160 PPR Ec 12 Prep Manual

Texas Examinations of Educator Standards™
(TExES™) Program
Preparation Manual
Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities

EC–12 (160)
Copyright © 2017 by Texas Education Agency (TEA). All rights reserved. The Texas Education Agency logo
and TEA are registered trademarks of Texas Education Agency. Texas Examinations of Educator Standards,
TExES and the TExES logo are trademarks of Texas Education Agency.
Table of Contents
About The Test ........................................................................................... 3
The Domains .............................................................................................. 4
The Standards ............................................................................................ 5
Domains and Competencies .......................................................................... 7
Domain I — Designing Instruction and Assessment to Promote Student

Learning .............................................................................................. 7
Domain II — Creating a Positive, Productive Classroom Environment ........ 12
Domain III — Implementing Effective, Responsive Instruction and

Assessment ........................................................................................ 14
Domain IV — Fulfilling Professional Roles and Responsibilities .................. 17
Approaches to Answering Selected-response Questions .................................. 19
How to Approach Unfamiliar Question Formats ....................................... 19
Question Formats................................................................................ 20
Single Questions ................................................................................. 20
Suggested Approach ........................................................................... 23
Clustered Questions ............................................................................ 24
Selected-Response Practice Questions ......................................................... 27
Answer Key and Rationales ......................................................................... 43
Study Plan Sheet....................................................................................... 67
Preparation Resources ............................................................................... 68
NOTE: This preparation manual is the only TExES test study material endorsed by
Texas Education Agency (TEA) for this field. Other preparation materials may not
accurately reflect the content of the test or the policies and procedures of the
TExES program.
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TExES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC–12 (160) 2

About The Test
Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities

Test Name EC–12
Test Code 160
Time 5 hours
Number of Questions 100 selected-response questions
Format Computer-administered test (CAT)
The TExES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC–12 (160) test is designed
to assess whether a test taker has the requisite knowledge and skills that an entry-
level educator in this field in Texas public schools must possess. The 100 selected-
response questions are based on the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities
EC–12 test framework and cover grades EC–12. The test may contain questions
that do not count toward the score.
The number of scored questions will not vary; however, the number of questions
that are not scored may vary in the actual test. Your final scaled score will be based
only on scored questions.

The Domains
Approx.
Percentage
Domain Domain Title of Test Standards Assessed
Designing Instruction and

Pedagogy and Professional
I. Assessment to Promote
Responsibilities EC–12: I
Student Learning 34%
Creating a Positive,
Pedagogy and Professional
II. Productive Classroom
Responsibilities EC–12: II
Environment 13%
Implementing Effective, Pedagogy and Professional

III. Responsive Instruction Responsibilities EC–12: I, III;
and Assessment 33% Technology Applications: I–VII
Fulfilling Professional Pedagogy and Professional

IV.
Roles and Responsibilities 20% Responsibilities EC–12: IV

The Standards
Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC–12 Standard I
The teacher designs instruction appropriate for all students that reflects an
understanding of relevant content and is based on continuous and appropriate
assessment.
Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC–12 Standard II

The teacher creates a classroom environment of respect and rapport that fosters a
positive climate for learning, equity and excellence.
Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC–12 Standard III

The teacher promotes student learning by providing responsive instruction that
makes use of effective communication techniques, instructional strategies that
actively engage students in the learning process and timely, high-quality feedback.
Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC–12 Standard IV

The teacher fulfills professional roles and responsibilities and adheres to legal and
ethical requirements of the profession.
Technology Applications Standard I

All teachers use and promote creative thinking and innovative processes to
construct knowledge, generate new ideas, and create products.
Technology Applications Standard II

All teachers collaborate and communicate both locally and globally using digital
tools and resources to reinforce and promote learning.
Technology Applications Standard III

All teachers acquire, analyze, and manage content from digital resources.
Technology Applications Standard IV

All teachers make informed decisions by applying critical-thinking and problem-
solving skills.
Technology Applications Standard V

All teachers practice and promote safe, responsible, legal, and ethical behavior
while using technology tools and resources.
Technology Applications Standard VI

All teachers demonstrate a thorough understanding of technology concepts,
systems, and operations.

Technology Applications Standard VII
All teachers know how to plan, organize, deliver, and evaluate instruction for all
students that incorporates the effective use of current technology for teaching and
integrating the Technology Applications Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills
(TEKS) into the curriculum.

Domains and Competencies
The content covered by this test is organized into broad areas of content called
domains. Each domain covers one or more of the educator standards for this field.
Within each domain, the content is further defined by a set of competencies. Each
competency is composed of two major parts:
 The competency statement, which broadly defines what an entry-level

educator in this field in Texas public schools should know and be able to do.
 The descriptive statements, which describe in greater detail the knowledge
and skills eligible for testing.
Domain I — Designing Instruction and Assessment to Promote

Student Learning
Competency 001: The teacher understands human developmental processes and

applies this knowledge to plan instruction and ongoing assessment that motivate
students and are responsive to their developmental characteristics and needs.
The beginning teacher:
A. Knows the typical stages of cognitive, social, physical and emotional

development of students in early childhood through grade 12.
B. Recognizes the wide range of individual developmental differences that
characterizes students in early childhood through grade 12 and the
implications of this developmental variation for instructional planning.
C. Analyzes ways in which developmental characteristics of students in early
childhood through grade 12 impact learning and performance and applies
knowledge of students’ developmental characteristics and needs to plan
effective learning experiences and assessments.
D. Demonstrates an understanding of physical changes that occur in early
childhood through adolescence, factors that affect students’ physical growth
and health (e.g., nutrition, sleep, prenatal exposure to drugs, abuse) and
ways in which physical development impacts development in other domains
(i.e., cognitive, social, emotional).
E. Recognizes factors affecting the social and emotional development of
students in early childhood through adolescence (e.g., lack of affection and
attention, parental divorce, homelessness) and knows that students’ social
and emotional development impacts their development in other domains
(i.e., cognitive, physical).

F. Uses knowledge of cognitive changes in students in early childhood through
adolescence (e.g., from an emphasis on concrete thinking to the emergence
and refinement of abstract thinking and reasoning, increased ability to
engage in reflective thinking, increased focus on the world beyond the school
setting) to plan developmentally appropriate instruction and assessment that
promote learning and development.
G. Understands that development in any one domain (i.e., cognitive, social,
physical, emotional) impacts development in other domains.
H. Recognizes signs of developmental delays or impairments in students in early
childhood through grade 4.
I. Knows the stages of play development (i.e., from solitary to cooperative) and
the important role of play in young children’s learning and development.
J. Uses knowledge of the developmental characteristics and needs of students
in early childhood through grade 4 to plan meaningful, integrated and active
learning and play experiences that promote the development of the whole
child.
K. Recognizes that positive and productive learning environments involve
creating a culture of high academic expectations, equity throughout the
learning community and developmental responsiveness.
L. Recognizes the importance of helping students in early childhood through
grade 12 learn and apply life skills (e.g., decision-making skills,
organizational skills, goal-setting skills, self-direction, workplace skills).
M. Knows the rationale for appropriate middle-level education and how middle-
level schools are structured to address the characteristics and needs of
young adolescents.
N. Recognizes typical challenges for students during later childhood,
adolescence and young adulthood (e.g., self-image, physical appearance,
eating disorders, feelings of rebelliousness, identity formation, educational
and career decisions) and effective ways to help students address these
challenges.
O. Understands ways in which student involvement in risky behaviors (e.g.,
drug and alcohol use, gang involvement) impacts development and learning.
P. Demonstrates knowledge of the importance of peers, peer acceptance and
conformity to peer group norms and expectations for adolescents and
understands the significance of peer-related issues for teaching and learning.

Competency 002: The teacher understands student diversity and knows how to
plan learning experiences and design assessments that are responsive to
differences among students and that promote all students’ learning.
A. Demonstrates knowledge of students with diverse personal and social

characteristics (e.g., those related to ethnicity, gender, language
background, exceptionality) and the significance of student diversity for
teaching, learning and assessment.
B. Accepts and respects students with diverse backgrounds and needs.
C. Knows how to use diversity in the classroom and the community to enrich all
students’ learning experiences.
D. Knows strategies for enhancing one’s own understanding of students’ diverse
backgrounds and needs.
E. Knows how to plan and adapt lessons to address students’ varied
backgrounds, skills, interests and learning needs, including the needs of
English-language learners and students with disabilities.
F. Understands cultural and socioeconomic differences (including differential
access to technology) and knows how to plan instruction that is responsive to
cultural and socioeconomic differences among students.
G. Understands the instructional significance of varied student learning needs
and preferences.
H. Knows the ELPS in the domains of listening and speaking in accordance with
the proficiency-level descriptors for the beginning, intermediate, advanced
and advanced- high levels.
I. Knows the ELPS in the domains of reading and writing in accordance with the
proficiency-level descriptors for beginning, intermediate, advanced and
advanced- high levels.
Competency 003: The teacher understands procedures for designing effective and
coherent instruction and assessment based on appropriate learning goals and
objectives.
A. Understands the significance of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills

(TEKS) and of prerequisite knowledge and skills in determining instructional
goals and objectives.

