NEW YORK STATE TEACHER
CERTIFICATION EXAMINATIONS

Preparation Guide:

Assessment of Teaching Assistant Skills (ATAS) 95:

Objectives:
Reading:
Understand the Meaning of General Vocabulary Words:
For Example:
* Determining the meaning of commonly Encouraged Words Presented in Context 
* Identifying Appropriate Synonyms or Antonyms for Words
* Recognizing the correct use of commonly misused pairs of words (e.g. their/there, to/too)

Understand the stated Main idea of a Reading Passage.

For Example:

*Identifying the Stated Main idea of a Passage

* Identifying the Topic Sentence of a Passage

* Recognizing introductory and Summary Statements of a Passage

* Selecting an Accurate Restatement of the Main Idea of a Passage

Understand the Sequence of Ideas in a Reading Passage.

For Example:

*Identifying the Order of Events or Steps Described in a Passage

* Organizing a set of instructions into their Proper Sequence

* Identifying Cause-and -Effect Relationships described in a Passage

Interpret Textual and Graphic Information:

For Example:

* Interpreting Information from Tables, Line Graphs, Bar Graphs, and Pie Charts

* Recognizing Appropriate Representations of Written Information in Graphic or Tabular Form

* Recognizing Differences Between Fact and Opinion

Writing

Understand the Standard use of Verbs.

For Example:

* Identifying Standard Subject-Verb Agreement (e.g. number, person)

* Identifying Verb Tense (e.g. present, past)

* Recognizing Consistency of Verb Tense (e.g. verb endings)

Understand the standards of Pronouns and Modifiers.
For Example:
* Identifying Agreement (e.g. Number, Gender, Person) between a Pronoun and its antecedent
* Using Possessive Pronouns (e.g. its vs. it's), Relative Pronouns (e.g. that, which), and Demonstrative Pronouns (e.g. this, that)
* Using Comparative and Superlative Modifiers (e.g. good/better/best)

Understand standard sentence structure and punctuation.

For Example:

• Distinguishing between Sentence Fragments and Complete Sentences
• Distinguishing between run-on sentences and correctly divided sentences identifying correct and incorrect Punctuation

Understand the standard use of capitalization and spelling.

For Example:

• Identifying standard Capitalization at the beginning of sentences
• Identifying standard capitalization of proper words and titles
• Recognizing standard spelling of commonly encountered words presented in context

Math

Understand Number Concepts.

For example:

• Identifying the Place Value of Digits (e.g. hundreds, tens, ones, tenths)
• Identifying correctly rounded numbers (e.g. to the nearest ten)
• Identifying equivalent weights and measures in different units 
• (e.g. feet and inches, quarts and pints, kilograms and grams)
•  Estimating the solution tot a Measurement Problem (e.g. Height, Distance, Perimeter)

Understand the Addition and Subtraction of Whole Numbers.

For Example:

• Solving Problems involving the Addition and Subtraction of Whole Numbers.
• Applying Principles of Addition and Subtraction of whole numbers to solve problems encountered in everyday life

Understand Multiplication and Division of whole numbers.

For example:

• Solving problems involving the Multiplication of whole numbers
• Solving problems involving the Division of whole numbers
• Applying principles of Multiplication and Division of whole numbers to solve problems encounter in everyday life

Understand operations involving Fractions, Decimals, and Percents.

For Example:

Solving problems involving conversions between Fractions, Decimals, and Percents

Instructional Support:

Understand classroom instruction related to Reading.

For Example:

* Providing support under the guidance of classroom teachers to match student needs styles of learning and background experiences (e.g. drilling, using pictorial or video materials, relating reading materials to real-life contexts)

* Helping students use instructional resources (e.g. dictionaries, encyclopedias, multimedia materials) to support reading

* Helping students use a variety of approaches to understand what they read (e.g. skimming, questioning to tap prior knowledge, monitoring understanding, reviewing, summarizing)

* Gathering information about students' progress as readers to support the teacher's planning, assessment and instruction

Writing:

For Example:

* Understanding Drafting, Editing, and proofreading written work

* Helping students focus their writing

*Helping students use instructional resources (e.g. dictionaries, grammar books, library resources, technological resources) to support writing

* Gathering information about students' progress as writers to support the teacher's planning, assessment and instruction

Math:

* Relating Mathematics to everyday situations

*Identifying and correcting basic errors in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division

* Helping students use instructional resources (e.g. hands-on materials, rulers, Money, Charts, Graphs, technological resources) to support Mathematical Learning

* Gathering information about students' progress in mathematics to support the teacher's planning, assessment, and instruction

Understand the meaning of General Vocabulary Words:

Q.1. Read the sentence below, taken from the fourth paragraph of the passage; then complete the exercise that follows.

Learning to win graciously is just as important as learning to be a good loser.

Select the best definition of the word graciously as it is used in the sentence above.

Ans: courteously

Q.2. What is the topic sentence of the passage?

Ans: Children can benefit greatly from learning how to play chess

Q.3. According to the passage, how do children develop social skills while playing chess?

Ans: By learning how to behave appropriately whether they win or lose a game

Verbs

Q.4. Which sentence is in the present tense?

Ans: Melissa asks for a little more sugar in her tea

Q6. Choose the best word to complete the sentence below.

The new principal, ------------- speaks four languages, has some exciting ideas to suggest.

Ans: who

Sentence Structure & Punctuation

Q.7. Which of the following is not a complete sentence?

Ans: The usual standards for evaluation

Capitalization & Spelling

Q.8. Which word is spelled incorrectly?

