Textbook+Assignments

Textbook Assignments

Book's Title: Practicing the Art of Leadership: A Problem-based Approach to Implementing the ISLLC Standards Book's Author: Green Location on Site: Home > Establishing a Framework for Leadership > Practice ISLLC Examination

100% Correct of 6 items: 6 correct: 100% 0 incorrect: 0%

Submitted on October 5, 2009 at 6:49 PM (EDT)

--- Question 1

The principal of Washington High School received word that the state legislature passed new testing requirements for graduation. In addressing these new requirements, the principles of open social systems theory are reflected in the principal:

Correct: Changed the instructional program to help students meet graduation requirements stipulated in the new state law and employed a former student to implement the changed program.

--- Question 2

In today's schools, an effective principal is likely to comply with the "No Child Left Behind" law and enhance student achievement by:

Correct: Establishing a trust-based climate wherein the worth of all individuals is respected, and the attainment of a shared vision is supported.

--- Question 3

To ensure instructional effectiveness in communicating information to the faculty regarding the "No Child Left Behind" law and the need to develop and implement a School Improvement Plan, Principal Williams:

Correct: Must transmit the message in a manner that allows teachers to understand the importance of the School Improvement Plan, as well as the need for them to be committed to the attainment of goals included in the plan.

--- Question 4

In developing and implementing the new strategic plan to comply with the new state law and enhance student achievement, Mr. Williams determined that the planning process would least likely need to:

Correct: Include the results of a comparative study of the English scores of students in all high schools in the district.

--- Question 5

To build consensus and reduce resistance to change, Mr. Williams realized that, in some instances, he would likely have to negotiate with various members of the faculty. Therefore, he reflected on his consensus-building and negotiation skills. After the review, he realized that he would have least resistance if he:

Correct: Worked diligently with teachers who adamantly opposed block- scheduling, sent them to several conferences, and allowed them to visit teachers in other schools who were willingly implementing block scheduling.

--- Question 6

Mr. Williams, principal of the school, asked you to advise him on a technique he could use in collecting information, communicating that information to the faculty and community, and identifying data-driven instructional strategies. These strategies would need to be supported by the faculty and endorsed by experts in education. Which of the following would you recommend?

Correct: The Delphi Technique

Book's Title: Practicing the Art of Leadership: A Problem-based Approach to Implementing the ISLLC Standards Book's Author: Green Location on Site: Home > Developing a Collaborative Culture in Sc > Practice ISLLC Examination

100% Correct of 6 items: 6 correct: 100% 0 incorrect: 0%

Submitted on October 14, 2009 at 10:40 AM (EDT)

--- Question 1

Mrs. Green was recently appointed principal of Jones Middle School. During her second week in the school, several faculty members approached her and made the request that she change the advisor/advisee program to allow teachers who were assigned underachieving students to be free of that responsibility. After observing the program for a week, Mrs. Green found that the teachers making the request were previously assigned to a high school in the district and were not knowledgeable of the middle school concept. Therefore, she denied the request. Which of the following reasons could Mrs. Green use as her rationale and, in doing so, sustain a school culture conducive to student learning and staff professional growth?

Correct: Over the next three weeks, several workshops will be held on the subject. All teachers will be afforded an opportunity to attend. After the workshops, the request would be reconsidered.

--- Question 2

If Mrs. Green was concerned with reaching a decision that would enhance student learning and also maintain teacher motivation at a high level, she would likely:

Correct: Consult with the faculty concerning the advisor/advisee program, taking their opinions into consideration, before making a decision, and assist the faculty in complying with the decision.

--- Question 3

If Mrs. Green desires to enhance the knowledge base of the faculty members in question, she should:

Correct: Engage the faculty in professional development activities that would allow them to reflect critically on the advisor/advisee concept, sharing ideas for its implementation and acquiring support. This would develop a willingness among faculty members to take risks.

--- Question 4

A second-year teacher has approached the principal regarding her ability to teach the phonics-based third-grade curriculum. She offers that all of her methods courses at the university addressed the teaching of reading using a whole language approach. She advised the principal that she could achieve the desired student results using this approach. After the conference, the principal reviewed the preparation of the entire faculty and found 35% of the faculty proficient in the area of phonics teachings. If his primary interest was enhancing the knowledge base of the faculty through professional development activities, which of the following approaches should he use to address this situation?