B. Uses appropriate criteria to evaluate the appropriateness of learning goals
and objectives (e.g., clarity; relevance; significance; age-appropriateness;
ability to be assessed; responsiveness to students’ current skills and
knowledge, background, needs and interests; alignment with campus and
district goals).
C. Uses assessment to analyze students’ strengths and needs, evaluate teacher
effectiveness and guide instructional planning for individuals and groups.
D. Understands the connection between various components of the Texas
statewide assessment program, the TEKS and instruction and analyzes data
from state and other assessments using common statistical measures to help
identify students’ strengths and needs.
E. Demonstrates knowledge of various types of materials and resources
(including technological resources and resources outside the school) that
may be used to enhance student learning and engagement and evaluates the
appropriateness of specific materials and resources for use in particular
situations, to address specific purposes and to meet varied student needs.
F. Plans lessons and structures units so that activities progress in a logical
sequence and support stated instructional goals.
G. Plans learning experiences that provide students with developmentally
appropriate opportunities to explore content from integrated and varied
perspectives (e.g., by presenting thematic units that incorporate different
disciplines, providing intradisciplinary and interdisciplinary instruction,
designing instruction that enables students to work cooperatively, providing
multicultural learning experiences, prompting students to consider ideas from
multiple viewpoints, encouraging students’ application of knowledge and
skills to the world beyond the school).
H. Allocates time appropriately within lessons and units, including providing
adequate opportunities for students to engage in reflection, self-assessment
and closure.
Competency 004: The teacher understands learning processes and factors that
impact student learning and demonstrates this knowledge by planning effective,
engaging instruction and appropriate assessments.
A. Understands the role of learning theory in the instructional process and uses
instructional strategies and appropriate technologies to facilitate student
learning (e.g., connecting new information and ideas to prior knowledge,
making learning meaningful and relevant to students).
B. Understands that young children think concretely and rely primarily on motor
and sensory input and direct experience for development of skills and
knowledge and uses this understanding to plan effective, developmentally
appropriate learning experiences and assessments.

C. Understands that the middle-level years are a transitional stage in which
students may exhibit characteristics of both older and younger children and
that these are critical years for developing important skills and attitudes
(e.g., working and getting along with others, appreciating diversity, making a
commitment to continued schooling).
D. Recognizes how characteristics of students at different developmental levels
(e.g., limited attention span and need for physical activity and movement for
younger children; importance of peers, search for identity, questioning of
values and exploration of long-term career and life goals for older students)
impact teaching and learning.
E. Stimulates reflection, critical thinking and inquiry among students (e.g.,
supports the concept of play as a valid vehicle for young children’s learning;
provides opportunities for young children to manipulate materials and to test
ideas and hypotheses; engages students in structured, hands-on problem-
solving activities that are challenging; encourages exploration and risk-
taking; creates a learning community that promotes positive contributions,
effective communication and the respectful exchange of ideas).
F. Enhances learning for students by providing age-appropriate instruction that
encourages the use and refinement of higher-order thinking skills (e.g.,
prompting students to explore ideas from diverse perspectives; structuring
active learning experiences involving cooperative learning, problem solving,
open-ended questioning and inquiry; promoting students’ development of
research skills).
G. Teaches, models and monitors organizational and time-management skills at
an age-appropriate level (e.g., establishing regular places for classroom toys
and materials for young children, keeping related materials together, using
organizational tools, using effective strategies for locating information and
organizing information systematically).
H. Teaches, models and monitors age-appropriate study skills (e.g., using
graphic organizers, outlining, note-taking, summarizing, test-taking) and
structures research projects appropriately (e.g., teaches students the steps
in research, establishes checkpoints during research projects, helps students
use time-management tools).
I. Analyzes ways in which teacher behaviors (e.g., teacher expectations,
student grouping practices, teacher-student interactions) impact student
learning and plans instruction and assessment that minimize the effects of
negative factors and enhance all students’ learning.
J. Analyzes ways in which factors in the home and community (e.g., parent
expectations, availability of community resources, community problems)
impact student learning and plans instruction and assessment with
awareness of social and cultural factors to enhance all students’ learning.
K. Understands the importance of self-directed learning and plans instruction
and assessment that promote students’ motivation and their sense of
ownership of and responsibility for their own learning.

L. Analyzes ways in which various teacher roles (e.g., facilitator, lecturer) and
student roles (e.g., active learner, observer, group participant) impact
student learning.
M. Incorporates students’ different approaches to learning (e.g., auditory,
visual, tactile, kinesthetic) into instructional practices.
N. Provides instruction to ensure that students can apply various learning
strategies (e.g., using prior knowledge, metacognition, graphic organizers)
across content areas, in accordance with the ELPS.
O. Provides instruction in a manner that is linguistically accommodated
(communicated, sequenced and scaffolded) to the student’s level of English-
language proficiency to ensure that the student learns the knowledge and
skills across content areas, in accordance with the ELPS.
P. Applies knowledge of the implications for learning and instruction of the
range of thinking abilities found among students in any one grade level and
students’ increasing ability over time to engage in abstract thinking and
reasoning.
Domain II — Creating a Positive, Productive Classroom Environment
Competency 005: The teacher knows how to establish a classroom climate that
fosters learning, equity and excellence and uses this knowledge to create a physical
and emotional environment that is safe and productive.
A. Uses knowledge of the unique characteristics and needs of students at

different developmental levels to establish a positive, productive classroom
environment (e.g., encourages cooperation and sharing among younger
students; provides middle-level students with opportunities to collaborate
with peers; encourages older students’ respect for the community and the
people in it).
B. Establishes a classroom climate that emphasizes collaboration and supportive
interactions, respect for diversity and individual differences and active
engagement in learning by all students.
C. Analyzes ways in which teacher-student interactions and interactions among
students impact classroom climate and student learning and development.
D. Presents instruction in ways that communicate the teacher’s enthusiasm for
learning.
E. Uses a variety of means to convey high expectations for all students.

F. Knows characteristics of physical spaces that are safe and productive for
learning, recognizes the benefits and limitations of various arrangements of
furniture in the classroom and applies strategies for organizing the physical
environment to ensure physical accessibility and facilitate learning in various
instructional contexts.
G. Creates a safe, nurturing and inclusive classroom environment that
addresses students’ emotional needs and respects students’ rights and
dignity.
Competency 006: The teacher understands strategies for creating an organized and
productive learning environment and for managing student behavior.
A. Analyzes the effects of classroom routines and procedures on student

learning, and knows how to establish and implement age-appropriate
routines and procedures to promote an organized and productive learning
environment.
B. Demonstrates an understanding of how young children function in groups
and designs group activities that reflect a realistic understanding of the
extent of young children’s ability to collaborate with others.
C. Organizes and manages group activities that promote students’ ability to
work together cooperatively and productively, assume responsible roles and
develop collaborative skills and individual accountability.
D. Recognizes the importance of creating a schedule for young children that
balances restful and active movement activities and that provides large
blocks of time for play, projects and learning centers.
E. Schedules activities and manages time in ways that maximize student
learning, including using effective procedures to manage transitions; to
manage materials, supplies and technology; and to coordinate the
performance of noninstructional duties (e.g., taking attendance) with
instructional activities.
F. Uses technological tools to perform administrative tasks such as taking
attendance, maintaining grade books and facilitating communication.
G. Works with volunteers and paraprofessionals to enhance and enrich
instruction and applies procedures for monitoring the performance of
volunteers and paraprofessionals in the classroom.
H. Applies theories and techniques related to managing and monitoring student
behavior.
I. Demonstrates awareness of appropriate behavior standards and expectations
for students at various developmental levels.

J. Applies effective procedures for managing student behavior and for
promoting appropriate behavior and ethical work habits (e.g., academic
integrity) in the classroom (e.g., communicating high and realistic behavior
expectations, involving students in developing rules and procedures,
establishing clear consequences for inappropriate behavior, enforcing
behavior standards consistently, encouraging students to monitor their own
behavior and to use conflict resolution skills, responding appropriately to
various types of behavior).
Domain III — Implementing Effective, Responsive Instruction and

Assessment
Competency 007: The teacher understands and applies principles and strategies for
communicating effectively in varied teaching and learning contexts.
A. Demonstrates clear, accurate communication in the teaching and learning

process and uses language that is appropriate to students’ ages, interests
and backgrounds.
B. Engages in skilled questioning and leads effective student discussions,
including using questioning and discussion to engage all students in exploring
content; extends students’ knowledge; and fosters active student inquiry,
higher-order thinking, problem solving and productive, supportive
interactions, including appropriate wait time.
C. Communicates directions, explanations and procedures effectively and uses
strategies for adjusting communication to enhance student understanding
(e.g., by providing examples, simplifying complex ideas, using appropriate
communication tools).
D. Practices effective communication techniques and interpersonal skills
(including both verbal and nonverbal skills and electronic communication) for
meeting specified goals in various contexts.
Competency 008: The teacher provides appropriate instruction that actively

engages students in the learning process.
A. Employs various instructional techniques (e.g., discussion, inquiry, problem

solving) and varies teacher and student roles in the instructional process and
provides instruction that promotes intellectual involvement and active
student engagement and learning.

B. Applies various strategies to promote student engagement and learning
(e.g., by structuring lessons effectively, using flexible instructional groupings,
pacing lessons flexibly in response to student needs, including wait time).
C. Presents content to students in ways that are relevant and meaningful and
that link with students’ prior knowledge and experience.
D. Applies criteria for evaluating the appropriateness of instructional activities,
materials, resources and technologies for students with varied characteristics
and needs.
E. Engages in continuous monitoring of instructional effectiveness.
F. Applies knowledge of different types of motivation (i.e., internal, external)
and factors affecting student motivation.
G. Employs effective motivational strategies and encourages students’ self-
motivation.
H. Provides focused, targeted and systematic second language acquisition
instruction to English-language learners in grade 3 or higher who are at the
beginning or intermediate level of English-language proficiency in listening
and/or speaking in accordance with the ELPS.
I. Provides focused, targeted and systematic second language acquisition
instruction to English-language learners in grade 3 or higher who are at the
beginning or intermediate level of English-language proficiency in reading
and/or writing in accordance with the ELPS.
J. Develops the foundation of English language vocabulary, grammar, syntax
and mechanics necessary to understand content-based instruction and
accelerated learning of English in accordance with the ELPS.
Competency 009: The teacher incorporates the effective use of technology to plan,
organize, deliver and evaluate instruction for all students.
A. Demonstrates knowledge of basic terms and concepts of current technology,

systems, and operations (e.g., hardware, software applications and
functions, input/output devices, networks, and basic design principles).
B. Understands issues related to the safe and appropriate use of technology in
society and follows guidelines for the legal and ethical use of technology and
digital information (e.g., privacy guidelines, copyright laws, acceptable use
policies, and digital etiquette).
C. Applies procedures for acquiring, analyzing, and evaluating electronic
information (e.g., locating information on networks, accessing and
manipulating information from secondary storage and remote devices, using
online help and other documentation, and evaluating electronic information
for accuracy and validity).