Ans: Criticism

Number Concepts

Q.9. How many cm are in 7 meters?

Ans: 700

Addition & Subtraction of Whole Numbers

Q.10. A cashier has $42 in his cash drawer at the beginning of his shift. During his shift, he collects $815. How much money is in his drawer at the end of his shift?

Ans: $857

Multiplication & Division of Whole Numbers

Q.11. What is the remainder when 53 is divided by 9?

Ans: 8

Fractions, Decimals & Percents

Q.12. What is 60% written as a fraction?

Ans: 3/5

Classroom Instruction Related to Reading

Q.13. A teaching assistant in a second-grade class is taking a small group of students to the school library to find information needed to complete an assignment on whales. Which of the following would be the best way for the teaching assistant to help the students with their project?

Ans: Have the students choose information resources on their own, and help them use the resources to complete their assignments.

Instruction Related to Writing

Q.14. Ms. Perrotta, a teaching assistant in a seventh-grade English class, has been asked to supervise a small group of students while they each edit the first drafts of short stories they are writing based on personal experiences. Which of the following pieces of information would be most helpful for Ms. Perrotta to provide to the teacher about the students' work during this session?

Ans: What kinds of help the students needed

Instruction Related to Mathematics:

Q.15. Mr. Barry has just introduced his third-grade class to the concept of division. After several days, most of the students seem to have grasped the concept, but Louisa is still confused. Mr. Barry asks Mr. Salem, his teaching assistant, to help Louisa. Which of the following approaches would best help Louisa understand the basic idea of division?

Ans: Have Louisa separate a large pile of pennies into smaller piles of equal numbers.

Making Real-World Connections

Many teachers are all too familiar with the question, "But how will we use this in real life?" While the question may be asked more in math classes, and the answer may be less intuitive than in other classes (classes such as language or computer programming have more obvious real-world applications), teachers of any class should take frequent opportunity to make real-world connections. It is important for teachers to explain why learning matters to students, connecting student knowledge to the real world so they will remain engaged and be empowered to use their knowledge.

Answering the infamous question with "because it's part of the curriculum" abets students in their inclination to tune out what they see as meaningless instruction. Likewise, giving a perfunctory response is unlikely to inspire students to pay attention and work hard. While it may seem like a waste of precious classroom time, discussing real-life applications is an integral part of teaching.

It is helpful to began a lesson with this application to capture the interest of students. Even the most impassive student may become excited when he realizes how this knowledge could affect him or her personally. There are several steps a teacher can take to integrate this into the lesson. First, he or she should research before class and come prepared with examples and/or visual aids to demonstrate. Second, the teacher should encourage students to think of their own examples before giving an explanation. The more students invest in heir own learning, the more they will learn and the better they will retain. Third, the teacher can guide discussion, adding his or her prepared examples and making sure the whole class is making the connection. In some cases, a fourth step can be assigning research projects, allowing students to explore more in depth connections between the subject material and the real world.

Of course, some subjects are more difficult to connect than others. A student struggling with geometric proofs may grumble at what he or she sees as an egregious waste of time. a teacher can point out that these training logical thinking that can be employed in a variety of careers such as law.

Q. 1. As used in the first sentence of the second paragraph, what is the meaning of the word abets?

Ans: supports

To abet is a transitive verb (it takes an object) meaning to support, help, or facilitate, typically relative to a crime or other wrongdoing.

Q.2. Which of the following words can be used as an antonym for the word egregious, as seen in the second sentence of the final paragraph?

Ans: Concealed

Egregious is an adjective meaning outstandingly bad, blatant, flagrant, or extreme.

Q.3. Of these choices, which one is most synonymous with the term impassive, as seen in the second sentence of the third paragraph?

Ans: Unfeeling

Impassive is an adjective meaning unfeeling, emotionless, not suffering, or serene and calm.

Q.4. Which of the following is an antonym for the word perfunctory, as used in the second sentence of the second paragraph?

Ans: Through

Perfunctory means routine, hasty or superficial as opposed to thorough.

Q.5. Which part of this text best defines its main idea?

Ans: The third sentence

The third sentence, which is the final sentence in the first paragraph, defines the main idea of the text. 

Q.6. What is most accurate about this piece regarding overall main idea and overall summary sentence?

Ans: The piece has a main idea but is missing a summary sentence.

The main idea can be found in the last sentence of the first paragraph. 

Q. 7. Where in this article is an introductory statement?

Ans: The first sentence

The first sentence introduces the topic.

Q.8. In this article, where can a summary statement of its content be found?

Ans: It has no such statement

Some informational texts include summary statements and some do not.

Q.9. Which of the following best restates the main idea of the text?

Ans: Teachers should make real-world connections with what students are learning.

This is the most accurate restatement of the main idea. 

Q.10. According to the text, what is the first step a teacher can do to integrate real-world application their lessons?

Ans: Research prior to class and prepare examples an visual aids

In the third paragraph, the text identifies three steps for integrating real-world connections with student learning. The first step is to research before class and bring examples and visual aids to share with students.

Q.11. Which of the following examples is given of a subject that can be more difficult to connect to the real world?

Ans: Geometric proofs

The last paragraph states that some subjects, such as geometric proofs, are more difficult to connect to the real world.  

Q.12. What two benefits do all students receive from integrating real-world connections, according to the article?

Ans:   Staying engaged with the lesson, being empowered to use their knowledge

According to the first paragraph, students are benefited by remaining engaged and being empowered to use their knowledge.

Q.13. According to the article, why is giving a short answer and redirecting back to the lesson an insufficient response to the question, "How will we use this in real life?"

