SLLA Group 2- Climate and Culture

A school leader wants to reduce the effects of poverty in the building by creating a learning environment that demonstrates respect for all students and families. Which of the following actions is most appropriate for the school leader to use to reach this goal?

• A. Ensuring that every classroom has appropriate materials and furniture

• B. Encouraging faculty to develop supportive relationships with students

• C. Allowing teachers to determine the direction of curriculum and instruction

• D. Sending letters to parents with information about school discipline policies

Which of the following is a school leader’s best method for promoting collaboration among staff members?

• A. Allowing staff members to determine the agenda and to assume responsibility for conducting monthly faculty meetings

• B. Forming teaching teams in which members share the responsibility for student learning

• C. Participating in all grade-level and content-area teaching teams on an ad hoc basis

• D. Requiring all novice teachers or teachers new to the district to participate in a mentoring program

According to research, school leaders can best optimize learning for minority students by

• A. encouraging teachers to integrate the students’ life experiences into instruction

• B. grouping students with similar cultural backgrounds in the same classes

• C. placing students with learning disabilities or language barriers in basic-skills classes

• D. focusing students and families on college- and career-readiness pathways

A high school leader plans to implement a schoolwide program to develop students’ ability to use reasoned decision-making. To most effectively monitor the implementation of the program, the school leader should

• A. provide students with the opportunity to participate in planning the program goals and components

• B. review teachers’ lesson plans to confirm that all aspects of the program are included

• C. ensure that the program uses quantitative measures to assess the program’s effect on student behavior

• D. interview representative stakeholders to determine their level of satisfaction with the program

A school leader plans professional development for the staff focused on cultural competency, which includes a self-assessment of attitudes and abilities both before and after the training. The primary reason for the school leader to promote this activity is to

• A. unite staff in protecting students’ rights

• B. make data transparent and explicit for decision making

• • C. model ethical behavior in the treatment of others

• D. guide others to examine their own assumptions and beliefs

Which of the following actions by school leadership has the best potential for reducing the technology gap for students who are economically disadvantaged, transient, or homeless?

• A. Providing students with tablets enabled with mobile hot-spot devices

• B. Working with the librarian to assess students’ computer-literacy skills

• C. Asking teachers to make assignments that do not rely on technology

• D. Directing parents to agencies that provide low-cost Internet service

School leaders can best empower teachers to bring about positive change in their schools by

• A. publicly acknowledging student accomplishments

• B. acquiring trending instructional materials and technology

• C. promoting a culture that encourages teacher leadership

• D. seeking teacher candidates who have a record of success

A school leader promotes professionalism by encouraging teacher participation in a cycle of continuous improvement. Which THREE of the following are the primary outcomes expected for teachers who participate in this practice?

• A. Feeling part of a committed community of learners

• B. Ensuring that lessons are differentiated to meet at-risk student learning needs

• C. Gaining the confidence to try new instructional approaches and methods

• D. Engaging in collaborative professional development activities

• E. Gaining confidence to participate in a master’s level degree program

When acting as a cultural leader, a school leader focuses on

• A. facilitating smooth operations through effective management of the building and schedules

• B. guiding curriculum development and instruction at each grade level and content area

• C. managing teachers and community resources to maximize capital and time commitments

• D. enhancing student achievement by seeking to develop a community with a common purpose

Which of the following best describes an action of a school leader working as a change agent?

• A. Maintaining open and effective lines of communication with staff

• B. Reviewing existing procedures with staff to identify needed improvements

• C. Reminding staff of important school policies that should be followed

• D. Being highly visible to school and community stakeholders on a regular basis