D. Knows how to use task-appropriate tools and procedures to synthesize
knowledge, create and modify solutions, and evaluate results to support the
work of individuals and groups in problem-solving situations and project-
based learning activities (e.g., planning, creating, and editing word
processing documents, spreadsheet documents, and databases; using
graphic tools; participating in electronic communities as learner, initiator, and
contributor; and sharing information through online communication).
E. Knows how to use productivity tools to collaborate and communicate
information in various formats (e.g., slide show, multimedia presentation,
and newsletter) and applies procedures for publishing information in various
ways (e.g., printed copy, monitor display, Internet document, and video).
F. Knows how to plan, organize, deliver, and evaluate instruction that
incorporates the effective use of current technology; knows how to use
developmentally appropriate instructional practices, activities, and materials
to integrate the Technology Applications TEKS into the curriculum.
G. Knows how to promote creative thinking and innovative process to construct
knowledge, generate new ideas, and create products (e.g., design
multimedia presentations, explore complex systems or issues, and develop
steps for the creation of products).
H. Identifies and addresses equity issues related to the use of technology.
Competency 010: The teacher monitors student performance and achievement;

provides students with timely, high-quality feedback; and responds flexibly to
promote learning for all students.
A. Demonstrates knowledge of the characteristics, uses, advantages and

limitations of various assessment methods and strategies, including
technological methods and methods that reflect real-world applications.
B. Creates assessments that are congruent with instructional goals and
objectives and communicates assessment criteria and standards to students
based on high expectations for learning.
C. Uses appropriate language and formats to provide students with timely,
effective feedback that is accurate, constructive, substantive and specific.
D. Knows how to promote students’ ability to use feedback and self-assessment
to guide and enhance their own learning.
E. Responds flexibly to various situations (e.g., lack of student engagement in
an activity, the occurrence of an unanticipated learning opportunity) and
adjusts instructional approaches based on ongoing assessment of student
performance.

Domain IV — Fulfilling Professional Roles and Responsibilities
Competency 011: The teacher understands the importance of family involvement in

children’s education and knows how to interact and communicate effectively with
families.
A. Applies knowledge of appropriate ways (including electronic communication)

to work and communicate effectively with families in various situations.
B. Engages families, parents, guardians and other legal caregivers in various
aspects of the educational program.
C. Interacts appropriately with all families, including those that have diverse
characteristics, backgrounds and needs.
D. Communicates effectively with families on a regular basis (e.g., to share
information about students’ progress) and responds to their concerns.
E. Conducts effective conferences with parents, guardians and other legal
caregivers.
F. Effectively uses family support resources (e.g., community, interagency) to
enhance family involvement in student learning.
Competency 012: The teacher enhances professional knowledge and skills by

effectively interacting with other members of the educational community and
participating in various types of professional activities.
A. Interacts appropriately with other professionals in the school community

(e.g., vertical teaming, horizontal teaming, team teaching, mentoring).
B. Maintains supportive, cooperative relationships with professional colleagues
and collaborates to support students’ learning and to achieve campus and
district goals.
C. Knows the roles and responsibilities of specialists and other professionals at
the building and district levels (e.g., department chairperson, principal, board
of trustees, curriculum coordinator, technology coordinator, special education
professional).
D. Understands the value of participating in school activities and contributes to
school and district (e.g., by participating in decision making and problem
solving, sharing ideas and expertise, serving on committees, volunteering to
participate in events and projects).
E. Uses resources and support systems effectively (e.g., mentors, service
centers, state initiatives, universities) to address professional development
needs.

F. Recognizes characteristics, goals and procedures associated with teacher
appraisal and uses appraisal results to improve teaching skills.
G. Works productively with supervisors, mentors and other colleagues to
address issues and to enhance professional knowledge and skills.
H. Understands and uses professional development resources (e.g., mentors
and other support systems, conferences, online resources, workshops,
journals, professional associations, coursework) to enhance knowledge,
pedagogical skills and technological expertise.
I. Engages in reflection and self-assessment to identify strengths, challenges
and potential problems; improve teaching performance; and achieve
professional goals.
Competency 013: The teacher understands and adheres to legal and ethical
requirements for educators and is knowledgeable of the structure of education in
Texas.
A. Knows legal requirements for educators (e.g., those related to special

education, students’ and families’ rights, student discipline, equity, child
abuse) and adheres to legal guidelines in education-related situations.
B. Knows and adheres to legal and ethical requirements regarding the use of
educational resources and technologies (e.g., copyright, Fair Use, data
security, privacy, acceptable use policies).
C. Applies knowledge of ethical guidelines for educators in Texas (e.g., those
related to confidentiality, interactions with students and others in the school
community), including policies and procedures described in the Code of
Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators.
D. Follows procedures and requirements for maintaining accurate student
records.
E. Understands the importance of and adheres to required procedures for
administering state- and district-mandated assessments.
F. Uses knowledge of the structure of the state education system, including
relationships among campus, local and state components, to seek
information and assistance.
G. Advocates for students and for the profession in various situations.

Approaches to Answering Selected-Response Questions
The purpose of this section is to describe selected-response question formats that
you will typically see on the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC–12 test
and to suggest possible ways to approach thinking about and answering them.
These approaches are intended to supplement and complement familiar test-taking
strategies with which you may already be comfortable and that work for you.
Fundamentally, the most important component in assuring your success on the test
is knowing the content described in the test framework. This content has been
carefully selected to align with the knowledge required to begin a career as a
Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC–12 teacher.
The selected-response questions on this test are designed to assess your

knowledge
of the content described in the test framework. In most cases, you are expected to
demonstrate more than just your ability to recall factual information. You may be
asked to think critically about the information, to analyze it, consider it carefully,
and compare it with other knowledge you have or make a judgment about it.
Leave no questions unanswered. Questions for which you mark no answer are
counted as incorrect. Your score will be determined by the number of questions you
answer correctly.
The Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC–12 test is designed to include a

total of 100 selected-response questions, out of which 90 are scored. The number
of scored questions will not vary; however, the number of questions that are not
scored may vary in the actual test. Your final scaled score will be based only on
scored questions. The questions that are not scored are being pilot tested to collect
information about how these questions will perform under actual testing conditions.
These pilot questions are not identified on the test.
How to Approach Unfamiliar Question Formats
Some questions include introductory information such as a table, graph or reading

passage (often called a stimulus) that provides the information the question asks
for. New formats for presenting information are developed from time to time. Tests
may include audio and video stimulus materials such as a movie clip or some kind
of animation, instead of a map or reading passage. Other tests may allow you to
zoom in on the details in a graphic or picture.
Tests may also include interactive types of questions. These questions take
advantage of technology to assess knowledge and skills that go beyond what can
be assessed using standard single-selection selected-response questions. If you see
a format you are not familiar with, read the directions carefully. The directions
always give clear instructions on how you are expected to respond.

For most questions, you will respond by clicking an oval to choose a single answer
choice from a list of options. Other questions may ask you to respond by:
 Selecting all that apply. In some questions, you will be asked to choose all
the options that answer the question correctly.
 Typing in an entry box. When the answer is a number, you might be asked
to enter a numeric answer or, if the test has an on-screen calculator, you
might need to transfer the calculated result from the calculator into the entry
box. Some questions may have more than one place to enter a response.
 Clicking check boxes. You may be asked to click check boxes instead of an
oval when more than one choice within a set of answers can be selected.
 Clicking parts of a graphic. In some questions, you will choose your
answer by clicking on location(s) on a graphic such as a map or chart, as
opposed to choosing from a list.
 Clicking on sentences. In questions with reading passages, you may be
asked to choose your answer by clicking on a sentence or sentences within
the reading passage.
 Dragging and dropping answer choices into “targets” on the screen.
You may be asked to choose an answer from a list and drag it into the
appropriate location in a table, paragraph of text or graphic.
 Selecting options from a drop-down menu. This type of question will ask
you to select the appropriate answer or answers by selecting options from a
drop-down menu (e.g., to complete a sentence).
Remember that with every question, you will get clear instructions on how
to respond.
Question Formats
You may see the following types of selected-response questions on the test:
— Single Questions
— Clustered Questions
On the following pages, you will find descriptions of these commonly used question
formats, along with suggested approaches for responding to each type.
Single Questions
The single-question format presents a direct question or an incomplete statement.

It can also include a reading passage, graphic, table or a combination of these. Four
or more answer options appear below the question.

The following three questions are examples of the single-question format. The first
question tests knowledge of Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC–12
Competency 006: The teacher understands strategies for creating an organized and
productive learning environment and for managing student behavior.
Example 1
1. The children in a kindergarten classroom often become so engaged in their

activities that the teacher has trouble getting them to stop what they are doing
and begin transitioning to another activity. The teacher can best address this
problem by using which of the following approaches?
A. Organize each activity in ways that prompt children to begin at a high level
of energy and then shift gradually to lower energy levels
B. Establish a routine in which the teacher begins each day by discussing with
the class the planned schedule of activities for that day
C. Assign individual children, on a rotating basis, to help the teacher monitor
and direct transitions from one activity to the next
D. Establish an agreed-upon signal, such as clapping or ringing a bell, that
alerts children that it is time to pay attention
Suggested Approach
Read the question carefully and critically. Think about what it is asking and the
situation it is describing. Eliminate any obviously wrong answers, select the correct
answer choice and mark your answer.
This question addresses how a kindergarten teacher can best make children aware
that it is time to move from one activity to another. When young children are
engrossed in what they are doing, they may find it difficult to disengage and turn
their attention elsewhere. Teachers can often overcome this problem by getting
children in the habit of responding automatically to a particular stimulus, such as
a bell ringing or clapping. Therefore, option D is the single best answer.
Option A, organizing activities that progress from high-energy components to low-

energy components, is not feasible in many situations and would probably fail to
address the problem described. With regard to option B, it would be unreasonable
to expect children at the kindergarten level to be able to adhere to a schedule of
activities described to them early in the day. Similarly, children of this age would
not be capable of effectively helping the teacher monitor and direct their peers’
transitions (option C).