Correct: Hold a workshop on the phonetic approach to teaching; employ a consultant the faculty respects; take steps to ensure that the faculty is not threatened by the objectives of the workshop, and ensure faculty members do not feel that they will suffer consequences for lack of goal attainment.

--- Question 5

The principal of North High School is interested in making an instructional change to the English curriculum. Inasmuch as he really wants to be successful in bringing about this change, he reviews a number of strategies. In reviewing change strategies, he reaches the conclusion that he will not be successful:

Correct: If he is unaware of the extent to which the change will influence the behavior of the English faculty.

--- Question 6

The North High School Principal is likely to have a problem improving the instructional program if:

Correct: all of the above

Book's Title: Practicing the Art of Leadership: A Problem-based Approach to Implementing the ISLLC Standards Book's Author: Green Location on Site: Home > Enhancing Leadership Effectiveness Throu > Practice ISLLC Examination

100% Correct of 6 items: 6 correct: 100% 0 incorrect: 0%

Submitted on November 2, 2009 at 7:09 PM (EST)

--- Question 1

It is the beginning of the new school year. All students are assigned to classes, and all classes have teachers assigned. You receive a call from the personnel office advising you that Mrs. Wainwright will be reporting to your school tomorrow morning to teach 12th grade English. The personnel officer advises you that she is aware that your student enrollment does not warrant this additional teacher. However, Mrs. Wainwright has been surplused and needs an assignment. You are perplexed as to why you are receiving this new teacher, as it has been circulated through the grapevine that several other principals have rejected her. Which of the following actions would you take?

Correct: Accept the teacher, make the necessary changes in the master schedule, closely monitor her performance, and provide appropriate professional development as needed.

--- Question 2

It has been brought to your attention that Ms. Cypress does not supervise her students during recess. She has given you a doctor's statement stipulating her disability, which restricts excessive walking and standing. For several weeks, teachers have assisted her in fulfilling her responsibilities. However, because of her lack of gratitude, support from her colleagues is beginning to wane. There have been several fights on the playground involving her students. Parents of the students involved have complained that their children are not safe in this environment. What action would you take to resolve this situation?

Correct: Review the Human Resource Manual and explore available options that would allow you to make a management decision that would ensure a safe environment while respecting the rights of Ms. Cypress.

--- Question 3

You are the principal of a high school. A group of ten parents from the community requests a meeting with you to discuss issues that they reference as a threat to the safety and well being of students. You are aware from several teachers that this group of parents has concerns regarding the location of special education classrooms and the participation of special education students in athletic events. In reviewing the letter from these parents, you note that they have listed several rooms by number and named several athletic activities in which special students did not participate. Which of the following actions would you take in addressing this situation?

Correct: Hold the meeting with the parents and review their concerns; discuss with them the manner in which rooms are assigned and the fact that special education students have "Individual Educational Plans"; invite them to select a representative to review the schedule and athletic events that included special education student participation.

--- Question 4

You are the principal of Himphill Middle School. The parent organization of the school contacted you threatening legal actions against Mrs. Henderson, a teacher who allegedly violated a number of school policies. Of the following policies listed by the parents, which one would render Mrs. Henderson most vulnerable?

Correct: Leaving students unsupervised in an after-school drama club rehearsal.

--- Question 5

Mr. Harris was searching for an approach to use in improving the management functions of Clark High School. In the process, he acquired knowledge in several areas. Which of the following areas would assist him in improving the management functions at Clark?

Correct: He gained knowledge of how to utilize the district's computerized management and budgeting system to track the school's revenue and expenses.

--- Question 6

On May 14th of the current school year, as you make plans to close school and design the master schedule for next year, you receive a call from the Office of City Planning advising you that a 500 unit apartment complex is scheduled to be completed and ready for occupancy on July 1st of the current year. You are further advised that the residents will likely be Hispanics, Asians, and African Americans. As a result, your student population will become highly diverse. As you continue your planning, your greatest concern becomes:

Correct: Analyzing existing needs; assuring compatibility between the educational program, the anticipated students and the faculty, and anticipating future faculty needs based on a variety of factors.