Ans: They are unlikely to pay attention and work hard if they do not know why.

Q.14. According to the selection, what is the final , optional step a teacher should take in implementing real-world connections?

Ans: Assigning research projects

Q.15. What type of article is this?

Ans: Process

[ This is a process, or how-to, essay. The author describes the process of integrating real-world connections in student learning. ]

Q.16. What is the author's tone?

Ans: none

[ The author is writing in a serious, calm tone, expressing the importance of real world connections and giving practical advice.

Q.17. What is the best time during the lesson to make real-world connections, according to the article?

Ans: At the beginning

[The third paragraph states that the connection should be made at the beginning of the lesson to capture the interest of the students.

Q.18. Which of the following organizational principles is most applicable to this piece?

Ans: Topical order 

 

Q.19. Oral reading fluency goals are 114 WCPM by the end of 3rd grade, 118 WCPM by the end of 4th grade, and 128 WCPM by the end of 5th grade. How do Alice's scores relate to these goals?

Ans: Alice's reading fluency was below 4th and 3rd grade levels beginning 4th grade.

Q.20. What overall trend in Alice's assessment scores does this graph indicate?

Ans: Ascending

Q.21. When did Alice get a lower score on the reading fluency assessment than in the prior month?

Ans: January 2015

Q.22. What do the graph and the information above it show about Alice's oral reading fluency from the end of 4th grade to the beginning of 5th grade?

Ans: Alice maintained her oral reading fluency level over the summer

Q.23. By how many points did Alice's reading score change from September 2014 to September 2015?

Ans: 20 points

Q.24. Why doesn't the gentleman's pride offend Miss Lucas?

Ans: He is handsome and rich

Q.25. What are Elizabeth's feelings towards the gentleman?

Ans: She is offended by him

Q.26. Which sentence best states the theme of this passage?

Ans: Every person is proud in one way or another.

Theme is a message or lesson conveyed by a written text. The message is usually about life, society or human nature. This particular excerpt is exploring pride as it relates to human nature. Mary's observations on pride are the best summary of the theme of this passage. "By all that I have ever read, I am convinced that it is very common indeed, that human nature is particularly prone to it."

Q.27. according to the passage, what is the difference between pride and vanity?

Ans: Pride is what you think of yourself; vanity is what you want others to think of you

Q.28. Which of the following sentences uses the future progressive  (future continuous) verb tense?

Ans: We will all the attending the convention

Q.29. In which of these choices is the past perfect verb tense found?

Ans: I had never heard of that before yesterday

Q.30. Which of the following sentences uses the past tense?

Ans: We hoped for the best while we prepared for the worst

Q.31. What choice conjugates the verb in the present perfect tense?

Ans: I have given him his gift before his birthday for years now

Q.32. Which of the following includes a verb in the present progressive tense?

Ans: Their youngest child is beginning school this year

Q.33. Among the following, which sentence uses the verb in the present tense?

Ans: You are the best friend to her among her friends

Q.34. Of these choices, which one conjugates the verb in the future tense?

Ans: Vanessa will help you  with that.

Q.35. The future perfect verb tense appears in which of these choices?

Ans: By his next birthday, we will have been friends for 20 years

Q.36. In which of the following are all of the verb tense endings consistent?

Ans: We had two tables until Sandra brought two more.

Q.37. The pronoun agrees with its antecedent in which of these choices?

Ans: The person who should know this is I.

Q. 38. Correct pronoun-antecedent agreement is demonstrated in which sentence?

Ans: Sheila would like you to accompany her

Q.40. Which version of the sentence below is correct?

Ans: I remember the man who sold me that car

Q.41. The correct sentence is which of the following?

Ans: I want this color I am holding, not this one you have there.

Q.42. Of the following, which is the correct superlative form of the adjective "thorough?"

Ans: Most thorough

Q.43. Which of these would be correct in formal written English?

Ans: "Our next meeting needs to be far quieter."

Q.44. Which of the examples below is a complete sentence?

Ans: I have never witnessed anything like that.

Q.45. Of the following sentences, which is/are divided correctly?

Ans: I am so sorry; I know you loved him so much, and you must miss him dearly.

Q.46. In which of the following versions is all of the punctuation correct?

Ans: "What ," he queried, "am I supposed to think?"

Q.47. What version of the sentence below is written correctly?

Ans: She is sick, she needs help. We will go help her now.

Q.48. Which version of the sentence below correctly uses all words included?

Ans: They will accept all applications except those submitted late.

Q.49. Of these choices, which uses the correct verb?

Ans: "Does an appetizer forego the entree?"

Forego = to precede or go before something.

Q.50. Among the following, which version of this sentence spells all words correctly?

Ans: It's surprising how many people confuse its spelling

Q.51. Which of these sentences is correct and has not confused one word with another?

Ans: "They founded the organization for dual purposes."

Q.52. Which of the following uses correct capitalization?

Ans: We were excited to see the Carnegie Museum's new exhibit.

Q.53. Among the following, which sentence uses correct capitalization?

Ans: We invited her, but Mother did not want to attend.

Q.54. In which version of this sentence are all word meanings and spellings correct?

Ans: The sneak peek had piqued my interest; the trailer has made my curiosity peak

Q.55. In which place value is the digit 3 in 457.3?

Ans: Tenths

Q.56. What is 6,709 rounded to the nearest ten?

Ans: 6,710

Q.57. What is 2,077 rounded to the nearest thousand?

Ans: 2,000

Q.58. How many feet are in 2 miles if there are 5,280 feet in mile?