Example 2
The following question tests knowledge of Pedagogy and Professional

Responsibilities EC–12 Competency 001: The teacher understands human
developmental processes and applies this knowledge to plan instruction and
ongoing assessment that motivate students and are responsive to their
developmental characteristics and needs.
2. During the middle school years, young adolescents’ need for an increasing sense
of autonomy can best be met by
A. designing activities and assignments to permit student choice among a

range of options.
B. using democratic processes to make decisions affecting the whole class
(e.g., where to go on a field trip).
C. routinely including blocks of unstructured time in students’ daily schedules.
D. assigning grades based primarily on students’ self-evaluations of their
performance.
Suggested Approach
During the adolescent years, most students exhibit a desire for increased autonomy
both at home and at school. In the classroom, one effective way to promote
students’ sense of autonomy is to provide activities that enable them to make
choices about what they will learn or how their learning will occur. When teachers
permit students to have choices among a range of learning options, the students
gain a sense of control over their own lives and learning, which in turn can promote
initiative, motivation and an increased sense of competence. Therefore, option A is
the single best answer.
The other response choices would not effectively serve the intended purpose. Using
democratic processes to make decisions affecting the whole class (option B) would
help promote a sense of fairness and collective control in the classroom but would
do little to promote adolescents’ sense of individual autonomy. Including blocks of
unstructured time in students’ daily schedules (option C) would fail to provide the
level of structure most adolescents need and would very likely result in non-
productive time in the classroom. Option D, assigning grades based primarily on
students’ self-evaluations could give students some sense of control but would not
give them experience in making the types of decisions that are reflective of true
autonomy.

Example 3
The following question tests knowledge of Pedagogy and Professional

Responsibilities EC–12 Competency 009: The teacher incorporates the effective use
of technology to plan, organize, deliver and evaluate instruction for all students.
3. Which of the following is the most important consideration for students and
teachers with regard to students’ use of the Internet as a research tool?
A. The name of a website does not always give a clear indication of the
contents of the site
B. The rapid expansion of the Internet makes it difficult to obtain the very
latest information on a given topic
C. Different search engines use different formulas for matching websites to
search strings
D. Much of the information on the Internet has not been reviewed and verified
by experts in relevant fields
Suggested Approach
This question addresses students’ use of the Internet as a research tool. Since
there are few controls over what information may be posted on the Internet and by
whom, information obtained through this medium cannot be assumed to be
accurate. Therefore, students who are using the Internet as a research tool must be
made aware of the importance of consulting sources that have been reviewed by
experts to verify the accuracy of any information obtained. Therefore, option D is
the single best answer.
With regard to the other responses, it is true that the name of a website may not
accurately represent the information it presents (option A), and it is also true that
search engines use different formulas for matching websites to search strings
(option C). While these issues may affect how easy it is to find information,
however, they are not relevant to the more critical issue of accuracy. With regard to
option B, the question of whether students have located the very latest information,
which may or may not be substantiated, is less important than whether they have
consulted a variety of up-to-date, accurate resources in a variety of media.

Clustered Questions
Clustered questions are made up of a stimulus and two or more questions relating
to the stimulus. The stimulus material can be a reading passage, a graphic, a table,
a description of an experiment or any other information necessary to answer the
questions that follow.
You can use several different approaches to respond to clustered questions. Some
commonly used strategies are listed below.
Strategy 1 Skim the stimulus material to understand its purpose, its

arrangement and/or its content. Then read the questions and refer
again to the stimulus material to obtain the specific information you
need to answer the questions.
Strategy 2 Read the questions before considering the stimulus material. The
theory behind this strategy is that the content of the questions will
help you identify the purpose of the stimulus material and locate the
information you need to answer the questions.
Strategy 3 Use a combination of both strategies. Apply the “read the stimulus
first” strategy with shorter, more familiar stimuli and the “read the
questions first” strategy with longer, more complex or less familiar
stimuli. You can experiment with the sample questions in this manual
and then use the strategy with which you are most comfortable when
you take the actual test.
Whether you read the stimulus before or after you read the questions, you should
read it carefully and critically. You may want to note its important points to help
you answer the questions.
As you consider questions set in educational contexts, try to enter into the
identified teacher’s frame of mind and use that teacher’s point of view to answer
the questions that accompany the stimulus. Be sure to consider the questions only
in terms of the information provided in the stimulus — not in terms of your own
experiences or individuals you may have known.

Questions 1-2 refer to the information below.
First read the stimulus.
Read the information below to answer the questions that follow.
Mr. Hall, a middle school teacher, has the following goals while creating his
behavior management program.
Goal 1: Develop an effective set of behavior expectations for students,

including rewards and consequences.
Goal 2: Establish positive relationships with students’ parents to get support for
the behavior management program.
Now you are prepared to respond to the first of the two questions associated with
this stimulus. The first questions tests knowledge of Pedagogy and Professional
Responsibilities EC–12 Competency 006: The teacher understands strategies for
creating an organized and productive learning environment and for managing
student behavior.
1. Which of the following introductions would best ensure that students will accept
and follow the classroom behavior standards?
A. Posting a list of specific behavior standards on a poster at the front of the

classroom
B. Allowing the students to discover through trial and error before discussing
the importance of the behavior standards
C. Developing the behavior standards as a classroom community with student
input and discussion
D. Inviting the school principal to participate during the discussion of the
importance of the behavior standards
Suggested Approach
This question addresses the teacher’s ability to gain student support and ownership
of classroom behavior standards. It is important to allow the students to have an
opportunity to be a part of the development of rules and rewards. Therefore,
option C is the single best answer.

With regard to the other responses, while it is true that posting the rules is a good
practice, not allowing the students to have input will not be effective in gaining
their acceptance of the rules (option A), and it is also true there should be a
discussion about behavior standards, but it should happen before students practice
them (option B). With regard to option D, allowing the principal to be involved in
the development of classroom rules can undermine both the students and teachers
ability to develop the sense of ownership of the rules.
Now you are prepared to respond to the second of the two questions associated
with this stimulus. The second question tests knowledge of Pedagogy and
Professional Responsibilities EC–12 Competency 011: The teacher understands the
importance of family involvement in children’s education and knows how to interact
and communicate effectively with families.
2. Which of the following could Mr. Hall do to best achieve his main goal related to
parents?
A. Meeting with the parents as soon as the students violate the behavior
standards
B. Sending an introductory letter home on the first day of school that asks for a
conference in the first month
C. Calling the parents when help is needed to maintain an appropriate level of
the standards
D. Soliciting parental involvement when there is an after-school grade-level
activity
Suggested Approach
This question tests understanding of the importance of family involvement in

students’ classroom behavior. It is important to make contact with parents and
start building a relationship before there are any behavioral concerns. Therefore,
Option B is the correct response.
With regard to the other responses, waiting for a student to misbehave (option A)
or until the teacher needs help (option B) are both missed opportunities to
encourage positive parent involvement. With regard to option D, getting parents
involved with after-school activities will not support a classroom behavior
management program.

Selected-Response Practice Questions
This section presents some sample test questions for you to review as part of your
preparation for the test. To demonstrate how each competency may be assessed,
each sample question is accompanied by the competency that it measures. While
studying, you may wish to read the competency before and after you consider each
sample question. Please note that the competency statements do not appear on the
actual test.
For each sample test question, there is at least one correct answer and a rationale
for each answer option. Please note that the sample questions are not necessarily
presented in competency order.
The sample questions are included to illustrate the formats and types of questions
you will see on the test; however, your performance on the sample questions
should not be viewed as a predictor of your performance on the actual test.

COMPETENCY 008
1. Which of the following strategies is most appropriate for assisting English-

language learners (ELLs) at the beginning level of proficiency with reading
content-specific material?
A. Providing instruction on text-based academic vocabulary prior to reading

B. Requiring students to develop outlines of the text in English while reading
C. Having students read content material aloud in groups with other ELLs
D. Providing students with parallel texts in English and their native language
Answer and Rationale
COMPETENCY 009
2. A school district has implemented a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policy, which

allows students to use their Internet-capable personal devices in class with
teacher permission. Teachers are planning to have students use the devices for
end-of-chapter quizzes. Which of the following is the most appropriate way for
the teachers to ensure that students who do not own personal devices can
participate?
A. Requiring all students to answer the quizzes on paper and to submit the
paper
B. Providing loaner devices from school inventories that are capable of
accessing the quizzes
C. Asking students to share their devices with students who do not own a
device
D. Telling students about activities in advance and requiring them to borrow or
rent a device

COMPETENCY 003
3. A social studies teacher is planning a unit for National Hispanic Heritage month.
Which of the following activities will best engage kinesthetic learners?
A. Observing performers model dances from different regions of Mexico

B. Creating masks like those traditionally used in the Ponce Carnival in Puerto
Rico
C. Identifying important geographical features on a map of Argentina
D. Comparing the monetary system of Colombia to that of the United States
COMPETENCY 011
4. Which of the following teacher actions will best promote parents as partners in
their child’s education?
A. Having the parents sign their child’s progress report so they can monitor the
child’s learning
B. Contacting parents with good news about their child as needed
C. Sending home with each child a copy of the school’s policy on family
involvement
D. Encouraging parents to have high aspirations for their child’s learning
COMPETENCY 013
5. Which of the following is the most appropriate first step to take if a teacher is
concerned that a student is suffering from abuse?
A. Calling the parents for a conference to discuss the suspicions

B. Reporting the suspicions to the child protective services agency
C. Sharing the concerns with the designated school personnel
D. Asking the student pointed questions to ensure that all is well at home

Use the information below to answer questions 6-9.
A middle school teacher is preparing a class for a field trip to the state legislature
and planning a unit to help the students understand the role of a legislator in state
government.
LEGISLATIVE UNIT PLAN

Objective 1 — Research
Students will work in small groups to gather information about a legislative issue
and to publish that information in report form.
Objective 2 — Analysis
Students will form an opinion on their issue and demonstrate an awareness of the
significance of the issue.
Objective 3 — Propose a bill

Students will work in small groups to write a draft of a proposed bill about their
issue.
Objective 4 — Discussions
Students will discuss the issue with peers, attempting to persuade peers to adopt a
certain position on the issue.
Objective 5 — Mock legislative session

Students will demonstrate an understanding of the legislative process and
participate in a mock legislative session.
COMPETENCY 003
6. Which of the following is a primary concern for the teacher to address when
evaluating objective 2 of the unit?
A. The desired outcome is not directly measurable.