Book's Title: Practicing the Art of Leadership: A Problem-based Approach to Implementing the ISLLC Standards Book's Author: Green Location on Site: Home > Decision Making: Quality and Acceptance > Practice ISLLC Examination

83% Correct of 6 items: 5 correct: 83% 1 incorrect: 17%

Submitted on November 22, 2009 at 6:50 PM (EST)

--- Question 1

Mrs. Inkster, principal of Frost Elementary School, was very concerned that some faculty members were voicing negative statements concerning other faculty members in the school. She was also concerned with the practices that these faculty members used when handling grades, administering tests, and collecting school funds. Which of the following actions would you recommend for her to take in addressing these concerns?

Incorrect: Realizing that when teachers are unfairly criticized and abused by colleagues they likely feel resentful, she should review a number of practices and procedures and select the one best way to use in discussing ethics with her faculty.

--- Question 2

In a conversation with a group of parents, Mr. Cooper advised them that, over the years, the purpose of education has undergone several changes. Currently the purpose of education is to prepare students to live and work in a social and political democracy. The parents did not agree with Mr. Cooper and offered another purpose. Mr. Cooper held firmly to his position and advised the parents that his stated purpose would underpin the school's instructional program. Do you agree with Mr. Cooper? Which of the following positions would you have taken?

Correct: I would support the position taken by Mr. Cooper based on the fact that contemporary literature suggests that he is correct.

--- Question 3

In discussing the achievement scores of her fourth grade students with parents, Ms. White advised them that her students were not scoring well because of the teaching methods used by the third grade teachers. When the principal became aware of her statements, she gave the teacher a written reprimand. In taking such action, the principal is likely attempting to:

Correct: Address any one of the suggested responses, as all of them are appropriate actions for a principal to take in a situation of this nature.

--- Question 4

Early in his teaching career, Mr. Green had an encounter with the teacher's union that influenced his transfer from a position in a school that he enjoyed very much to one in another school that was very problematic. Since becoming principal, he has had very little interaction with the school's union representative. In fact, he seldom, speaks with her as he directs all of her assignments and activities through the assistant principal. A number of other faculty members have observed this behavior and have begun to discuss it among themselves. Regarding the behavior of Mr. Green, what are the issues in question?

Correct: The fundamental question relates to the leader's understanding of self, character, and fair process. A school leader should know his/her own values, those of the community, and the ethical principles guiding action taken as a consequence of holding certain values.

--- Question 5

Mr. Wallace, principal of Jobe High School, attended a conference with the superintendent where he received information concerning one of the teachers at Jobe. The superintendent advised him that for the past three years, the teacher's students had scored unusually high on the grade-to-grade promotion examination, and it had been reported to him that her high scores were due to questionable testing practices. The superintendent asked Mr. Wallace to look into the matter and to take appropriate action. The concern of Mr. Wallace necessarily has to be:

Correct: Taking action in a manner that brings ethical principles into the decision-making process and protects the rights and confidentially of students and faculty.

--- Question 6

After reviewing a directive from the superintendent that required all principals to develop a plan to enhance respect and appreciation for diversity in the district's schools, Mr. Romaner, principal at Oven High School, approached you for some ideas to include in his initial discussion with his faculty. The advice you provided was to suggest to the faculty that they consider the values of a diverse school community because:

Correct: The interaction of people, the language they use, the traditions they uphold, and the beliefs to which they subscribe make up the culture of the local school. All of these cultural variables must be addressed in the curriculum.

Book's Title: Practicing the Art of Leadership: A Problem-based Approach to Implementing the ISLLC Standards Book's Author: Green Location on Site: Home > Managing Conflict in Today’s School > Practice ISLLC Examination

100% Correct of 6 items: 6 correct: 100% 0 incorrect: 0%

Submitted on November 22, 2009 at 6:54 PM (EST)

--- Question 1

In developing a plan to address this situation, the principal's primary concern should be:

Correct: The identification of instructional models and strategies of change that are used with highly diverse student bodies, new approaches to conflict resolution, and procedures that can be used to familiarize the faculty with the social and economic composition of the school's community.

--- Question 2

If Principal Jones desires to create an environment that reflects the values and culture of students and their families, which of the following approaches should she take with the faculty?

Correct: Principal Jones should participate in meetings with faculty and staff, share ideas, solicit their opinions, and reach instructional decisions using a collaborative approach.

--- Question 3

Which of the following philosophical views should be used by Principal Jones to underpin the faculty's planning process?

Correct: It is the responsibility of the faculty to meet the needs of all students, equipping them to participate in developing and renewing the democratic society and to assist the nation in remaining economically productive.

