arguments against the idea that effective schools are easily attainable.

Question 9

Studies don't often concentrate on the achievements and effectiveness at a high school level because

Accepted Answer

High schools offer a variety of programs such as academic, vocational, and technical education which have different goals and make it difficult to reach conclusions.

Question 10

Huge philanthropic gifts of more than $100 million have been given to improve educational programs in many of America's largest cities by:

Accepted Answer

The answer of Huge philanthropic gifts of more than $100...

Question 11

The instructional approach that improves achievement through enhanced social and psychological services for students, emphasizes parent involvement, and encourages and supports active learning is

Accepted Answer

Comer's School Development Program focuses on improving student achievement by addressing social and psychological needs, involving parents, and promoting active learning.

Question 12

Most criticisms leveled at studies on the effectiveness of nonpublic schools have centered on

Accepted Answer

Criticisms of studies on nonpublic schools often focus on the research methods used, questioning their validity and reliability.

Question 13

___________ stimulate(s) student engagement in learning and allow(s) students a more active role in their own learning.

Accepted Answer

Questioning stimulates student engagement in learning and allows students a more active role in their own learning.

Question 14

"The future belongs to the nation that best educates its citizens." Who gave this candid quote about the educational system?

Accepted Answer

Barack Obama made this statement emphasizing the importance of education in shaping the future of a nation.

Question 15

Partnership or adopt-a-school programs enable schools to

Accepted Answer

Partnership or adopt-a-school programs are designed to allow schools to receive support and resources from external organizations or institutions, which can include financial assistance, volunteer support, or other resources.

Question 16

If one were to compare the problems of rural schools to those of other schools, one would find that

Accepted Answer

Rural schools often face problems similar to those in urban centers, such as poverty, inadequate infrastructure, and limited resources. However, solutions that have worked in urban schools may not be effective in rural communities due to differences in culture, geography, and resources. Additionally, rural schools may struggle with unique challenges such as declining populations and consolidation efforts.

Question 17

Critics feel direct instruction does not provide enough of which style of learning?

Accepted Answer

Direct instruction is a teaching method that emphasizes the direct transmission of knowledge from the teacher to the student. It is often used to teach basic skills and knowledge, and it can be effective for rote memorization. However, critics argue that direct instruction does not provide enough opportunities for high-order learning, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.

Question 18

The instructional approach advocated for education of the gifted emphasizes

Accepted Answer

The instructional approach for education of the gifted should include all of the above options to address the diverse needs and abilities of gifted students. Accelerated study may be appropriate for some gifted students who need to be challenged at a faster pace. Enrichment through independent study can provide opportunities for students to explore their interests and go beyond the standard curriculum. Individualized education programs can ensure that each gifted student has educational goals and experiences that address their unique strengths and challenges.

Question 19

Which of the following illustrates an "adaptive problem-solving" approach to school reform?

Accepted Answer

Adaptive problem-solving in school reform involves identifying and addressing specific issues that arise during the implementation of changes, such as a new curriculum. The "trouble-shooting" committee's role to identify and address difficulties directly aligns with this approach.

Question 20

Who developed the Higher-Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) Program?

Accepted Answer

Stanley Pogrow developed the Higher-Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) Program to enhance students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Quiz 16: School Effectiveness and Reform in the United States