B. The student action is not appropriate for a group activity.
C. The intended action does not meet the goal of the project.
D. The proposed objective does not require higher-level thinking.

COMPETENCY 005
7. Which of the following will best ensure the proper classroom climate for
objective 5?
A. Discussing the importance of professional attire for the activity

B. Having the students agree to ground rules for the activity
C. Allowing students to rearrange the room to resemble a legislative chamber
D. Showing students a video of a famous debate that occurred in a legislative
session
COMPETENCY 007
8. Which of the following statements is the best way to express the desired
outcome of objective 3 in a lesson plan?
A. Students will be able to outline the process involved in drafting legislation

for consideration.
B. Students will understand the collaborative part of the legislative process.
C. Students will appreciate the complexities of the legislative process.
D. Students will be able to draft a piece of legislation to present for debate.
COMPETENCY 006
9. Which of the following questions is best designed to elicit student responses

that demonstrate mastery of both components of objective 4?
A. What is the main objective of your bill?

B. Why should I vote for your bill?
C. Where did you find the information you used to draft your bill?
D. Who else supports this bill?

COMPETENCY 001
10. Which of the following activities would be the most developmentally appropriate
for a first-grade teacher to include in a unit on the life cycle of plants?
A. Planting a bean and observing the stages of growth

B. Reading nonfiction books about plants and creating posters
C. Visiting a science center and touring the plant exhibits
D. Watching a video about plants and drawing the bean life cycle
COMPETENCY 009
11. A teacher plans to use an online discussion board on which students will
respond to open-ended questions about the novel they are studying. Parents
have already given permission for the students to post online. Which of the
following is the next step the teacher should take?
A. Assigning a certain time of day for students to contribute to the discussion

board
B. Modeling the types of communication the students should use
C. Securing permission for the board from the school technology coordinator
D. Assessing the computer literacy skills of the students
COMPETENCY 003
12. Which of the following approaches is the most effective way for a new teacher
to improve implementation of a recently adopted curriculum?
A. Focusing on keeping pace with the other teachers in the grade

B. Using supplementary materials from the educational supply store
C. Continuing to use the old curriculum while gradually introducing the new one
D. Inviting another teacher to observe several lessons and give feedback

COMPETENCY 005
13. A teacher changes the arrangement of desks in the classroom from rows to a
circle facing the center. Which of the following is the primary benefit of the
adjustment?
A. Varying students’ view of the classroom posters and instructional aids

B. Maximizing students’ opportunities for interaction and discussion
C. Establishing a direct line of vision between the students and the front of the
classroom
D. Allowing students opportunities to move freely around the classroom
COMPETENCY 006
14. Which of the following is the most effective informal strategy for continuous
monitoring of student learning?
A. Administering benchmark assessments to track progress

B. Using formative assessments at the end of the unit
C. Questioning students during daily class discussions
D. Incorporating graphic organizers to teach key concepts for each unit of
study
COMPETENCY 010
15. After students have taken a summative assessment, which of the following
strategies is best for a teacher to use to provide feedback to students on their
progress?
A. Comparing individual student results with former students’ performance

B. Having parents provide signatures to acknowledge receipt of the assessment
C. Discussing the results with students to establish learning goals
D. Including the assessment results in student portfolios

COMPETENCY 013
16. A student qualifies for special education services, and the student needs an
Individualized Education Program (IEP). Which THREE of the following people
must be involved in developing the plan?
A. A special education teacher

B. A school administrator
C. A social worker
D. A counselor
E. A general education teacher
COMPETENCY 012
17. Which THREE of the following topics are most appropriate for a beginning
teacher to discuss with a mentor?
A. The school’s attendance and tardiness policies

B. Specific details of a student’s home environment
C. Clarification of a topic discussed at a staff meeting
D. Methods for starting after-school tutoring for struggling students
COMPETENCY 010
18. Which of the following teacher strategies will best help students enhance their
own learning after being given quality feedback?
A. Assigning practice work and reassessing skills at the end of each unit of
study
B. Asking students to confer with peers and regularly correct their work on
their own time
C. Sending a letter home to the parents detailing the progress a student has
made
D. Providing students with timely opportunities to talk with the teacher about
their work

COMPETENCY 013
19. A teacher wants to require students to purchase a novel for an assigned

reading. Which of the following is the most appropriate source for the teacher
to check whether requiring the purchase is allowable?
A. Texas Education Code

B. Copyright law
C. Educators’ Code of Ethics
D. Acceptable use policy
COMPETENCY 010
20. A teacher implements a scientifically based instructional reading strategy for

the first time with a class. The teacher then assesses students’ learning but
does not see the desired results. Which of the following is most important for
the teacher to consider before using the strategy again?
A. Students’ learning levels differ, and the assessment results may not be valid
for all the students in the class.
B. Some students participating in the lesson may not have liked the content of
the lesson, and so they may not have scored as well on the assessment as
they would have for different subject matter.
C. Students must be exposed to the strategy over time by a teacher who is
using the strategy faithfully as designed before seeing improved learning
results.
D. Students were unfamiliar with the assessment format and so scored poorly

COMPETENCY 004
21. In a science class that includes English-language learners (ELLs), a teacher

encourages all students to monitor their own level of understanding by having
them take notes in their journal as they read assigned texts. What is the
primary purpose of teaching ELLs in particular the skill of learning how to
monitor understanding?
A. Decreasing the students’ intimidation associated with learning a new

language
B. Acknowledging the prior cultural experiences of the students
C. Cultivating a positive environment in which the students can learn
D. Promoting the students’ ability to adjust their thinking as needed
COMPETENCY 007
22. During whole class instruction, a middle school teacher realizes that most of the
students are reluctant to participate in class discussions and give one-word
answers when they do participate. Which of the following strategies is most
effective for the teacher to use to increase student engagement?
A. Having students answer questions on paper in class

B. Giving students think time after asking probing questions
C. Asking students to answer questions online for homework
D. Assessing students’ understanding using an oral pop quiz
COMPETENCY 001
23. Which of the following strategies most directly leads to increased academic
performance?
A. Integrating social-emotional learning in classes

B. Scheduling daily time for students to read for pleasure
C. Rewarding students for meeting specific objectives
D. Enforcing regulations regarding excessive tardiness

COMPETENCY 009
24. A teacher plans to integrate technology into a collaborative learning

environment. Which of the following student activities will be most engaging to
the students and achieve the teacher’s goal?
A. Presenting a multimedia presentation on a key concept

B. Creating a blog discussing the attributes of a book they read recently
C. Reading an electronic version of a chapter in a textbook
D. Comparing accounts of historical events in film and print sources
COMPETENCY 002
25. During a unit of study, a teacher uses books, artwork, and posters from
different countries. For the culminating activity, the teacher invites members of
the local community from diverse backgrounds to talk to the students about
their experiences related to the unit. The teacher is most likely trying to
A. make social connections to the community.

B. adhere to state standards for curriculum.
C. introduce different languages to students.
D. promote students’ cultural awareness.
COMPETENCY 002
26. Which of the following instructional practices best ensures that a teacher
structures the learning environment to address the needs of diverse students?
A. Differentiation
B. Remediation
C. Enrichment
D. Modeling

COMPETENCY 001
27. Which of the following is the most powerful influence on a person’s sense of
identity before adolescence?
A. School
B. Family
C. Media
D. Peers
COMPETENCY 001
28. Which of the following rationales would a supporter of block scheduling provide
to convince others to support the organizational structure?
A. Teachers can focus on more subjects in a shorter time.

B. There is an emphasis on mastering facts and skills.
C. Students’ time in quality learning situations is increased.
D. The responsibility for learning is shifted to the teachers.
COMPETENCY 011
29. A teacher wants to increase parental involvement for a kindergarten class. After
some parents did not attend the school open house at the beginning of the
year, the teacher set up home visits with three families. Which of the following
is the most important reason for home visits?
A. Engaging with the family

B. Verifying attendance for a student
C. Checking out local neighborhoods
D. Verifying that parents receive paperwork

COMPETENCY 012
30. Which of the following is the best way for a teacher to improve personal
knowledge of technology use in the classroom?
A. Attending a professional development workshop

B. Collaborating with district technology-support personnel
C. Adding a variety of technology tools to the classroom
D. Scheduling more time for students to use the computer lab
COMPETENCY 008
31. A class is learning about the impact a famous person had on society. As an
enrichment activity, the teacher allows students to choose any person that has
influenced their life in a positive way and write about that person. By giving
students a choice, the teacher best demonstrates an understanding of the
importance of
A. having the students participate in community service projects.

B. promoting motivation to better engage students in the learning process.
C. making the students responsible for their own work.
D. asking the students to work in groups to complete the project.
COMPETENCY 004
32. Which of the following strategies best supports a teacher’s goal to incorporate
critical thinking skills into language arts lessons?
A. Providing students with opportunities to seek additional content knowledge

B. Creating a forum for students to debate points of view
C. Having students individually summarize various literature read
D. Asking students to create practice questions as a review activity

COMPETENCY 005
33. Every week a teacher who has a personal interest in music shares with the
class current news about musicians and music events and then displays the
articles on a bulletin board. The teacher then encourages students to share
current events of their own choosing with the class. By doing this the teacher is
A. modeling good reading strategies.