Ans: 10,560

Q.59. The length of a rectangular room is 11.8 meters and the width is 7.9 meters. Which of the following the best estimate for the perimeter of the room to the nearest whole meter?

Ans: 96 m

Q. 60.  A rectangle has a length of 1299 cm and a width of 725cm. Round each length to the nearest hundred cm and estimate the area of the rectangle.

Ans: 1,040,000cm2

Q.61.Frnaklin has $234 in his checking account. He deposits checks in the amounts of $52, $121, and $32 How much money does he have in his checking account after the deposits?

Ans: $440 

Q.62. A fruit vendor has 52 mangoes, 88 kiwis, 48 pineapples, and 45 papayas. How many pieces does the vendor have?

Ans: 233

Q.64. What is 400,000 - 382789?

Ans: 17,211

Q.65. marcie has $860 in her checking account. She deposits her paycheck of $525. Then she pays 1 following bills;: rent $495, cell phone $55, and car insurance $110. What is the new balance of the checking account?

Ans: $725

Q.66. Mr. Carlson has $540 in his checking account and then deposits a check for $762. Then he purchases gasoline for $50 and groceries for $132 using checks. What is the new balance in checking account?

Ans: $1120

Q.67. What is 2 x 5 x 0 x 1 x 3?

Ans: 0

Q.68. A case of canned corn has 2 layers. Each layer contains 4 rows of 6 cans. How many cans of does one case contain?

Ans: 48 cans

[ The number of cans in a case is equal to the product of the number of cans in a layer and the number of layers. Each layer contains 4 rows of 6 cans, or 24 cans (4 x 6 = 24). The case contains two layers which has a total of 2 x 24 = 48 cans]

Q.69. What is the remainder when 64 is divided by 7?

Ans: 1

Q.70. A supplier is shipping 6,720 pineapples. If the pineapples are divided evenly between 280  

how many pineapples are in each crate?

Ans: 24 pineapples

Q.71. If 24 pineapples are packed in a crate, how many pineapples are in 535 crates?

Ans: 12,840

Q.72. Mr. Beauchamp travels 265 miles in 5 hours. What is his average rate of travel in miles per hour?

Ans: 53 mph

Q.74. What percent is equivalent to 4/5?

Ans: 80%

Q.75. Lola went shopping for some new clothes. She bought a dress for $68.99, a new jacket for $79.00 And three pairs of shoes for $45.49 each. What was the total cost?

Ans: $284.46

Q.76. Ms. Schwartz works as a teacher's aide for 6.5 hours a day. If she earns $8.50 per hour, how         much does Ms. Schwartz earn in 45 days?

Ans: $2,486.25

Q.77. The label on a t-shirt reads 85% cotton. If the remainder is polyester, what percent of the 

           t-shirt polyester?

Ans: 15%

Q.79. If McKenna eats 2/3 of a chicken club sub, what percent of the sub did she eat?

Ans: 66 2/3 % 

Q.80 Convert 0.45 to a fraction.

Ans: 9/20

Q.81. Convert 72.5% to a fraction.

Ans: 29/40

Q.82. A teacher has several ELL students whose families recently immigrated to the US. They had little or no formal education in their native countries and helped their parents by doing physical and manual labor. They are unfamiliar with reading for instruction or enjoyment. Which strategy should the teacher use?

Ans: Give them reading about things familiar to them from their lives.

Q.83. A teacher's assistant works with students under the teacher's guidance. Which of the following learning materials or topics would be most amenable to the assistant's use of drilling instruction?

Ans: The Dolce list of sight words

[The Dolce Sight words list contains words with irregular spellings. Because these lack letter sound (phonic) relationships, students must simply memorize them, supported by drilling.

Q.84. One feature of dictionaries is syllabication, i.e. divisions of each word into its syllables. What is true about this feature?

Ans: Students may not need this feature when using word processing software.

Q.85. Which of the following is the best example of multimedia instructional materials to support reading?

Ans: Interactive, audiovisual, touchscreen text

Q.86. What is most accurate about the instructional strategy of asking questions of students about their reading?

Ans: Students can more readily relate learning to existing knowledge

Q.87. Research finds explicit instruction best for teaching reading comprehension strategies. Which is the proper sequence for a teacher to implement these explicit instruction steps?

Ans: Direct explanation, modeling, guided practice, application

Q.88. Curriculum-based measurement (CBM) is a prominent research-based method for monitoring K-12 student reading progress. In one technique, teachers assess 4th or 5th graders using passages with every seventh word missing, and three choices to fill each black with only one choice making sense. Students read and fill in blanks for three minutes, and the number they get correct is their score.

Ans: CBM maze fluency

Q.89. In terms of supporting a teacher's assessment design, which of the following should a teacher do that best reflects the relationship of gathering student progress monitoring information to writing tests?

Ans: Write the tests as informed by progress monitoring and lesson plans

Q.90. What is true about the proofreading stage of student writing and computer word processing software spell-check and grammar-check features?

Ans: Students cannot rely on word processors to correct for parallel structure or subject-verb agreement.

Q. 91. "Writing features such as organizational structure, elaborative details, and sentence types -------- the focus of writing." Which term completes this sentence most correctly?

Ans: reinforce

Q.92. Principles of effective writing instruction include allotting enough time for systematic writing opportunities and teaching discourse knowledge (e.g. text structure, linguistic features). Among additional principles, which is most related to using writing to improve reading comprehension?

Ans: Cross-curricular integration.

Q.93. Researchers find that proper progress monitoring improves communication of student progress raises teachers' expectations of students' performance. What else have they found?