--- Question 4

Mr. Washington was a new principal in the Cherryville School District and wanted to be sure that he had a clear understanding of the laws relative to education. Therefore, he read the U.S. Constitution, all of the state statutes, and the administrative policies published by the local board of education. He also read various issues and practices on school law and other political issues that appeared in professional publications. Having read these documents, he asked you, as a supportive colleague, which of them deserved the least attention. Your advice to him was:

Correct: To pay the least attention to the U.S. Constitution as the information had little influence on the day-to-day operation of Cherryville schools.

--- Question 5

As a new principal, Mr. Washington was also unfamiliar with global issues and forces affecting teaching and learning. However, he was required to incorporate these concepts into the instructional program. If you were to advise Principal Washington, which of the following would you suggest he incorporate into the school's curriculum?

Correct: A program that would address the social aspects of life, one that prepares students to participate in a global economy, being able to respond intelligently and with sensitivity to health, environmental quality, and the values of others.

--- Question 6

As principal of Cherryville High School, located in a middle-class suburban neighborhood, Mr. Washington recognizes the need to understand the political forces that influenced Cherryville. As Mr. Washington attempts to identify the groups that greatly influence educational policies in his area, which of the following groups would least likely provide Principal Washington assistance in developing an understanding of how to influence the larger political, social, economic, legal and cultural context of the school community?

Correct: All groups as any one of them could positively or negatively impact the instructional program of the school.

Book's Title: Practicing the Art of Leadership: A Problem-based Approach to Implementing the ISLLC Standards Book's Author: Green Location on Site: Home > Leading Instructional Change > Practice ISLLC Examination

100% Correct of 6 items: 6 correct: 100% 0 incorrect: 0%

Submitted on November 22, 2009 at 6:56 PM (EST)

--- Question 1

Due to annexation and rezoning, the Hispanic population at Ridgemont Middle School will increase to approximately 55% of the total school population. The majority of these students are ESL (English as a Second Language) students who are new to this country. As the principal of Ridgemont Middle, Mr. Jones realizes that not only will there be major changes in the external school community, but the internal school community will have to change as well. Since Mr. Jones's cultural and racial background is different from the majority of the students and families who will be entering this school and community, he is concerned with how his actions will impact the school community. In his deliberation, he considered four alternatives. Which of these alternatives is likely to be of greatest benefit to Mr. Jones in managing school change?

Correct: Conducting a self-assessment for the purpose of identifying personal biases that might interfere with his responding to the interests of a diverse community.

--- Question 2

After serving as principal of Williamsburg Middle School for a period of two years, Mrs. Henderson was faced with implementing one of the New American School Reform models. In her efforts to bring about this instructional change, she was faced with a number of challenges. Which of the following best describes the greatest challenge she likely faced during the implementation process?

Correct: Establishing a long-term relationship with parents and benefiting from the value of involving parents and community members as equal partners.

--- Question 3

In selecting an approach to use in redesigning the instructional program sufficient to address the needs of a student body consisting of African Americans, Latinos, Asians, and Caucasians, the school principal would be well advised to:

Correct: Establish a curriculum council and engage the faculty and representatives of each ethnic group in discussions on curriculum issues, thus seeking to meet the needs of each ethnic group.

--- Question 4

Mr. Charles, principal of Jones Elementary School, realized that diversity greatly enriches the total school program. Therefore, he seized the opportunity to strengthen internal and external relationships. In taking this action, he knew he could be successful in building a solid community relations program if he:

Correct: Recognized and respected diversity in every school program and established an advisory council that included representatives from all groups to focus on Adopt-A-School and other community-related programs.

--- Question 5

Mr. Charles is an active participant in the new P-16 council developed to improve teaching and learning through linking preschool (P) through the senior year of college (16). He knew that by working with other key stakeholders in education, such as local educators and business and community leaders, he could establish an effective model of school/community collaboration. As a result of establishing such a collaborative effort, Mr. Charles expected:

Correct: To identify the needs of the community and establish two-way communications with the citizenry through organized groups.

--- Question 6

After the County Commissioners appropriated the necessary funds for the construction of a new school gymnasium, Principal Charles knew that he had to have a plan of action that would assure taxpayers that their money was being spent wisely. With that concern in mind, which of the following actions would you suggest that he take?

Correct: Establish a comprehensive facilities utilization committee and engage all stakeholders in making decisions regarding the structural design, maintenance needs, and usage of the building.