B. making text-to-text connections.
C. promoting a passion for learning.
D. brainstorming topics for writing.
COMPETENCY 006
34. Which THREE of the following are important factors to consider when
establishing routines for cooperative group work?
A. Goals to be met
B. Daily schedule
C. Classroom setting
D. Individual accountability
E. Equal opportunities
COMPETENCY 008
35. A teacher is beginning a new unit of study covering cultures. To best meet the
student’s needs and drive instruction, the teacher’s first step should be to
A. administer an anticipation guide to activate prior knowledge of the cultures.

B. provide a short video clip showcasing the cultures.
C. show pictures of the part of the world associated with the cultures.
D. assign groups to research the cultures and countries.

COMPETENCY 002
36. Which of the following approaches is best for a teacher to take to increase
students’ awareness about local cultures?
A. Assigning a yearlong project focusing on students’ cultures

B. Introducing students to authors’ cultures from around the world
C. Showing video clips of various cultural cuisines
D. Inviting community members to discuss their cultures
COMPETENCY 004
37. Which of the following activities best supports improving middle school
students’ engagement in experiments during science class?
A. Conducting debriefing activities where students discuss the validity and

implications of the experiments
B. Having students work in heterogeneous groups to complete lab reports
immediately following the experiments
C. Providing students with a checklist to mark as they complete each step of
the scientific process for the experiments
D. Allowing students to choose the topics and methodology to help plan the
next classroom experiments
COMPETENCY 011
38. To best help parents from culturally diverse backgrounds actively participate in
school, a teacher should
A. complete training to learn to speak the parents’ language.

B. encourage parents to provide direct instruction at home.
C. explain to parents how to join a parent organization.
D. send messages home in the parents’ native language.

COMPETENCY 007
39. A teacher has posted the steps of a procedure on the board. While explaining
the procedure to the class, the teacher points to each step. The primary reason
the teacher uses a nonverbal hand gesture is to
A. correctly sequence the order of completion.

B. show that the steps are being read verbatim.
C. provide visual cues to direct students’ focus.
D. allow for movement during lesson delivery.
COMPETENCY 012
40. A sixth-grade teacher wants to have a better understanding of what students

will be expected to know when they leave fifth grade and when they enter
seventh grade. The committee type that will best help this teacher is
A. vertical teaming.
B. horizontal teaming.
C. campus improvement.
D. superintendent’s round table.

Answer Key and Rationales
Question Competency Correct

Rationales
Number Number Answer
1 008 A Option A is correct because

providing instruction on content-
specific vocabulary has been proven
to help both ELLs and native speakers
acquire new vocabulary and
comprehend content instruction.
Option B is incorrect because note
taking is not appropriate for
beginning ELLs, as they lack the
language skills to take notes in a
second language. Option C is
incorrect because ELLs at this level
will most likely lack the language
skills to comprehend content-specific
texts. Option D is incorrect because
although providing information in
students’ native language may help
with their content knowledge, it will
not help them with language
acquisition.
Back to Question

Rationales
2 009 B Option B is correct because it

provides each student with the
opportunity to participate in the
activity using a basic device fulfilling
the original purpose of the activity:
informal assessment and student
engagement. Option A is incorrect
because it does not provide an equal
opportunity for all students to
participate in the activity using
technology. Option C is incorrect
because it can identify inequities
between students in the area of
personal devices. Additionally,
students may not be able to share
devices because of parental concerns
or liability issues. Option D is
incorrect because it requires
students to provide technology to
participate in class activities. Science
is not a course of study that requires
payment for materials in the
classroom.
Back to Question
3 003 B Option B is correct because it

allows the students to work with their
hands, which is appealing for a
kinesthetic learner; it also integrates
the arts. Option A is incorrect
because, though it integrates social
studies and the arts, it does not
incorporate the student’s bodies in
the dance movements. Watching the
dance is passive. Option C is
incorrect because it incorporates
other subjects in the social studies
lesson but does not involve hands-on
learning. Option D is incorrect
because comparing the two monetary
systems is a paper-and-pencil activity
is not a hands-on activity.
Back to Question

Rationales
4 011 A Option A is correct because parents

are vital partners in their child’s
education and life success. Having
parents sign progress reports ensures
that they are aware of their child’s
learning. Option B is incorrect
because sending home good-news
reports should be an ongoing action,
not one that occurs as needed.
Option C is incorrect because the
action will provide important
information for the parents, but it will
not promote parents as partners.
Option D is incorrect because while
all parents should have high
aspirations for their children, this
action will not guarantee that that will
happen.
Back to Question
5 013 B Option B is correct because state

law mandates that anyone who
suspects child abuse or neglect must
report it to appropriate authorities
immediately. Option A is incorrect
because contacting the parents may
bring repercussions for the child.
Option C is incorrect because while
it is important to follow school policy
and report suspected abuse or
neglect to school personnel, the initial
person is responsible for ensuring
that it gets reported to the authorities
immediately. Option D is incorrect
because the student may deny the
abuse and the action does not follow
the law.
Back to Question

Rationales
6 003 A Option A is correct because there is

no specific method given for students
to demonstrate awareness, so there
is no way for the teacher to measure
or assess student mastery of the
objective. Option B is incorrect
because although members of the
group may initially have differing
opinions, building consensus is a part
of any group project and is therefore
appropriate for the task. Option C is
incorrect because students must
form an opinion about the issue
before they can work on legislation
about the issue, so the objective does
align with the overall goal of the
project. Option D is incorrect
because forming an opinion about an
issue requires students to analyze
and evaluate information, both of
which are higher-level thinking skills.
Back to Question

Rationales
7 005 B Option B is correct because

allowing the students to set the
guidelines for the activity will help
create a respectful atmosphere in
which all students can freely and
safely participate. Option A is
incorrect because although proper
attire may help establish a certain
tone for the activity, clear guidelines
about expectations and behavior will
be more effective at creating a safe
and supportive environment for
student participation. Option C is
incorrect because although room
arrangement can facilitate
participation, most legislative
chambers are not organized to
facilitate group discussion;
furthermore, room arrangement will
not necessarily foster the climate of
respect and support needed to
encourage full student participation.
Option D is incorrect because
although this may help students
understand certain expectations, it
will not necessarily help them set and
understand the necessary guidelines
of behavior to support full and active
participation.
Back to Question

Rationales
8 007 D Option D is correct because the

statement clearly explains the
outcome that the teacher expects by
stating what students should be able
to produce to show that they have
met the objective. Option A is
incorrect because the statement
does not express a measurable and
observable goal. Option B is
incorrect because understanding a
process is a nebulous goal, and
students may or may not be able to
assess whether they have met the
goal. Option C is incorrect because
it does not provide students with a
concrete method of demonstrating
their appreciation or understanding,
so they most likely will be unable to
judge whether they have met the
goal.
Back to Question
9 006 B Option B is correct because the

question requires students to provide
information about the bill as well as
demonstrating persuasive skills by
constructing an argument to convince
the audience. Option A is incorrect
because the question just requires
the student to provide information
rather than to persuade the audience.
Option C is incorrect because
simply listing the sources used does
not effectively persuade the audience
to support the bill. Option D is
incorrect because although the
response to the question may help
persuade some listeners, it does not
prompt the speaker to provide
information and construct an
argument in support of the bill.
Back to Question

Rationales
10 001 A Option A is correct because children

in first grade are concrete learners
who learn best by doing experiments
and observing real events as they
occur. Option B is incorrect
because reading about a topic in a
book is not as effective as observing
a real plant as it grows. Option C is
incorrect because touring an exhibit
on plants is not as effective as
watching a real seed grow into a
plant. Option D is incorrect because
watching a video is not as effective as
observing the real plant as it grows.
Back to Question

students need to understand the
expectations for online
communication and what is
acceptable to the teacher. Option A
is incorrect because one of the
advantages of online communication
is that it can be completed at any
time of day. There should not be one
specific time assigned for making
contributions. Option C is incorrect
because it is not necessary to get
permission from the school
technology coordinator if the teacher
already has the students’ Acceptable
Use Policy. Option D is incorrect
because assessing computer skills is
not the most important next step. If a
student has a concern about how to
use the computer, the teacher can
show the student individually.
Back to Question

Rationales
12 003 D Option D is correct because peer

observation is the most effective way
for teachers to get an objective view
of their teaching and make needed
changes in their teaching strategies.
Option A is incorrect because the
focus for the teacher is on completing
the units on time rather than on
ensuring that students master the
needed skills. Option B is incorrect
because using supplementary
materials will not help her master the
math curriculum she needs to be
teaching. Option C is incorrect
because the teacher should primarily
be using the district-adopted
curriculum.
Back to Question
13 005 B Option B is correct because by

arranging classes to maximize eye
contact, a teacher can promote a
safe, engaging classroom climate.
Option A is incorrect because the
teacher is trying to foster a more
engaging classroom, not focus on
students’ views from within the
classroom. Option C is incorrect
because the teacher is trying to
maximize interactions, not put the
focus on the front of the classroom.
Option D is incorrect because this
arrangement can limit movement.
This arrangement is designed to
increase eye contact and stimulate
engaging classroom interactions.
Back to Question

Rationales
14 006 C Option C is correct because the

teacher is continuously monitoring
student understanding and can adjust
instruction as needed. Option A is
incorrect because a benchmark
assessment is a formal assessment.
Option B is incorrect because a
formative assessment is used to
inform instruction in the unit; if given
at the end of the unit, it cannot help
the teacher make changes to
instruction based on student
performance, so it is ineffective.
is an appropriate strategy for
introducing a new concept rather than
a way to informally assess
understanding of it.
Back to Question