Ans: It decreases referrals to special education testing

Q.94. In which application of geometry to everyday situations would a student need to use pi?

Ans: Calculating the area of the circular music room in the school.

{ The geometric formula for calculating a circle's area is A = πr² where A = area and r = radius. π is a number whose decimal places extend indefinitely without resolution to a whole number; it equals approximately 3.14159. }

Q.95. A student is struggling to understand counting by tens. 

           Which of the following would be most helpful?

Ans: Separating a pile of pennies into stacks of 10 to count

Q.96. A student is calculating the cost of a vacation. She is researching the cost of gas, lodging, meals and state park entrance fees and adding everything to find the total cost. What kind of math is she using?

Ans: Arithmetic

Q.97. Which of the following problems illustrate the importance of memorizing multiplication table in elementary school?

Ans: Jen bought six books at $7 each. How much did she pay?

Q.98. In algebra, students must use known __________ to find unknown __________.

Ans: constants; variables

Q.99. Which instructional resources are typically most useful for teaching early math concepts to the youngest students?

Ans: Hands-on materials

Q.100. According to experts, the greatest deficiencies in tools for monitoring student progress in mathematics exist at which educational levels?

Ans: High school grades

[ As of 2008, researchers had observed that some curriculum-based measurement (CBM) resources for monitoring progress with basic math computation in grades 1 - 6 were available, only one publisher.]

NYSTCE Assessment of Teaching Assistant Skills (ATAS)

Q.1. Read the sentence below; then answer the question that follows.

Even careful, intelligent readers can sometimes be deceived by statistical evidence.

Select the word that has the same meaning as the word deceived in the sentence above.

Ans: misled

Q.2. In which sentence is the underlined word used correctly?

Ans: The new high school principal will address the student body tomorrow.

Q.3. In which sentence is the underlined word used correctly?

Ans: Mary is slowly getting accustomed to her new role.

Q.4. Read the passage below; then answer the question that follows.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was the most significant civil rights measure enacted since Reconstruction. Congress finally passed the measure only after months of debate and intense lobbying by a wide range of interest groups. In addition to setting new standards, it contained sanctions that could be used to enforce those standards. One provision outlawed racial, religious, and sexual discrimination in both the workplace and public facilities. Another provision authorized the federal government to bring suit against segregated schools and public facilities. The act also declared that if a federal program was found to operate in a discriminatory manner, funding for that program could be cut off.

What is the topic sentence of the passage?

Ans: Congress finally passed the measure only after months of debate and intense lobbying by a wide range of interest groups.

Q.5. Read the passage below; then answer the question that follows.

One day in the late 1950s, Omar Knedlik, the owner of a Dairy Queen in Coffeeville, Kansas, found himself trying to deal with a broken soda machine. Needing something to serve customers, he stuck several soda bottles in the freezer. The substitute drink proved more popular than Knedlik could possibly have anticipated. Not only did people find the nearly frozen sodas satisfactory, but they asked for more. To meet customer demand, Knedlik invented a machine capable of producing ready-to-pour, slushy drinks. Over time, the drink became so popular that Knedlik sold the machine to the 7-Eleven store chain, which renamed the drink the Slurpee and took it nationwide. Since then, more than six billion Slurpee have been sold.

Which sentence best restates the main idea of the passage?

Ans: The slushy drink sold in convince stores today is the result of 50 years of invention, enterprise, and marking.

Q.6. Read the passage below; then answer the question that follows.

Although problem solving is rarely easy, there are ways to avoid unnecessary difficulties. To be an effective problem solver, you must begin by defining the problem carefully. Then divide the problem into manageable parts before gathering relevant data. After assessing the information you have collected, you are ready to propose solutions, each of which must be carefully evaluated. The best of these solutions can then be applied to the problem.

According to the passage, what should one do immediately after dividing a problem into manageable parts?

Ans: collecting data related to the problem.

Q.7. Read the passage below; then answer the question that follows.

Meetings that are conducted according to parliamentary procedure follow a straightforward, logical pattern. After the chairperson calls the meeting to order, the roll is taken and the minutes of the last meeting are read. The reports of standing committees are submitted, followed by the reports of special committees. The group next addresses any unfinished business from the previous meeting, after which the floor is opened to new business. Finally, there are announcements and other miscellaneous matters. The chairperson then brings the meeting to a close by asking for a motion to adjourn.

Which of the following lists puts the first three steps of parliamentary procedure into the correct order?

Ans: 1) taking the roll

2) reading the minutes of the last meeting

3) hearing reports of standing and special committees

Q.8. Read the passage below; then answer the question that follows.

Although delegates to the Constitutional Convention had many shared interests, they did not immediately achieve consensus on all matters. One of the most controversial issues to arise at the convention concerned representation. Speaking for the large states, James Madison submitted a proposal that called for a two-house legislature in which representation would be based on population.

The small states much preferred an alternative proposal from William Paterson of New Jersey that called for a one-house legislature in which each state would have a single vote. For obvious reasons, the large states objected to Paterson's scheme just as strongly as the small states had to Madison's plan.

There was plainly a need for compromise. After considerable debate, Roger Sherman of Connecticut conceived yet another plan. It would establish a two-house legislature in which each state had two senators in the upper house, and in which representation in the lower house would be based on population. Although Sherma's proposal did not make everyone happy, it did represent a genuine compromise that gave something to both large and small states. This proved to be enough, and a majority of delegates approved the plan.

Read the sentence below, taken from the first paragraph of the passage; then answer the question that follows.

Although delegates to the Constitutional Convention had many shared interests, they did not immediately achieve consensus on all matters.

Which word is closest in meaning to the word consensus as it is used in the sentence above?

Ans: agreement

Q.9. What is the topic sentence of the passage?

Ans: One of the most controversial issues to arise at the convention concerned representation.

Q.10. according to the passage, why did Roger Sherman's plan prove acceptable to a majority of delegates at the convention?

Ans: The plan had something in it for both the large states and the small states.

Read the passage below; then answer the question that follows.

If you have ever been snorkeling or swimming in the ocean and have come upon a sea turtle, you know that they are magnificent creatures. Varying in size from 65 to 2,000 pounds, sea turtles are remarkably graceful. When underwater, they glide above the ocean floor like dancers. With their strong flippers, they are able to travel great distances. But this magical creature is now endangered.

One reason for their decline is the development of beaches on which turtles nest. Not only does beach lighting confuse turtles coming ashore at night to lay their eggs, but compacted beach sand makes it difficult or impossible for turtles to dig nests in the first place. In addition, tourists often drop trash and other items on the sand that get washed into the ocean, where turtles mistake the debris for food.

Ocean population is another cause of the fall in turtle populations. Oil spills are often deadly for sea turtles that swallow the petroleum. Nearly as bad is the runoff from sewage and fertilizers. This causes algae growth, which creates an imbalance in the life cycles of other ocean plants and destroys the sea grasses on which turtles feed. A final threat is the likelihood of increased global warming. As sea levels rise, turtles will lose even more of their nesting areas.

Human beings are responsible for all these developments, and only they can take the steps necessary to preserve sea turtles from extinction. We can do so in part by participating in local initiatives such as beach clean-up projects. At the same time, we need to address the larger problems of the pollution of our air and oceans. Sea turtles are unusual and beautiful creatures, and if we make the right choices, they will be here for centuries to come.

  

Q.11. Read the sentence below, taken from the first paragraph of the passage; then answer the question that follows.

Varying in size from 65 to 2,000 pounds, sea turtles are remarkably graceful.

Which word is closest in meaning to the word remarkably as it is used in the sentence above?

Ans: surprisingly

Q.12. Which sentence from the passage best expresses the main idea of the passage?

Ans: Human beings are responsible for all these developments, and only they can take the steps necessary to preserve sea turtles from extinction.

Q.13. According to the passage, the runoff from sewage and fertilizers has contributed to the decline of sea turtle populations by:

Ans: destroying an important food source.

Q.14. Read the passage below; then answer the question that follows.

Willard Wigan has been an artist for over 40 years, and everything he has created can fit into a single matchbook. Although the subjects of his sculptures are ordinary, their dimensions unvariably lead people to gasp in delight. Most of his works are unbelievably small, crafted to fit on the head of a pin or inside the eye of a needle. His rendering of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfts is significantly smaller than the period at the end of this sentence.

wigan's sculptures are so small that they are impossible to duplicate, either by hand or by machine. It takes the artist weeks or even months of painstaking labor to create just one of his miniscule figures.

He shapes the figures out of minute metal shavings and miniscule pieces of nylon thread. For tools, he works with a tiny hook made of tungsten and a sliver of broken diamond wedged onto the tip of a needle to create a miniature scalpel. He claims to work between heartbeats to avoid ruining a sculpture with the pulse of his finger. Wigan says that painting the miniatures provides the greatest challenge. For this, he uses a hair plucked from the head of a housefly and dipped in thinned-down oil.

One problem posed by Wigan's art is the challenge of preservation. No one has ever had to worry about preserving artwork that can scarcely be seen. Should an effective way of doing so be found, wigan's art may well take its place among the Great Pyramids and other human creations that defied the technological constraints of their time. Although it may be hard to imagine a matchbook becoming a major tourist attraction, it would not be the first time that Willard Wigan has defied everyone's expectations.

Read the sentence below, taken from the second paragraph of the passage; then answer the question that follows.

Wigan's sculptures are so small that they are impossible to duplicate, either by hand or by machine.

Select the word that has the same meaning as the word duplicate as it is used in the sentence above.

Ans: reproduce

Q.15. Which sentence best summarizes the main idea of the passage?

Ans: Willard Wigan produces unique sculptures using materials and techniques that both amaze and delight those who see his works.

Q.16. Which sentence correctly identifies a cause-and-effect relationship described in the passage?

Ans: The small size of Wigan's sculptures makes them difficult to preserve.

Q.17. Read

In the Western world, the tradition of bathing began in ancient Egypt, where records describe baths for hygiene and the use of soaps to treat skin conditions. Both the Greeks and the people of Create also had bathing facilities, but it was the Romans who transformed the practice into a high art. In facilities large enough to accommodate 6,000 bathers, Romans heated bathwater via hot air piped through ducts under raised marble floors. people from all walks of life came to wash off the sweat and dirt of the day and to soak aching or injured bones and muscles. Roman public baths not only included sports facilities and swimming pools but libraries and restaurants as well.

After encountering Roman-style public baths in Syria, seventh-century Arabs exchanged their traditional cold-water baths for warm water bathing. Arab facilities, called hammams, were smaller than Roman public baths and featured pools with running water, many of which took advantage of natural hot springs to heat the water. Like the Romans, the Arabs also provided facilities for study, lounging, and eating.

In Europe, early medieval people tended to avoid public bathing. The emperor Charlemagne briefly popularized the practice in the eighth century, but it would be another 800 years or so before the medicinal benefits of bathing were widely recognized. by the nineteenth century, Arab style hammams had become popular. These "Turkish baths," as Europeans called them reportedly cured gout, cholera, constipation, fever, and baldness, among other ailments.