Rationales
15 010 C Option C is correct because looking

back over the test allows students to
gain understanding and to reflect on
any errors they might have made.
Option A is incorrect because it
does not provide a way for students
to reflect on their learning and
improve their understanding after
going over an assessment. It is
inappropriate to compare students
with each other in front of the
students, and it is not helpful for the
teacher to do alone. Option B is
incorrect because it does not give
students the opportunity to reflect on
their misconceptions after the
assessment. Making parents aware of
assessment scores is useful only for
giving them information and/or
soliciting support. Option D is
incorrect because assessments in a
portfolio create a good record of
learning but do not give feedback to
students.
Back to Question
16 013 A, B, E Options A, B and E are correct

because according to the legal
requirements for the Individualized
Education Program team, a special
education teacher, school
administrator and general education
teacher are team members who are
able to assist in writing an IEP.
Options C and D are incorrect
because social workers and
counselors do not have to be present
when an IEP is being written
Back to Question

Rationales
17 012 A, C, D Option A is correct because the

requirements for taking attendance
can vary, so it is important for a
beginning teacher to receive guidance
from a veteran teacher who is
familiar with the process. Option C is
correct because a mentor teacher
will be a good source to answer the
question or know where to get
clarification. Option D is correct
because each school has a different
procedure for tutoring, and it is
important to be on the same page as
the rest of the campus and be aligned
with the school’s expectations.
Option B is incorrect because
discussing personal information about
a student’s home environment is
against FERPA.
Back to Question
18 010 D Option D is correct because it gives

students the ability to talk about their
mistakes and then correct what they
have learned from their feedback.
Option A is incorrect because
assigning practice work when
students do not know how to do it
correctly can only reinforce their
misconceptions. Option B is
incorrect because it asks students to
confer and make corrections on their
own time instead of providing an
opportunity for them to do so.
Option C is incorrect because it
places the expectation of learning
from the feedback onto the parent,
not the student.
Back to Question

Rationales
19 013 A Option A is correct because the

Texas Education Code and district
policy will show that a school board
may not charge fees for textbooks.
copyright law is in place to protect
the author, not to determine whether
students can be required to buy
books. Option C is incorrect
because it is not specific enough to
address the situation. While it relays
the need to be ethical, it does not
provide the teacher with information
to know if the action is allowable.
Option D is incorrect because the
acceptable use policy refers to
procedures for using school
computers and resources
Back to Question
20 010 C Option C is correct because

implementing the strategy on a one-
time basis does not guarantee
improved student learning outcomes.
The teacher must be committed to
using the strategy faithfully as
designed and over time. Option A is
incorrect because while it is a factor
in the results, the teacher’s
commitment to using the strategy
faithfully as designed is more
important. Option B is incorrect
because the content of the lesson
should be a lesser factor affecting the
successful use of a scientifically based
instructional strategy. Option D is
incorrect because even though it
may be true, it is fidelity to the
original research that must be
considered first.
Back to Question

Rationales
21 004 D Option D is correct because by

writing notes in their journals about
what they are reading, the students
are deploying metacognitive skills,
i.e., monitoring and adjusting their
thinking about the reading
assignments. Option A is incorrect
because the primary reason to
encourage students to monitor their
own understanding is not to decrease
the intimidation associated with
learning a new language but to aid
them in becoming accomplished
learners. Option B is incorrect
because the primary reason to
encourage ELL students to monitor
their own understanding is not to
acknowledge the prior cultural
experiences of the students but to
help them use metacognitive skills to
learn. Option C is incorrect because
the primary reason to encourage ELL
students to monitor their own
understanding is not to cultivate a
positive environment in which
students can learn but to help them
use metacognition to monitor
learning.
Back to Question

Rationales

increasing the wait time after an
initial question can evoke higher-level
thinking and result in more detailed
student responses. Option A is
incorrect because writing answers to
questions on paper does not increase
student engagement. Option C is
incorrect because writing answers to
questions for homework does not
increase student engagement.
Option D is incorrect because
without the appropriate wait time,
oral quiz questions would produce the
same reluctance from students and
therefore would not increase student
engagement.
Back to Question

research supports the conclusion that
integrating social-emotional learning
across the curriculum improves
academic performance. Option B is
incorrect because research suggests
that simply allowing time for reading
does not necessarily lead to improved
skills in reading. Option C is
incorrect because giving incentives
for student performance reduces
intrinsic motivation to learn. Option
D is incorrect because although
attendance is important to learning, a
strategy focused only on tardy
students will not improve student
performance.
Back to Question

Rationales
24 009 B Option B is correct because a blog

is a collaborative activity that
requires student interaction. Option
A is incorrect because the activity
does not promote collaboration
among students. Option C is
incorrect because the activity does
not promote collaboration among
students. Option D is incorrect
because the activity does not
promote collaboration among
students.
Back to Question
25 002 D Option D is correct because the

teacher is trying to take every
opportunity to reach all students and
help them make a connection to their
various cultures. Option A is
incorrect because the teacher is
trying to help students understand
the importance of their various
cultures, not work on community
connections. Option B is incorrect
because expanding the curriculum
and instruction or lesson planning is
not the goal. Option C is incorrect
because the teacher is not intending
to introduce different languages to
the students. The teacher is trying to
work on building cultural awareness
through personal connections.
Back to Question

Rationales

research shows that students learn
better when lessons are tailored to
their ability and learning style.
Accommodating different ability levels
within the class provides a positive
learning environment for all students.
providing remedial instruction for
some students does not address the
needs of those students who are
performing at or above expectations.
enrichment describes instructional
approaches typically aimed at gifted
learners. Option D is incorrect
because during modeling, the teacher
provides a demonstration of a
finished product to students and does
not make any adjustments for
individual differences.
Back to Question

Rationales

family has the initial and most
powerful influence upon children
before and immediately after birth.
The impact of socialization on
personality development begins with
the family before it extends to other
social entities. Option A is incorrect
because identity formation stems
from early childhood exposure to
family beliefs, values, and customs.
The influence of school is secondary.
identity formation stems from early
childhood exposure to family beliefs,
values, and customs. Influence from
media is secondary. Option D is
incorrect because identity formation
stems from early childhood exposure
to family beliefs, values, and
customs. However, as the child
develops, the influence shifts so that
peers and social forces in play a more
powerful role. This occurs during
adolescence, not before.
Back to Question

Rationales
28 001 C Option C is correct because block

scheduling gives students longer
periods so that they are able to spend
more time in quality learning
situations. Option A is incorrect
because the students in a block
schedule do not get instruction in
more subjects in a shorter time. That
is actually the opposite of block
scheduling. Option B is incorrect
because this is what tends to happen
when there is a shorter time in class.
Teachers feel rushed to teach skills
and facts instead of giving students
time to explore and discover. Option
D is incorrect because block
scheduling puts the emphasis on
students to take responsibility for
their own learning.
Back to Question
29 011 A Option A is correct because the

teacher understands the importance
of parent contact and that when not
all parents can come to school, home
visits are the best option. Option B
is incorrect because the teacher is
not responsible for verifying
attendance; this would be the job of
an administrator or attendance clerk.
Option C is incorrect because the
teacher should not be concerned
about looking over homes in the local
neighborhood. Option D is incorrect
because the teacher does not need to
make a home visit for paperwork.
Back to Question

Rationales
30 012 B Option B is correct because it will

provide the teacher with someone in
a supportive role for ongoing contact.
Option A is incorrect because one-
time workshops often don’t change
teacher practice and have no effect
on student achievement. Option C is
incorrect because quantity does not
ensure quality, and the teacher will
not know how to use the tools
without training and support. Option
D is incorrect because spending
more time in the computer lab will
not improve the teacher’s knowledge
directly.
Back to Question

students always learn better if they
can relate the lesson to their own life
or real life experience. Option A is
incorrect because making students
do community service project is going
to help them learn how to serve their
community, not encourage students’
self-motivation. Option C is
incorrect because making the
students responsible for their work
will help student become accountable
for their work, not encourage
students’ self-motivation. Option D
is incorrect because students
working in groups is not going to
encourage student motivation.
Back to Question

Rationales
32 004 B Option B is correct because a

debate allows students to analyze
arguments, claims, or evidence,
which strengthens critical thinking
skills. Option A, C and D are
incorrect because these are lower
levels of understanding and do not
provide students with critical thinking
opportunities.
Back to Question
33 005 C Option C is correct because the

teacher is showing enthusiasm for a
topic and therefore engaging students
in the learning process. Option A is
incorrect because the teacher is not
directly modeling any specific reading
strategies. Option B is incorrect
because the teacher is not necessarily
modeling making text-to-text
connections by sharing the articles.
Option D is incorrect because there
is no evidence that the purpose of
sharing these current events is to
develop topics for writing.
Back to Question

Rationales
34 006 A, D, E Option A is correct because

knowing the goals to be met should
be part of planning the cooperative
learning teams so that students
understand what is to be
accomplished and earn recognition for
the improvement of each member of
a group. Option D is correct
because while the teammates work
together the learning gains of
individuals form the basis of a team
score. Option E is correct because
within a cooperative team there
should be equal opportunities for
success. Option B is incorrect
because the daily schedule does not
affect whether the classwork is
completed individually or in
cooperative learning teams. Option C
is incorrect because the classroom
setting does not determine the
routines for cooperative group work.
Back to Question

anticipation guides are a great way
for students to make predictions as
well as build curiosity of a new topic
while also activating prior knowledge.
Option B is incorrect because the
students’ are just watching a video
and this is not helping with adjusting
instruction as needed. Option C is
incorrect because showing pictures
of the world does not help with
activating prior knowledge. Option D
is incorrect because students are
not helping adjust the teacher’s
instruction by working on a group
assignment.
Back to Question

Rationales
36 002 D Option D is correct because

involving community members is a
great way to showcase the unique
local cultures and encourage
ethnocentric education within the
classroom. Option A is incorrect
because this is not a quick way to
encourage cultural awareness, since
the project takes all year the effect
will be lost by the end of the year.
Option B is incorrect because while
it is a nice way to share authors from
around the world but it does not
necessarily make a connection to the
students local community. Option C
is incorrect because it does not
address local cultures but showcase
cuisines from around the world.
Back to Question

students will engage when they are
asked to think critically about
evidence and offer explanations.
assigning groups and recording
results does not promote
engagement. Option C is incorrect
because a checklist does not involve
critical thinking and is more of a yea-
or-nay activity. Option D is
incorrect because these students do
not have a knowledge of standards
sufficient to develop their own
experiments.
Back to Question

Rationales

educators should adopt the role of
advocate. Parents from culturally
diverse backgrounds should be
encouraged to join parent
organizations and share their cultural
points of view. Option A is incorrect
because it is not necessary to learn to
speak the other language to get
parents to actively participate in
schools. Option B is incorrect
because it encourages parental
participation at home, not school.
is used to facilitate communication,
not encourage parents to actively
participate in schools. Also, the
teacher may not have the resources
to do this.
Back to Question

students benefit from auditory and
visual cues when receiving
instructions, since it helps them
retain information. Option A is
incorrect because the primary
purpose of pointing and using
gestures is to direct the students’
focus. Option B is incorrect because
using hand signals in this situation is
not intended as a reading tracking
tool. Option D is incorrect because
gestures and hand signals have
nothing to do with the teacher’s
movement, but instead aid with
helping students clarify questions and
focus.
Back to Question

Rationales
40 012 A Option A is correct because a

vertical team is comprised of
members from different grade levels
who meet to share ideas and fine
tune their curriculum. Option B is
incorrect because a horizontal team
is comprised of members from
different content areas, but they are
all on the same grade level. Option C
is incorrect because the campus
improvement team addresses issues
for the whole campus and is
comprised of members from all
departments and grade levels.
Option D is incorrect because the
superintendent’s round table is
focused on addressing issues
affecting the entire district, not
necessarily curriculum.
Back to Question

Study Plan Sheet
STUDY PLAN
What What
material do material do
I have for I need for Where can Dates
Content How well do studying studying I find the planned for
covered I know the this this materials study of Date
on test content? content? content? I need? content Completed

Preparation Resources
The resources listed below may help you prepare for the TExES test in this field.
These preparation resources have been identified by content experts in the field to
provide up-to-date information that relates to the field in general. You may wish to
use current issues or editions to obtain information on specific topics for study
and review.
JOURNALS
ASCD Infobrief, Newsletter of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum
Development. http://www.ascd.org
Educational Leadership, Journal of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum
Development. http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership.aspx
English Journal, National Council of Teachers of English.
http://www.ncte.org/journals/ej
Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, International Reading Association.
http://www.jstor.org/action/showPublication?journalCode=jadoladullite&
Journal of Computing in Childhood Education, Journal of the Association for the
Advancement of Computing in Education. http://dl.acm.org/citation.cfm?id=J410
Journal of Technology and Teacher Education, Journal of the Association for the
Advancement of Computing in Education. http://www.aace.org/pubs/
Learning and Leading with Technology, International Society for Technology in
Education. http://www.learningandleading-
digital.com/learning_leading/may_2014#pg1
Middle School Journal, Association for Middle Level Education.
http://www.amle.org/
Science and Children, National Science Teachers Association.
http://learningcenter.nsta.org/browse_journals.aspx?journal=sc
Social Education, National Council for the Social Studies.
Teaching PreK–8, Early Years, Inc. http://www.magazine-agent.com/Teaching-Pre-
K-8/Magazine
The Reading Teacher, International Reading Association.
http://www.reading.org/general/Publications/Journals/RT.aspx
OTHER RESOURCES
Bennett, Christine I. (2010). Comprehensive Multicultural Education: Theory and
Practice, Seventh Edition. Boston, Mass.: Allyn and Bacon.
Brown, Dave F., and Knowles, Trudy (2007). What Every Middle School Teacher
Should Know, Second Edition. West Chester University, Pa.: Hienemann.
Campbell, L., Campbell, B., and Dickinson, D. (2003). Teaching and Learning through
Multiple Intelligences, Third Edition. Needham, Mass.: Allyn and Bacon.

Crawford, J., and Krashen, Stephen (2007). English Learners in American Classrooms
101 Questions 101 Answers. New York, N.Y.: Scholastic Inc.
Cunningham, P., and Allington, R. (2010). Classrooms That Work: They Can All Read
and Write, Fifth Edition. Needham, Mass.: Allyn and Bacon.
Evertson, Carolyn M., and Emmer, Edmund T. (2008). Classroom Management for
Elementary Teachers, Eighth Edition. Needham, Mass.: Allyn and Bacon.
Erb, T. O. (Ed.) (2012). This We Believe in Action: Implementing Successful Middle-
Level Schools, Second Edition. Westerville, Ohio: Association for Middle Level
Education.
Garcia, J., Spalding, E., and Powell, E. R. (2006). Contexts of Teaching: Methods for
Middle and High School Instruction, Second Edition. N.J.: Prentice Hall.
Good, T. L., and Brophy, J. E. (2007). Looking in Classrooms, Tenth Edition.
Needham, Mass.: Allyn and Bacon.
Jackson, A. W., and Davis, G. A. (2000). Turning Points 2000: Educating Adolescents
in the 21st Century. New York, N.Y.: Carnegie Corporation of New York.
Jensen, E. (2005). Teaching with the Brain in Mind, Second Edition. Alexandria, Va.:
Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.
Jonassen, D., Howland, J., Marra, R., Crismond, D. (2008). Meaningful Learning and
Technology, Third Edition. Needham, Mass.: Allyn & Bacon.
Marzano, J. Robert, and Pickering, J. Debra (2005). Building Academic Vocabulary:
Teacher’s Manual. Alexandria, Va.: Association for Supervision & Curriculum
Development.
McCann, Thomas M., Johannessen, Larry R., Kahn, Elizabeth, Smagorinsky, Peter,
and Smith, Michael W. (2005). Reflective Teaching, Reflective Learning: How to
Develop Critically Engaged Readers, Writers, and Speakers, First Edition. Portsmouth,
N.H.: Heinemann.
McTighe, Jay, and Tomlinson, Carol Ann (2006). Integrating Differentiated
Instruction and Understanding by Design: Connecting Content and Kids. Alexandria,
Va.: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.
Peregoy, Suzanne F., and Boyle, Owen F. (2012). Reading, Writing, and Learning in
ESL: A Resource Book for Teaching K–12 English Learners, Sixth Edition. New York,
N.Y.: Pearson.
Rose, David H., and Meyer, Anne (2002). Teaching Every Student in the Digital Age:
University Design for Learning. Alexandria, Va.: ASCD.
Ryan, K., and Cooper, J. M. (2006). Those Who Can, Teach, Eleventh Edition.
Florence, N.Y.: Cengage Learning.
Tanner, David E. (2000). Assessing Academic Achievement. Boston, Mass.: Pearson.
Texas Education Agency (2007). Chapter 74.4, English Language Proficiency
Standards. Austin, Texas.
Wong, H. K., and Wong, R. T. (2009). The First Days of School: How to Be an
Effective Teacher, Twelfth Edition. Mountain View, Calif.: Harry K. Wong Publications,
Inc.

ONLINE RESOURCES
Institute of Education Sciences — http://ies.ed.gov
National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition — www.ncela.gus
Texas Education Agency Special Education in Texas —
http://tea.texas.gov/Curriculum_and_Instructional_Programs/Special_Education/
U.S. Department of Education — http://www.ed.gov

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What is the purpose of the TExES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC–12 test?

What is the purpose of the TExES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC–12 test?

What are the four domains covered in the test framework?

What are the four domains covered in the test framework?

Texas Examinations of Educator Standards™

Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities

The Domains .............................................................................................. 4

The Standards ............................................................................................ 5

Domains and Competencies .......................................................................... 7

Domain I — Designing Instruction and Assessment to Promote Student

Domain II — Creating a Positive, Productive Classroom Environment ........ 12

Domain III — Implementing Effective, Responsive Instruction and

Domain IV — Fulfilling Professional Roles and Responsibilities .................. 17

Approaches to Answering Selected-response Questions .................................. 19

How to Approach Unfamiliar Question Formats ....................................... 19

Single Questions ................................................................................. 20

Suggested Approach ........................................................................... 23

Clustered Questions ............................................................................ 24

Selected-Response Practice Questions ......................................................... 27

Answer Key and Rationales ......................................................................... 43

Study Plan Sheet....................................................................................... 67

Preparation Resources ............................................................................... 68

TExES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC–12 (160) 2

Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities

Test Code 160

Number of Questions 100 selected-response questions

Format Computer-administered test (CAT)

TExES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC–12 (160) 3

Designing Instruction and

Implementing Effective, Pedagogy and Professional

Fulfilling Professional Pedagogy and Professional

TExES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC–12 (160) 4

Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC–12 Standard II

Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC–12 Standard III

Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC–12 Standard IV

Technology Applications Standard I

Technology Applications Standard II

Technology Applications Standard III

Technology Applications Standard IV

Technology Applications Standard V

Technology Applications Standard VI

TExES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC–12 (160) 5

TExES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC–12 (160) 6

 The competency statement, which broadly defines what an entry-level

Domain I — Designing Instruction and Assessment to Promote

Competency 001: The teacher understands human developmental processes and

The beginning teacher:

A. Knows the typical stages of cognitive, social, physical and emotional

TExES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC–12 (160) 7

TExES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC–12 (160) 8

The beginning teacher:

A. Demonstrates knowledge of students with diverse personal and social

The beginning teacher:

A. Understands the significance of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills

TExES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC–12 (160) 9

The beginning teacher:

TExES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC–12 (160) 10

TExES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC–12 (160) 11

Domain II — Creating a Positive, Productive Classroom Environment