In modern times, the bathtub or shower has become a universal fixture in Western households. Although a resurgence of public bathing does not seem likely, people are increasingly adding whirlpools, hot tubs, and saunas to their homes. Today, as in the past, bathing is enjoyed for its relaxing effects on the body, as well as for its hygienic and healing properties.

Read the sentence below, taken from the fourth paragraph of the passage; then answer the question that follows.

Today, as in the past, bathing is enjoyed for its relaxing effects on the body, as well as for its hygienic and healing properties.

Select the word that has the opposite meaning of the word hygienic as it is used in the sentence above.

Ans: unclean

Q.18. Which sentence is the summary statement of the passage?

Ans: Today, as in the past bathing is enjoyed for its relaxing effects on the body, as well as for its hygienic and healing properties.

Q.19. According to the passage, what happened first?

Ans: the adoption of bathing as a means of maintaining personal cleanliness.

Q.80. A teacher assistant will be working with a small group of fourth-grade students who have good basic reading skills but demonstrate weak reading comprehension of content-area texts. Which of the following instructional strategies would be most effective for the teaching assistant to use to help the students improve their reading comprehension of content-area texts?

Ans: Preview key terms and concepts from the texts with the students prior to their reading.

Q.81. A first-grade teacher regularly selects high-quality fiction and non-fiction books for the teaching assistant to read aloud to the class. The teaching assistant is aware that several students in the class have limited oral vocabulary and language skills. Which of the following strategies would be most important for the teaching assistant to use when reading aloud a book to ensure that the activity addresses the needs of these students?

Ans: Provide explicit explanations of new words and opportunities for students to hear and use the words during discussions about the book.

Q.82. A fifth-grade student asks a teacher assistant for help conducting online research for an environmental science project. The student typed the words renewable energy in a search engine and is not sure what to so next because the search yielded so many results. which of the following strategies suggested by the teaching assistant would help the student use this instructional resource more effectively?

Ans: Enter some additional key words in the search engine to narrow the scope of your search.

Q.83. Students in a sixth-grade social studies class need to gather recent information about an assigned country (e.g. population, exports, important national events). Which of the following resources would be most appropriate for the teaching assistant to recommend that the students use for this purpose?

Ans: an almanac

Q.85. After reading a chapter in his science textbook, an eighth grader asks a teaching assistant for guidance in locating the answers to the end of chapter questions. Which of the following reading strategies would be most appropriate for the student to use for the purpose?

Ans: Note the key words used in a given question and then scan the chapter to find the section that focuses on these words.

NYSTCE

EAS Educating ALL Students Test (201) Secrets Study Guide:

Chapter-1

Diverse Student Populations

Understanding Students' Diverse Backgrounds And Needs:
Self-Education:

Educating oneself on students' diverse backgrounds and needs enhances one's overall understanding of their students and creates a culturally sensitive, accepting classroom environment tailored to students' individual needs. There are several avenues through which teachers should educate themselves in an effort to build an accepting and respectful classroom climate. Communication is key for learning about diversities; thus, it is important for teachers to foster and maintain positive communications with students' families to deepen understanding of cultures, beliefs, lifestyles, and needs that exist within their classroom. This could include learning some language of students with different cultural backgrounds, attending family nights at school, or participating in social events within their students' communities to integrate themselves into the culture. Furthermore, teachers can learn more about their students' backgrounds and needs through gaining an understanding of student differences, incorporating these diversities into the curriculum, and encouraging students to participate in learning by sharing aspects of their lives with the class.

Q.1. Why communication is key for learning about students?

Teaching, Learning, and Classroom Climate Benefits:

A deep understanding of students' diverse backgrounds and needs provides multiple benefits for teaching, learning, and overall classroom climate. Knowledge of students' diversities allows teachers to understand the individual needs and abilities of their students, and tailor instruction accordingly to maximize student development and achievement. Additionally, it allows teachers to know which authentic materials to incorporate in lessons and instructions to best create an engaging, relevant, and respectful learning experience that fosters student interest in learning and promotes success. Furthermore, by enhancing understanding of students' diverse backgrounds and needs, teachers consequently begin to model an attitude of inclusivity, acceptance, and respect for differences, which is then reflected by students and achieves a positive, welcoming classroom climate that promotes diversity.

Q.2. What allows teachers to understand the individual needs their students?

Implications For teaching, Learning, and Assessment in Diverse Classrooms:

In any classroom, a teacher will encounter a wide range of variances among individual students that inevitably will influence teaching, learning, and assessment. Diversities in ethnicity, gender, language background, and learning exceptionality will likely exist simultaneously in a single classroom. Educators must be prepared to teach to these diversities while concurrently teaching students the value and importance of diversity. The curriculum and classroom environment must be adjusted to meet individual student needs and create an inclusive, respectful, and equitable environment that welcomes differences and allows for success in learning. This begins with the teacher developing an understanding of the unique diversities that exist within their students and using this knowledge to differentiate curriculum, materials, activities, and assessments in such a way that students of all needs, interests, backgrounds, and abilities feel encouraged and included. Furthermore, the teacher must understand how to instill appropriate support to accommodate the diverse needs of students, as well as how to modify the classroom environment in such a way that is reflective of the diversity of the students.

Considerations For Teaching in Diverse Classrooms:

Ethnically-Diverse Classrooms:

As society becomes increasingly diverse, teachers will certainly encounter classrooms with students of multiple ethnicities. Thus, to create an accepting and respectful classroom environment that allows for success in learning for all students, there are several factors to consider. Teachers are must educate themselves on the various ethnicities within their classroom. This includes being mindful of social norms, values, beliefs, traditions, and lifestyles of different ethnic groups, and learning to communicate with students and families in a respectful, culturally sensitive manner. Additionally, the teacher must make a conscious effort to incorporate aspects of each ethnicity into the curriculum, activities, and classroom environment to create an inclusive atmosphere that teaches the acceptance , respect for, and celebration of differences. Teachers must be culturally competent within the classroom in a respectful, unbiased manner. Furthermore, teachers must consider how their own ethnicity impacts their teaching style and interactions with students, how they may be perceived by other ethnic groups, and how to respond in a manner that fosters respect and inclusivity.

Gender-Diverse Classrooms:

When approaching a gender-diverse classroom, teachers need to consider their perceptions, interactions with, and expectations of different genders, as well a how the classroom environment and materials portray gender differences. Teachers must work to eliminate possible stereotypical beliefs so all students feel respected accepted, and encouraged to participate. Furthermore, teachers must consider how their behavior acts as a model for how students perceive gender roles and should act in a way that eliminates gender divisiveness. Teachers should use gender-neutral language when addressing students and ensure that all students receive equal attention. Teachers must maintain equal academic and behavioral expectations between genders and be sure to equally praise and discipline students so that neither gender feels superior or inferior to another. Regarding curriculum and classroom materials, teachers must ensure that the classroom environment encourages equal participation in, access to, and choice of all activities and procedures. Activities and materials should provide equal opportunities and foster collaboration between genders. Furthermore, teachers must ensure that curriculum materials avoid gender stereotypes, and highlight each gender equally in order to create an accepting and respectful learning environment that provides equal opportunities for students of all genders to develop their individual identities and abilities.

Linguistically Diverse Classrooms:

In a linguistically diverse classroom, teachers must consider how to effectively demonstrate value for students' native languages while simultaneously supporting the development of necessary language skills to thrive in the school setting. By accepting and encouraging students to use their native languages, teachers can establish an inclusive learning environment that celebrates linguistic differences, and therefore, encourages students to want to build upon their language skills. Through this, teachers create an equitable learning environment that allows for academic success. To develop English language skills, the teacher must first consider each students' language ability and level of exposure to English prior to entering the classroom, as well as the level of language learning support each student has at home. Teachers can then implement effective instructional strategies and supports to modify curriculum in a way that addresses students' language needs. teachers must also consider the implications of the classroom environment on language acquisition. By creating an atmosphere that encourages language acquisition through literacy-rich resources and opportunities for success for all students.

Linguistic Supports & Instructional Strategies Promoting English Language Proficiency:

Incorporating a variety of linguistic aids and instructional strategies is beneficial in supporting ELL students of varying levels of English language proficiency. Visual representations to accompany instruction, such as posters, charts, pictures, slideshows, videos, tables, or anchor charts, are valuable in providing clarification and reference while promoting vocabulary acquisition. When delivering instruction, body language such as hand gestures, eye contact, and movement to mimic verbal directions and explanations can provide clarification to enhance understanding. These students may also require translation devices for clarification, an interpreter to help with understanding instructions and new concepts, alternate assignments with simplified language, or individualized instruction from an ESL teacher. Frequently checking for understanding and providing clarification as necessary throughout instruction are necessary to ensuring ELL students understand learning materials, instructions, and assessments. In addition, creating a print and literacy-rich environment by including word walls for new vocabulary, reading materials that vary in complexity, labels, and opportunities for speaking, reading, and writing within instruction are valuable in promoting English language acquisition.

Learning Disabilities & other Exceptionalities:

In a classroom where learning disabilities and exceptionalities are present, teachers must consider accommodations for students of various learning needs while fostering an atmosphere of respect and acceptance. Teachers must understand the individual learning needs of each student and differentiate instruction accordingly to create an equitable and inclusive learning atmosphere. For learning disabled students, teachers must consider accommodations that allow for inclusion in all areas of curriculum and instruction. Such considerations may include extended work time, individualized instruction, and cooperative learning activities to ensure that learning disabled students are provided the necessary supports to achieve academic success. For students with other exceptionalities, such as gifted and talented students, teachers need to consider ways to provide challenging and stimulating opportunities for expansion and enrichment of curriculum.

Furthermore, the teacher must be aware of their own interactions with students in order to demonstrate and encourage respect and acceptance among students. By providing supports for individual student success, teachers can effectively highlight students' strengths and therefore, teacher students to accept and celebrate differences in learning abilities.

Educating Students about Diversity:

Goals Of Teaching Diversity in the Classroom:

Teaching diversity in the classroom aims to establish a welcoming and inclusive classroom environment that encourages academic achievement and whole-child development. Diversity education works to develop students' understanding, acceptance, and respect for others' perspectives while instilling the concept that people are ultimately more alike than different, and that diversities should be celebrated. Teaching the importance of differences creates a positive inclusive classroom atmosphere in which all students feel respected, safe, and valued by their teacher and peers. Such as environment promotes academic achievement among students in that it encourages participation in learning and builds the self-esteem necessary for positive growth and development. Furthermore, teaching diversity has a significant role in whole-child development in that it instills the ability to understand and respect multiple frames of reference, thus increasing their ability to problem solve, cooperate with others, and develop a broader global perspective. Additionally, it allows for the development of cultural competency and ultimately creates accepting and respectful contributors to society.

Recognizing & Eliminating Personal Biases: