TExES PPR EC-12 (160) Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What is the most important aspect of the curriculum for young children?

interaction
structure
reading
play (Correct answer)

Correct answer: play

For young children, play is not merely recreation; it is fundamental to their holistic learning and development. Through play, children develop cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills, explore concepts, solve problems, and understand the world around them. A curriculum for young children should be play-based to be most effective, as it fosters engagement, creativity, and natural learning.

Question 2: Bloom's Taxonomy lists six levels of cognitive complexity. Which level involves breaking information into parts to understand its structure?

Analysis (Correct answer)
Application
Synthesis
Evaluation

Correct answer: Analysis

Analysis involves examining components, identifying relationships, and distinguishing between parts of a concept or argument.

Question 3: When a student receives feedback on an essay and then has the opportunity to revise and resubmit, the teacher is MOST directly supporting:

A growth mindset and mastery-oriented learning (Correct answer)
Norm-referenced ranking among peers
Summative evaluation of final knowledge
Compliance with standardized testing protocols

Correct answer: A growth mindset and mastery-oriented learning

Revision cycles communicate that learning is a process and that effort and feedback lead to improvement, reinforcing a growth mindset.

Question 4: Which instructional approach is most consistent with Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)?

Having students work independently on tasks they have already mastered
Providing scaffolded support on tasks slightly beyond a student's current independent ability (Correct answer)
Grouping students only with peers at the exact same skill level
Using only direct instruction to minimize student confusion

Correct answer: Providing scaffolded support on tasks slightly beyond a student's current independent ability

The ZPD is the space between what a student can do alone and what they can do with support; scaffolding bridges that gap.

Question 5: During a unit on persuasive writing, a teacher holds brief one-on-one writing conferences with students. This strategy BEST functions as:

A summative assessment replacing the final essay
A formative assessment that provides individualized feedback during the learning process (Correct answer)
A peer assessment where students evaluate each other's work
A diagnostic assessment identifying students' prior writing experience

Correct answer: A formative assessment that provides individualized feedback during the learning process

One-on-one conferences during the learning process provide targeted, formative feedback that students can immediately use to improve.

Question 6: Which classroom practice best demonstrates the PPR principle of maintaining a high academic press while still supporting student engagement and wellbeing?

Accepting incomplete work to avoid student frustration
Setting rigorous expectations while providing the scaffolding, encouragement, and resources for students to meet them (Correct answer)
Eliminating formative assessment to reduce student test anxiety
Grading on a strict curve to maintain competitive standards

Correct answer: Setting rigorous expectations while providing the scaffolding, encouragement, and resources for students to meet them

High academic press combined with strong support creates a challenging but achievable environment where students are motivated to meet rigorous goals.

Question 7: A teacher is setting up a professional learning community (PLC) with colleagues who teach the same grade level. What is the most important initial goal for this group?

To develop a shared understanding of what students should learn and be able to do based on curriculum standards. (Correct answer)
To select the instructional materials and textbooks for the following school year.
To divide the responsibility for planning lessons so that each teacher has less work.
To create a uniform discipline policy for all their classrooms.

Correct answer: To develop a shared understanding of what students should learn and be able to do based on curriculum standards.

The fundamental purpose of a Professional Learning Community (PLC) is to focus on and improve student learning. The essential first step is for the team to collaboratively analyze the curriculum standards (like the TEKS in Texas) to establish clear and consistent learning targets for all students. This ensures that all teachers are working towards the same essential outcomes before they begin planning instruction and assessments.

Question 8: A teacher wants to share classroom updates with parents via social media. The BEST practice is to:

Create a private Facebook group exclusively for the class community
Use the district-approved communication platform designated for teacher-parent contact (Correct answer)
Connect with parents through the teacher's personal social media accounts
Have a student volunteer manage a class page on a popular platform

Correct answer: Use the district-approved communication platform designated for teacher-parent contact

District-approved platforms ensure student privacy protections and compliance with school policy.

Question 9: In communicating with families from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, it is important for educators to:

Require parents to come to the school for all important meetings.
Communicate primarily through digital apps to save paper.
Assume all families have access to email and the internet.
Be aware of potential barriers and offer multiple modes of communication. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Be aware of potential barriers and offer multiple modes of communication.

Families have varying access to resources like internet, transportation, and flexible work schedules. Effective communication requires being mindful of these potential barriers and offering multiple, flexible options for conferences, information access, and participation.

Question 10: A teacher observes a colleague falsifying student attendance records. The teacher's professional obligation is to:

Confront the colleague privately and insist they self-report
Document the behavior for a full semester before deciding whether to act
Ignore the situation to preserve a positive workplace relationship
Report the misconduct to appropriate school administration (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Report the misconduct to appropriate school administration

Educators have a professional and ethical obligation to report colleague misconduct that violates regulations or harms students.

Question 11: Which of the following demands that schools maintain student information and records confidential?

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (Correct answer)
Section 504

Correct answer: Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. It grants parents and eligible students certain rights regarding their education records, including the right to inspect and review them, and generally requires written permission to release personally identifiable information from these records. This ensures student data remains confidential.

Question 12: A teacher integrates technology by having students use online simulations to explore scientific concepts. This BEST reflects which principle?

Technology to replace all teacher-led instruction
Technology as a tool for passive consumption of digital content
Technology as a means to enhance student inquiry and conceptual understanding (Correct answer)
Technology as a reward for completing traditional assignments

Correct answer: Technology as a means to enhance student inquiry and conceptual understanding

Using simulations to explore concepts aligns technology with active, inquiry-based learning rather than passive use or entertainment.

Question 13: Which of the following best describes a teacher's legal 'duty of care'?

Ensuring all students earn passing grades each grading period
Protecting students from foreseeable harm through reasonable supervision (Correct answer)
Providing academic accommodations for every student regardless of documented need
Guaranteeing students' physical and emotional safety at all times

Correct answer: Protecting students from foreseeable harm through reasonable supervision

Duty of care requires teachers to provide reasonable supervision to protect students from foreseeable harm.

Question 14: The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) primarily protects:

Students' rights to access their own educational records
Schools' rights to withhold grades from parents
The privacy of students' educational records from unauthorized disclosure (Correct answer)
Teachers' rights to share student data with parents

Correct answer: The privacy of students' educational records from unauthorized disclosure

FERPA restricts the release of personally identifiable information in student records without consent of parents (or students 18+).

Question 15: Which of the following best describes the relationship between assessment and instruction in a responsive classroom?

Assessment is an ongoing process that is fully integrated with instruction to guide teaching and learning. (Correct answer)
Assessment is a final step used only for grading at the end of a unit.
Instruction and assessment are separate processes managed at different times of the year.
Instruction is prioritized, with assessment used only when required by the district.

Correct answer: Assessment is an ongoing process that is fully integrated with instruction to guide teaching and learning.

In a responsive classroom, assessment and instruction are cyclical and intertwined. Teachers use various forms of assessment continuously (before, during, and after instruction) to understand what students know and need to learn, and then they adapt their instruction accordingly.

Question 16: To renew a standard teaching certificate in Texas, a classroom teacher is required to complete 150 hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) every five years. The primary purpose of this requirement is to ensure that educators:

meet the minimum requirements for school district liability insurance.
receive an annual salary increase.
qualify for administrative positions.
stay current with research, best practices, and standards in the education field. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: stay current with research, best practices, and standards in the education field.

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) mandates CPE hours to ensure that educators continue their professional growth throughout their careers. The goal is for teachers to stay informed about new research, instructional strategies, technology applications, and evolving content standards, which ultimately benefits student learning and improves instructional effectiveness.

Question 17: Which feature of a well-designed rubric most directly supports fair and consistent grading across student work?

Including only a single holistic score category
Providing clear, observable descriptors for each performance level (Correct answer)
Listing the teacher's personal preferences for each criterion
Using letter grades instead of numerical scores

Correct answer: Providing clear, observable descriptors for each performance level

Observable descriptors for each performance level reduce subjectivity and ensure consistent scoring.

Question 18: When a student turns 18 years old, FERPA rights transfer from the parents to the student. This means the school must:

Keep two separate record files: one for the student and one for parents
Continue to share all records with both parents and the student equally
Notify parents in writing that their access to records has been permanently revoked
Obtain the student's written consent before releasing records to parents, except in specific exceptions (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Obtain the student's written consent before releasing records to parents, except in specific exceptions

Once a student reaches 18 or attends a post-secondary institution, FERPA rights transfer to the student, and parental access requires the student's consent or a recognized FERPA exception.

Question 19: A Texas educator discovers that a colleague is routinely accessing student academic records out of personal curiosity rather than professional need. The educator should:

Ignore the behavior because the colleague has school system login access
Assume the colleague must have been granted special administrative access
Report the behavior to administration, as it violates FERPA's legitimate educational interest requirement (Correct answer)
Confront the colleague privately and ask them to stop

Correct answer: Report the behavior to administration, as it violates FERPA's legitimate educational interest requirement

FERPA restricts record access to those with a legitimate educational interest; browsing records out of curiosity violates this requirement and must be reported to school administration.

Question 20: A student with test anxiety performs poorly on high-stakes exams but demonstrates mastery in daily work. Which assessment accommodation is most appropriate?

Allow the student to grade their own test
Replace the test with a social-emotional lesson
Provide extended time and a low-distraction testing environment (Correct answer)
Exempt the student from all summative assessments

Correct answer: Provide extended time and a low-distraction testing environment

Extended time and a low-distraction environment are evidence-based accommodations that reduce the performance impact of test anxiety.

Question 21: A Texas teacher notices students frequently call out answers without raising their hands. Which proactive classroom management strategy best addresses this pattern?

Establish and consistently reinforce a clear procedure for responding (Correct answer)
Call on students who call out to reward their enthusiasm
Send disruptive students to the office
Ignore the behavior and continue instruction

Correct answer: Establish and consistently reinforce a clear procedure for responding

Establishing and consistently enforcing a clear response procedure prevents call-outs by setting explicit behavioral expectations from the start.

Question 22: Which of the following BEST describes the role of self-assessment in student learning?

It replaces teacher grading for efficiency
It eliminates the need for formal evaluations
It is only useful for advanced students
It promotes metacognition and ownership of the learning process (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It promotes metacognition and ownership of the learning process

Self-assessment encourages students to reflect on their own learning, building metacognitive awareness and self-regulation.

Question 23: A student frequently disrupts class because she finishes work early and becomes bored. The most PPR-aligned solution is to:

Ask the student to sit quietly until others finish
Provide meaningful extension activities or enrichment tasks aligned to the objective (Correct answer)
Give the student additional worksheets as busywork
Move the student to a higher-grade classroom temporarily

Correct answer: Provide meaningful extension activities or enrichment tasks aligned to the objective

Providing enrichment tasks that align to learning objectives addresses early-finisher boredom constructively and maintains engagement.

Question 24: According to the PPR, a teacher who connects lesson content to students' cultural backgrounds and life experiences is applying which motivational principle?

Bloom's Taxonomy of cognitive objectives
Behaviorism
Standardized curriculum delivery
Culturally responsive teaching to increase relevance (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Culturally responsive teaching to increase relevance

Connecting content to students' backgrounds and experiences increases its relevance and meaningfulness, which boosts motivation and engagement.

Question 25: Which seating arrangement is most effective for cooperative learning activities, as supported by PPR classroom environment principles?

Students seated individually with desks separated
Small clusters or table groups facing each other (Correct answer)
A large circle with the teacher at the front
Rows facing the board

Correct answer: Small clusters or table groups facing each other

Small cluster arrangements facilitate face-to-face interaction, which is essential for cooperative learning tasks.

Question 26: Which strategy BEST supports English Language Learners (ELLs) in accessing grade-level content?

Placing ELLs in a separate class until they reach grade-level English proficiency
Simplifying all written texts to a first-grade reading level
Providing comprehensible input through visuals, context clues, and scaffolded tasks (Correct answer)
Avoiding academic vocabulary so students are not overwhelmed

Correct answer: Providing comprehensible input through visuals, context clues, and scaffolded tasks

Comprehensible input (Krashen's i+1) combined with scaffolds allows ELLs to engage with rigorous content while developing language simultaneously.

Question 27: A high school social studies teacher is planning a unit on the Civil Rights Movement. To best ensure the instruction is appropriate for all students, which of the following should be the teacher's first step?

Select a variety of primary and secondary source documents for students to analyze.
Create a series of engaging multimedia presentations to deliver content to the students.
Review the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) to identify the required learning goals for the unit. (Correct answer)
Design a project-based summative assessment for the end of the unit.

Correct answer: Review the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) to identify the required learning goals for the unit.

The Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) are the state standards for what students should know and be able to do. The first step in planning any instruction is to consult the relevant standards to determine the specific learning goals and objectives. This ensures that the instruction is aligned with state requirements and provides a clear focus for both the teacher and the students.

Question 28: A teacher consistently praises only students who answer quickly and loudly, ignoring quieter students. According to PPR, this practice primarily risks:

Creating an inequitable classroom environment that marginalizes shy students (Correct answer)
Violating FERPA regulations
Conflicting with the TEKS curriculum framework
Reducing overall academic achievement scores

Correct answer: Creating an inequitable classroom environment that marginalizes shy students

Selectively praising only assertive students creates an inequitable environment and signals to quieter students that their participation is not valued.

Question 29: Which instructional approach is MOST consistent with constructivist learning theory?

Students complete drill-and-practice worksheets for fluency
The teacher models a procedure and students replicate it exactly
Teacher lectures while students take notes and memorize key terms
Students investigate a real-world problem and construct explanations from evidence (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Students investigate a real-world problem and construct explanations from evidence

Constructivism holds that learners build understanding through active inquiry and experience, making problem-based investigation a natural fit.

Question 30: In Texas, which body establishes and enforces the Code of Ethics governing educator professional conduct?

State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) (Correct answer)
National Education Association (NEA)
Texas Education Agency (TEA)
American Federation of Teachers (AFT)

Correct answer: State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC)

SBEC (State Board for Educator Certification) promulgates and enforces the Texas Educator Code of Ethics.

Question 31: Which of the following is the primary purpose of responsive instruction?

To adhere strictly to the curriculum map without any deviation.
To ensure all students complete the same assignments at the same pace.
To group students based on fixed ability levels for the entire school year.
To use student data and feedback to make timely instructional decisions that meet diverse learning needs. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To use student data and feedback to make timely instructional decisions that meet diverse learning needs.

Responsive instruction is a student-centered approach where the teacher continuously assesses student progress and uses that information to tailor instruction. This involves being flexible and making adjustments to lessons, activities, and assessments to meet the individual and collective needs of the students in the classroom.

Question 32: Which instructional sequence is most aligned with the gradual release of responsibility model?

The teacher models, guides, collaborates, then students practice independently (Correct answer)
Students attempt the task first, then the teacher reteaches errors
Students work independently, then check answers as a class
The teacher lectures, tests, then reteaches low scorers

Correct answer: The teacher models, guides, collaborates, then students practice independently

The gradual release model (I do, We do, You do) systematically shifts responsibility from teacher to student.

Question 33: When selecting an assessment for students with visual impairments, a teacher should FIRST consider:

Whether the assessment is the same as what other students take
Whether the format allows the student to demonstrate knowledge without the disability being a barrier (Correct answer)
Whether the assessment is available in a printed format
Whether the student's parents approve the assessment

Correct answer: Whether the format allows the student to demonstrate knowledge without the disability being a barrier

Assessment selection for students with disabilities must prioritize removing barriers so the assessment measures intended knowledge, not the disability.

Question 34: Which practice best aligns rubric criteria with a learning objective focused on argumentation skills?

Scoring based primarily on grammar and spelling
Using a single holistic score without descriptors
Basing the grade entirely on essay length
Including criteria for claim clarity, evidence quality, and reasoning coherence (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Including criteria for claim clarity, evidence quality, and reasoning coherence

Rubric criteria should directly mirror the skills named in the objective — argumentation requires evaluating claim, evidence, and reasoning.

Question 35: Which behavior management approach aligns most strongly with the PPR domain of creating a positive, productive classroom environment?

Authoritarian control where the teacher makes all decisions
Authoritative management that balances structure with student autonomy (Correct answer)
Laissez-faire approaches that avoid confrontation
Permissive management that lets students set all rules

Correct answer: Authoritative management that balances structure with student autonomy

Authoritative management — high expectations with warmth and student input — is associated with the best academic and behavioral outcomes.

Question 36: A teacher is using a token economy system in a third-grade classroom. Which PPR principle does this most directly reflect?

Socratic questioning
Constructivist learning theory
Inquiry-based instruction
Positive behavioral reinforcement (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Positive behavioral reinforcement

A token economy is a form of positive behavioral reinforcement where students earn tokens for desired behaviors that can be exchanged for rewards.

Question 37: A certified Texas educator is arrested for a felony offense. According to the Texas Administrative Code, the educator must:

Self-report the arrest to the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC). (Correct answer)
Only report the incident to their school principal.
Wait until the case results in a conviction before reporting.
Not report it, as an arrest is not a conviction.

Correct answer: Self-report the arrest to the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC).

The State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) has rules requiring educators to self-report certain criminal activities. This includes reporting any felony or certain misdemeanors to SBEC, typically within a specific timeframe after the event. This is a professional responsibility separate from any reporting required by their employing district.

Question 38: Which action best demonstrates a teacher's use of withitness as described in effective classroom management research tested on the PPR?

Using a seating chart organized by academic ability
Simultaneously monitoring the whole class while instructing a small group (Correct answer)
Assigning seatwork so the teacher can grade papers
Focusing entirely on one student while others work independently

Correct answer: Simultaneously monitoring the whole class while instructing a small group

Withitness refers to a teacher's ability to be aware of all student behavior at all times, even while working with individual students or small groups.

Question 39: The PRIMARY purpose of a school-family compact in a Title I school is to:

Satisfy federal reporting requirements without impacting daily practice
Establish shared responsibilities between school, family, and student for academic achievement (Correct answer)
Document consequences for student behavioral violations throughout the year
Outline the teacher's grading and homework policies for the school year

Correct answer: Establish shared responsibilities between school, family, and student for academic achievement

School-family compacts formalize a partnership commitment between schools and families to support student learning.

Question 40: Which seating arrangement best supports a classroom discussion-based lesson?

Students seated in a circle or U-shape (Correct answer)
Alphabetical rows with desks six feet apart
Rows facing the board
Students seated in isolated carrels

Correct answer: Students seated in a circle or U-shape

A circle or U-shape arrangement allows all students to see and address each other, facilitating genuine discussion.

Question 41: Which classroom management approach is MOST aligned with maintaining a positive, proactive learning environment?

Establishing clear routines, expectations, and positive relationships before problems arise (Correct answer)
Relying on punitive consequences as the primary motivator
Removing disruptive students from the classroom as the primary response
Addressing misbehavior only after it disrupts the class

Correct answer: Establishing clear routines, expectations, and positive relationships before problems arise

Proactive management—clear expectations, consistent routines, and strong relationships—prevents most behavioral issues before they occur.

Question 42: A bilingual student performs poorly on a written science test but demonstrates thorough understanding during a hands-on lab. What should the teacher conclude?

The student does not understand the science content
The written assessment format may have created a language barrier that masked the student's actual understanding (Correct answer)
The student is performing at grade level in science
The student cheated during the lab activity

Correct answer: The written assessment format may have created a language barrier that masked the student's actual understanding

Discrepancies between performance modalities often indicate that language demand in the written test obscured the student's true content knowledge.

Question 43: A teacher gives teaching in a number of methods to fulfill the requirements of pupils in the classroom.

differentiation. (Correct answer)
a spectrum.
options.
varied learning.

Correct answer: differentiation.

Differentiation, or differentiated instruction, is a teaching approach where educators tailor instruction to meet the diverse learning needs of individual students in a classroom. This involves varying content, process, products, and the learning environment to ensure all students can access the curriculum, engage meaningfully, and achieve success according to their unique strengths and challenges.

Question 44: A teacher replaces a traditional paper-and-pencil worksheet with a digital version that students complete on a tablet. According to the SAMR model, this is an example of:

Augmentation
Substitution (Correct answer)
Modification
Redefinition

Correct answer: Substitution

Substitution occurs when technology is used as a direct substitute for a traditional tool, with no functional change to the task. The task is still completing a worksheet; the only difference is the medium.

Question 45: A teacher incorporates student choice boards that allow learners to select from nine activity options. This strategy aligns with which motivational principle tested on the PPR?

Pavlovian conditioning
Learned helplessness reduction
Vygotsky's zone of proximal development
Self-determination theory — supporting student autonomy (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Self-determination theory — supporting student autonomy

Choice boards directly support autonomy, one of the three core needs in self-determination theory, by giving students agency in how they demonstrate learning.

Question 46: When planning a lesson, a teacher considers the prerequisite knowledge students need before introducing new content. This planning step reflects understanding of:

Universal Design for Learning
Multiple intelligences theory
Zone of proximal development and scaffolding theory (Correct answer)
The flipped classroom model

Correct answer: Zone of proximal development and scaffolding theory

Vygotsky's ZPD emphasizes building on existing knowledge; scaffolding bridges what students already know to new learning.

Question 47: A middle school teacher plans to use a portfolio assessment for a creative writing unit. What is the primary advantage of using this type of assessment?

It measures a narrow range of specific, isolated writing skills.
It allows students to showcase their growth and reflect on their learning process over time. (Correct answer)
It is a quick and efficient way to score a large number of students.
It provides a standardized comparison of student performance against a single rubric.

Correct answer: It allows students to showcase their growth and reflect on their learning process over time.

A portfolio is a purposeful collection of student work that demonstrates effort, progress, and achievement over time. Its primary advantage is that it allows for a more holistic view of a student's development and encourages student self-reflection and ownership of their learning.

Question 48: Which questioning technique BEST promotes higher-order thinking during classroom discussion?

Calling only on students who raise their hands
Asking factual recall questions with one correct answer
Using open-ended questions that require students to justify or evaluate (Correct answer)
Limiting questions to vocabulary definitions from the text

Correct answer: Using open-ended questions that require students to justify or evaluate

Open-ended evaluative and analytical questions push students beyond recall into Bloom's higher tiers of analysis, evaluation, and creation.

Question 49: Which of the following is the best example of a strategy to promote two-way communication with families?

The principal's monthly message posted on the school website.
A weekly classroom newsletter sent home by the teacher.
A parent feedback survey about the effectiveness of the school's homework policy. (Correct answer)
An automated phone call announcing a school event.

Correct answer: A parent feedback survey about the effectiveness of the school's homework policy.

A survey actively solicits input, opinions, and feedback from parents, making it a clear example of two-way communication. The other options are forms of one-way communication, where the school is broadcasting information out to families without a structured method for response.

Question 50: Which federal law primarily governs the confidentiality of student educational records?

FERPA (Correct answer)
HIPAA
Title IX
IDEA

Correct answer: FERPA

FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) specifically protects the privacy of student educational records.

Question 51: When first addressing a student's persistent academic struggles, a teacher's BEST initial step is to:

Refer the student for a special education evaluation
Send a written retention warning to the parent
Contact the school counselor to handle the situation
Schedule a conference to share observations and collaboratively develop strategies (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Schedule a conference to share observations and collaboratively develop strategies

Collaborative communication with families is the appropriate first response before initiating formal referrals.

Question 52: When establishing a positive communication plan at the beginning of the school year, a teacher should prioritize:

Sending home a detailed list of all classroom rules and consequences.
Waiting for parents to make the first contact.
Scheduling parent-teacher conferences for the first week of school.
Making an initial, positive contact with every family. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Making an initial, positive contact with every family.

Proactive communication sets a positive tone for the entire year. By reaching out early with a welcoming message and clear information about how communication will work, the teacher builds a foundation of trust and partnership before any problems arise.

Question 53: A PPR candidate needs to foster intrinsic motivation in students. Which instructional strategy best supports this goal?

Using competition and class rankings to incentivize performance
Emphasizing grades as the primary measure of success
Providing students with meaningful choices in how they demonstrate learning (Correct answer)
Offering tangible rewards for every completed assignment

Correct answer: Providing students with meaningful choices in how they demonstrate learning

Providing meaningful choices supports student autonomy, a key driver of intrinsic motivation according to self-determination theory.

Question 54: A teacher collects student work samples over a semester in a portfolio and uses them to show growth over time. Portfolios are most valuable as an assessment tool because they:

Provide a single snapshot of student performance on a key task
Eliminate subjectivity in scoring student writing
Are easier to score than standardized tests
Document progress and allow students to reflect on their own learning (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Document progress and allow students to reflect on their own learning

Portfolios capture a longitudinal record of student work and promote metacognition through self-reflection on growth.

Question 55: A teacher wants to ensure that a new classroom test is reliable. Which action BEST improves test reliability?

Making the test shorter to reduce student fatigue
Including more difficult questions to increase differentiation
Using clear, unambiguous question wording and consistent scoring criteria (Correct answer)
Adding more subjective essay questions

Correct answer: Using clear, unambiguous question wording and consistent scoring criteria

Clear wording and consistent scoring criteria reduce variability and measurement error, which increases reliability.

Question 56: Which formative assessment strategy provides the teacher with immediate data about whole-class understanding during a lesson?

A written essay submitted at the end of the unit
Exit tickets completed in the last three minutes of class (Correct answer)
A standardized benchmark test given every six weeks
A parent survey about homework completion

Correct answer: Exit tickets completed in the last three minutes of class

Exit tickets are completed at the end of a lesson and give teachers immediate, actionable data on student understanding before the next class.

Question 57: Reflective practice in teaching PRIMARILY involves:

Soliciting and compiling parent feedback about classroom instructional quality
Completing required self-evaluation forms in the district's appraisal system
Systematically analyzing one's own teaching decisions and their impact on student learning (Correct answer)
Reviewing student test scores and grade distributions at the end of each term

Correct answer: Systematically analyzing one's own teaching decisions and their impact on student learning

Reflective practice is the deliberate, systematic examination of instructional decisions and their outcomes to improve future teaching.

Question 58: A gifted and talented student quickly and accurately completes every math assignment. The most appropriate way for the teacher to differentiate for this student is to:

Provide extension activities that involve more complex problem-solving. (Correct answer)
Allow the student to grade other students' papers.
Assign the student more problems of the same difficulty.
Have the student sit quietly and wait for others to finish.

Correct answer: Provide extension activities that involve more complex problem-solving.

Gifted students need to be challenged, not just kept busy. Providing extension activities that require higher-order thinking (e.g., applying concepts to new, more complex problems) deepens their understanding. Simply giving more of the same type of work can lead to boredom and disengagement.

Question 59: A teacher plans a unit on persuasive writing. Which instructional sequence best reflects Bloom's Taxonomy from lower to higher order thinking?

Apply → Remember → Evaluate
Evaluate → Apply → Remember
Create → Analyze → Remember
Remember → Understand → Apply → Analyze → Evaluate → Create (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Remember → Understand → Apply → Analyze → Evaluate → Create

Bloom's Taxonomy moves from lower-order skills (Remember, Understand) to higher-order skills (Apply, Analyze, Evaluate, Create).

Question 60: A fourth-grade teacher is designing a math lesson on fractions for a class with a wide range of abilities, including several English-language learners. Which of the following instructional strategies would best promote learning for all students?

Providing a variety of manipulatives and visual aids for students to use in small, flexible groups. (Correct answer)
Having students work independently on a series of complex word problems.
Administering a timed drill of fraction calculations to build fluency.
Delivering a whole-class lecture using precise mathematical terminology.

Correct answer: Providing a variety of manipulatives and visual aids for students to use in small, flexible groups.

Using manipulatives (like fraction bars) and visual aids helps to make abstract concepts concrete, which is beneficial for all learners, especially English-language learners and students who struggle with abstract reasoning. Flexible grouping allows the teacher to differentiate instruction and provide targeted support to students based on their needs.

Question 61: According to the Texas Educators' Code of Ethics, what is the most critical consideration regarding teacher-student relationships?

Ensuring the relationship does not exist on social media.
Receiving parental consent for any non-academic interactions.
Treating all students with equal attention regardless of personal feelings.
Maintaining professional boundaries and avoiding inappropriate relationships. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Maintaining professional boundaries and avoiding inappropriate relationships.

The Code of Ethics is clear that the educator's primary responsibility is to the student. Standard 3.2 states that the educator shall not engage in a romantic relationship with a student. Maintaining a professional boundary is paramount to protecting the student and upholding the integrity of the profession.

Question 62: Which PPR concept describes the practice of overlapping — handling a discipline issue while simultaneously keeping the rest of the class engaged?

Smoothness
Overlapping (Correct answer)
Momentum
Withitness

Correct answer: Overlapping

Overlapping, from Kounin's research, refers to the ability to address a discipline issue and continue instruction at the same time.

Question 63: A teacher wants to ensure the classroom environment is respectful of students from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Which of the following is the most effective practice?

Adopting a color-blind approach and treating all students exactly the same.
Decorating the classroom with flags from around the world without further context.
Asking students from different backgrounds to teach the class about their holidays.
Integrating diverse perspectives and multicultural content into the curriculum throughout the year. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Integrating diverse perspectives and multicultural content into the curriculum throughout the year.

Creating an inclusive environment involves more than superficial gestures. Authentically integrating diverse perspectives and content into the everyday curriculum validates students' backgrounds and enriches the learning experience for everyone. This approach demonstrates that diversity is a core part of the academic content, not an isolated topic.

Question 64: Which of the following is a primary legal responsibility of a Texas educator who has reasonable cause to suspect that a student has been abused or neglected?

Discuss the concerns with other teachers to see if they have noticed similar signs.
Contact the student's parents or guardians to investigate the situation.
Only report the suspicion if there is concrete physical evidence of abuse.
Report the suspicion to Child Protective Services (CPS) or a law enforcement agency within 48 hours. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Report the suspicion to Child Protective Services (CPS) or a law enforcement agency within 48 hours.

Texas law designates all school professionals as mandatory reporters. This means they have a legal obligation to report any suspicion of child abuse or neglect. The report must be made to an appropriate agency (CPS or law enforcement) within 48 hours of first suspecting abuse or neglect. Failure to report is a criminal offense. Investigating the matter or waiting for definitive proof is not the teacher's role and can endanger the child.

Question 65: The primary difference between formative and summative assessment is:

Formative assessments are always multiple-choice, while summative are essays.
Formative assessments are graded, while summative assessments are not.
Summative assessments are given daily, while formative assessments are given at the end of a semester.
The purpose of formative assessment is to guide instruction, while summative assessment is to evaluate final mastery. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The purpose of formative assessment is to guide instruction, while summative assessment is to evaluate final mastery.

The key distinction lies in the purpose of the assessment. Formative assessment is 'assessment for learning'—its purpose is to monitor student progress and provide ongoing feedback that teachers can use to improve their teaching and students can use to improve their learning. Summative assessment is 'assessment of learning'—its purpose is to evaluate student learning at the end of an instructional period.

Question 66: Which of the following teacher actions is most critical for fostering a classroom environment of equity and excellence?

Providing all students with the exact same assignments and resources.
Grouping students by ability for all instructional activities.
Maintaining high expectations for all students and providing differentiated support to help them achieve those expectations. (Correct answer)
Primarily praising students who achieve the highest grades to model success.

Correct answer: Maintaining high expectations for all students and providing differentiated support to help them achieve those expectations.

Equity in the classroom means providing each student with the resources and support they need to succeed, not necessarily giving everyone the same thing. Holding high expectations for every student communicates a belief in their potential, while differentiated instruction provides the tailored support necessary for them to meet those high standards, thus promoting both equity and excellence.

Question 67: According to Vygotsky's sociocultural theory, the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) refers to:

Tasks a learner can complete independently without any help
The maximum cognitive level a student will ever reach
The gap between what a learner can do alone and what they can do with guidance (Correct answer)
A physical space in the classroom designated for collaborative work

Correct answer: The gap between what a learner can do alone and what they can do with guidance

The ZPD is the distance between a student's independent performance and what they can achieve with adult or peer support.

Question 68: A student with ADHD has difficulty completing a long-term research project. Which of the following is the most effective strategy for the teacher to implement?

Telling the student to try harder to focus on the project.
Breaking the project into smaller steps with frequent check-ins. (Correct answer)
Waiting until the final due date to see what the student turns in.
Giving the student a lower grade for not managing their time well.

Correct answer: Breaking the project into smaller steps with frequent check-ins.

Students with ADHD often struggle with executive functions like planning, organization, and sustained attention. Breaking a large project into smaller, more manageable chunks with individual due dates helps the student focus on one part at a time. Frequent check-ins provide structure and accountability, keeping the student on track.

Question 69: To conclude a unit on a novel, a teacher allows students to show their understanding by either writing a traditional essay, creating a short film, or designing a graphic novel chapter. This is an example of differentiating the:

Product (Correct answer)
Content
Environment
Process

Correct answer: Product

The 'product' is the culminating project or assessment that asks students to apply and extend what they have learned. By offering choices in how students demonstrate their mastery of the unit's objectives, the teacher is differentiating the product. This allows students to leverage their individual strengths and interests.

Question 70: Which scenario BEST illustrates responsive instruction informed by self-assessment data?

A teacher posts the unit test score average on the board for motivation
A teacher asks students to rate their confidence on a topic and then adjusts small-group instruction accordingly (Correct answer)
A teacher distributes a self-assessment on the last day of the unit after grades are entered
A teacher uses self-assessment scores as the primary component of the report card grade

Correct answer: A teacher asks students to rate their confidence on a topic and then adjusts small-group instruction accordingly

Using student confidence ratings immediately to adjust grouping and instruction is a direct application of responsive teaching — the data drives a real instructional decision.

Question 71: A teacher posts on personal social media: 'I can't stand the students in Period 3—they're all so lazy!' Which ethical principle does this most directly violate?

The obligation to protect the dignity and worth of each student (Correct answer)
The requirement to maintain current teaching certificates
The requirement to communicate positively with parents
The duty to implement the district-adopted curriculum

Correct answer: The obligation to protect the dignity and worth of each student

The Texas Educators' Code of Ethics requires educators to treat all students with dignity and respect, and public disparagement of students—even on personal social media—violates this principle.

Question 72: A teacher wants to assess whether students can apply mathematical reasoning to real-world problems. Which assessment is MOST appropriate?

A timed test of multiplication facts
A project where students plan and budget for a school event using given constraints (Correct answer)
A worksheet with 50 computation problems
A quiz matching math terms to definitions

Correct answer: A project where students plan and budget for a school event using given constraints

Real-world projects require students to apply mathematical reasoning in authentic contexts, directly assessing the target skill.

Question 73: Which type of feedback most effectively sustains student motivation and engagement according to PPR-aligned research?

Evaluative feedback that ranks students against each other
General praise such as 'Good job!' after every task
Specific, descriptive feedback focused on process and next steps (Correct answer)
Delayed feedback provided at the end of a unit

Correct answer: Specific, descriptive feedback focused on process and next steps

Specific, descriptive feedback that focuses on the learning process gives students actionable information to improve and reinforces effort over ability.

Question 74: A parent contacts a teacher concerned that their child is bored and not being challenged in class. What is the most appropriate first response from the teacher?

Assure the parent the curriculum meets all state standards and no changes are needed
Ask the parent to hire a tutor for additional challenge outside of school
Schedule a meeting to discuss the student's performance data and explore enrichment options (Correct answer)
Refer the parent immediately to the school counselor

Correct answer: Schedule a meeting to discuss the student's performance data and explore enrichment options

Scheduling a collaborative meeting with the parent and reviewing actual student performance data demonstrates professionalism, builds trust, and leads to an informed, student-centered plan for differentiation or enrichment.

Question 75: Which of the following is the primary purpose of a formative assessment?

To assign a final grade at the end of a unit
To gather ongoing information that guides instruction (Correct answer)
To rank students for placement decisions
To fulfill state reporting requirements

Correct answer: To gather ongoing information that guides instruction

Formative assessments are used during instruction to monitor learning and adjust teaching in real time.

Question 76: A classroom where students learn primarily through collaborative projects, group problem-solving, and dialogue with peers and the teacher reflects the theories of:

Jean Piaget, who focused on individual discovery.
B.F. Skinner, who focused on behavior and reinforcement.
Benjamin Bloom, who categorized levels of thinking.
Lev Vygotsky, who emphasized social learning. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Lev Vygotsky, who emphasized social learning.

Lev Vygotsky's sociocultural theory emphasizes the fundamental role of social interaction in the development of cognition. He believed that learning is a social process, and cognitive development is advanced through social interactions with more skilled adults and peers. A collaborative classroom environment is the hallmark of a Vygotskian approach.

Question 77: Which of the following is the BEST example of criterion-referenced assessment?

Comparing a student's score to the national average on a standardized test
Selecting the top 10% of students for an advanced program
Determining whether each student can read at 90 words per minute as a grade-level benchmark (Correct answer)
Ranking students from highest to lowest score on a reading test

Correct answer: Determining whether each student can read at 90 words per minute as a grade-level benchmark

Criterion-referenced assessment measures student performance against a defined standard, not against other students.

Question 78: A teacher wants to activate prior knowledge at the start of a new unit. Which strategy is most appropriate?

Using a KWL chart to surface what students already know (Correct answer)
Assigning independent reading from the textbook
Providing a detailed lecture on the new topic
Administering a chapter post-test

Correct answer: Using a KWL chart to surface what students already know

KWL charts explicitly reveal students' prior knowledge and misconceptions, helping the teacher connect new content to existing schema.

Question 79: Which of the following tasks will most effectively assist students improve pragmatic language skills?

Writing words in an appropriate order to construct sentences.
Using suitable verb tenses while speaking and writing.
Putting appropriate end marks at the conclusion of various sorts of sentences.
Using freshly learnt idioms in speech correctly. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Using freshly learnt idioms in speech correctly.

Pragmatic language skills involve understanding and using language appropriately in social contexts, including knowing how to use language for different purposes, adapting language to the listener, and following rules for conversations. Using freshly learned idioms correctly requires understanding their non-literal meaning and appropriate social application, directly enhancing a student's ability to navigate complex social communication effectively.

Question 80: Which of the following is not an effective nonverbal communication strategy for encouraging pupils to concentrate their attention on classroom work?

To remind pupils that they are being watched, the teacher establishes direct eye contact with them or touches their desks or workplaces.
When pupils speak out of turn in class, the teacher exits the room and goes into his private office. (Correct answer)
The teacher positions himself next to two pupils who are conversing rather than working.
During lectures, the teacher employs gestures to underline crucial topics for the pupils.

Correct answer: When pupils speak out of turn in class, the teacher exits the room and goes into his private office.

A teacher leaving the room when students misbehave is an ineffective and counterproductive nonverbal strategy. It signals a loss of control, abandons the students, and is likely to exacerbate disruptive behavior rather than encourage concentration. Effective nonverbal communication for classroom management involves strategies like proximity, eye contact, and gestures to redirect attention without disrupting the learning environment.

Question 81: During a group project, a conflict arises between two students who disagree on the direction of their work. What is the teacher's most effective initial response to maintain a positive and productive classroom environment?

Separate the students and have them finish the project individually.
Tell the students to figure it out themselves without intervening.
Facilitate a discussion with the students, helping them to articulate their perspectives and guiding them toward a mutually agreed-upon compromise. (Correct answer)
Assign a leader to the group to make the final decision.

Correct answer: Facilitate a discussion with the students, helping them to articulate their perspectives and guiding them toward a mutually agreed-upon compromise.

A key component of a positive classroom environment is teaching students how to manage conflicts constructively. By facilitating a discussion, the teacher models and reinforces essential social skills like active listening, perspective-taking, and compromise. This approach resolves the immediate issue while also building students' capacity for future collaboration.

Question 82: Which assessment method is MOST appropriate when a teacher needs to measure a student's ability to collaborate and contribute in a group setting?

A peer evaluation rubric completed during group work (Correct answer)
A teacher-created multiple-choice quiz
An independent essay assignment
A standardized written test

Correct answer: A peer evaluation rubric completed during group work

Peer evaluation rubrics completed during group work directly observe the collaborative behavior being assessed.

Question 83: A teacher wants to assess whether students can apply a concept, not just recall it. Which type of assessment item best measures application-level learning?

A scenario-based question requiring students to solve a novel problem (Correct answer)
A matching activity pairing vocabulary to definitions
A multiple-choice item identifying a correct term
A fill-in-the-blank item asking for a definition

Correct answer: A scenario-based question requiring students to solve a novel problem

Scenario-based items require students to transfer knowledge to new situations, directly assessing application rather than recall.

Question 84: A teacher notices that several students are off-task during independent practice. What is the most effective first response?

Circulate the room, redirect quietly, and check for comprehension (Correct answer)
Assign additional homework as a consequence
Stop the lesson and send a note home to parents
Move all off-task students to a separate table

Correct answer: Circulate the room, redirect quietly, and check for comprehension

Proximity and quiet redirection are low-intensity interventions that keep instruction flowing while addressing off-task behavior.

Question 85: According to Texas Education Code, an educator who holds a valid teaching certificate but is employed in a non-teaching role (e.g., coach only) is still subject to:

Only the campus principal's professional conduct guidelines
The SBEC Code of Ethics and certificate holder standards (Correct answer)
Only district HR policies, not SBEC rules
Reduced ethical standards because they are not in a classroom role

Correct answer: The SBEC Code of Ethics and certificate holder standards

All holders of an SBEC-issued certificate are subject to the Code of Ethics regardless of their specific role or assignment within the district.

Question 86: A teacher consistently tells struggling students, 'You haven't mastered this yet.' This language reflects which motivational framework emphasized in modern education and the PPR?

Deficit thinking
Fixed mindset theory
Attribution theory focused on ability
Growth mindset — emphasizing learning as a process (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Growth mindset — emphasizing learning as a process

The word 'yet' signals a growth mindset — communicating that current struggles are part of a learning process, not a fixed limitation.

Question 87: Before beginning a new unit on electricity, a science teacher gives a brief quiz to determine students' prior knowledge and identify any common misconceptions. This type of assessment is best described as:

Summative
Diagnostic (Correct answer)
Formative
Authentic

Correct answer: Diagnostic

A diagnostic assessment is administered before instruction begins to assess students' pre-existing knowledge, skills, and potential misconceptions. The results are used to plan instruction that effectively meets the students where they are. It 'diagnoses' the students' starting point.

Question 88: A teacher gives students a graded quiz, then returns the quiz and allows students to correct errors for additional credit while explaining their thinking. This practice is MOST aligned with which assessment philosophy?

Assessment as punishment for not studying
Assessment as a purely summative measure of content mastery
Assessment as a sorting mechanism for ability grouping
Assessment as a learning tool that promotes growth and deeper understanding (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Assessment as a learning tool that promotes growth and deeper understanding

Error correction with explanation treats assessment as a learning opportunity, reinforcing that mistakes are part of the learning process.

Question 89: A Texas educator suspects a student has been physically abused at home. What is the educator's legal obligation?

Discuss concerns only with the school counselor and document the conversation
Report suspicions directly to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services or law enforcement within 48 hours (Correct answer)
Report suspicions immediately to the principal, who will then contact authorities
Contact the student's parents first to verify the suspected abuse

Correct answer: Report suspicions directly to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services or law enforcement within 48 hours

Texas law requires educators to report suspected child abuse or neglect directly to DFPS or law enforcement promptly, not to delegate that duty to an administrator.

Question 90: A history teacher asks students to read two primary source documents from the same time period but with opposing viewpoints. The assignment is to create a Venn diagram comparing and contrasting the authors' perspectives. This assignment primarily targets which level of Bloom's Taxonomy?

Knowledge
Analysis (Correct answer)
Evaluation
Application

Correct answer: Analysis

The 'Analysis' level of Bloom's Taxonomy involves breaking down information into its component parts to explore relationships and compare/contrast ideas. Creating a Venn diagram to compare and contrast different perspectives requires students to analyze both documents for similarities and differences, rather than just recalling information.

Question 91: Which action BEST demonstrates a teacher maintaining appropriate professional boundaries?

Sharing a personal cell phone number with students for after-hours tutoring assistance
Sharing personal life stories during class time to build rapport with students
Adding former students as friends on personal social media immediately after graduation
Applying consistent expectations to all students regardless of personal relationships (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Applying consistent expectations to all students regardless of personal relationships

Consistent expectations for all students, regardless of personal affinity, reflects proper professional boundaries.

Question 92: A Texas teacher notices that most classroom examples in the math textbook reflect only mainstream American culture. Which action best demonstrates culturally responsive teaching?

Skip the textbook entirely and create all materials from scratch
Ask students to adapt themselves to the textbook examples as practice for standardized tests
Request a new textbook from the district and wait until it arrives
Supplement lessons with problems and contexts that reflect the diverse backgrounds of students in the class (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Supplement lessons with problems and contexts that reflect the diverse backgrounds of students in the class

Culturally responsive teaching requires actively connecting content to students' cultural backgrounds, which means supplementing existing materials with relevant, diverse contexts.

Question 93: A Texas school conducts a warrantless search of a student's backpack based on a tip from another student. Under Fourth Amendment standards established in New Jersey v. T.L.O., this search is constitutional if:

Local law enforcement is present to authorize the search
The principal personally conducts the search in the presence of two witnesses
There are reasonable grounds to suspect the search will yield evidence of a rule or law violation (Correct answer)
The student provides written consent before the search begins

Correct answer: There are reasonable grounds to suspect the search will yield evidence of a rule or law violation

The Supreme Court's ruling in New Jersey v. T.L.O. established that school searches require 'reasonable suspicion'—a lower standard than probable cause—that the search will uncover evidence of a school rule or law violation.

Question 94: Which type of feedback is MOST effective for improving student learning according to research on responsive instruction?

Praise that emphasizes student intelligence ('You're so smart!')
Grades alone without narrative comments
Specific, descriptive feedback focused on the learning goal and how to improve (Correct answer)
Feedback delivered only on formal assessments

Correct answer: Specific, descriptive feedback focused on the learning goal and how to improve

Specific, descriptive feedback tied to the learning goal gives students actionable information to close the gap between current and desired performance.

Question 95: Which group of professionals is REQUIRED to be part of an IEP team in Texas under IDEA?

The campus principal, the district superintendent, and the student's primary therapist
The student's parents, the special education director, and the school psychologist
Only certified special education teachers and the student's parents
The student's parents, at least one general education teacher, at least one special education teacher, and a LEA representative (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The student's parents, at least one general education teacher, at least one special education teacher, and a LEA representative

IDEA mandates that an IEP team include the parents, at least one general education teacher, at least one special education teacher, and a Local Education Agency representative qualified to commit district resources.

Question 96: A teacher asks students to score their own work using a rubric before submitting it. This strategy is PRIMARILY designed to:

Develop students' metacognitive awareness and self-monitoring skills (Correct answer)
Guarantee that all students receive a passing grade
Reduce the teacher's grading load
Replace the need for teacher feedback entirely

Correct answer: Develop students' metacognitive awareness and self-monitoring skills

Self-assessment with a rubric builds metacognition by prompting students to evaluate their own work against explicit criteria, fostering independent learning.

Question 97: A teacher plans instruction using the concrete–representational–abstract (CRA) sequence. This approach is especially beneficial for:

Students learning abstract mathematical concepts for the first time (Correct answer)
ELL students developing academic vocabulary
Advanced learners who need enrichment challenges
Students who need fluency practice on mastered skills

Correct answer: Students learning abstract mathematical concepts for the first time

CRA progressively moves students from hands-on objects to visual models to symbolic notation, building conceptual understanding.

Question 98: A teacher is in the faculty lounge discussing a student's specific disability and academic struggles with another teacher who does not have that student in any of their classes. This conversation is a violation of:

School district policy only, not federal law
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (Correct answer)
The Texas Educators' Code of Ethics

Correct answer: The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

FERPA protects the privacy of all student education records, which includes personally identifiable information such as disability status and grades. This information should only be shared with other school officials who have a 'legitimate educational interest' in the information, which the other teacher in this scenario does not.

Question 99: At the end of a math lesson on adding fractions, a teacher wants to quickly gauge her students' understanding to decide whether to review the concept again tomorrow or move on. Which assessment would be most appropriate for this purpose?

A comprehensive unit test
A standardized achievement test
An exit ticket with one or two problems (Correct answer)
A portfolio of the student's work for the semester

Correct answer: An exit ticket with one or two problems

An exit ticket is a formative assessment used to get a quick snapshot of student learning at the end of a lesson. The teacher's purpose is to inform future instruction (review or move on), which is the primary goal of formative assessment. It is low-stakes and provides immediate feedback for the teacher.

Question 100: Under Texas law, the ARD (Admission, Review, and Dismissal) committee is convened to:

Evaluate students for gifted and talented programs
Review discipline records and determine alternative placement for disruptive students
Approve requests for dual-enrollment in community college courses
Make decisions about special education eligibility, placement, and IEP development (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Make decisions about special education eligibility, placement, and IEP development

In Texas, the ARD committee is the equivalent of the IEP team and is responsible for determining special education eligibility, developing the IEP, and deciding on appropriate educational placement.

TExES PPR EC-12 (160) Exam

The TExES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC-12 (160) exam certifies Texas educator candidates in instructional design, classroom management, responsive teaching, and professional responsibilities for grades EC through 12.

100

Questions

285 min

Time Limit

70%

To Pass

Checking for saved progress...

Exam Rules

You can skip questions and return to them later
Flag questions for review before submitting
No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
Timer auto-submits when time runs out
Your progress is auto-saved every 30 seconds

These practice questions were written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

Sources & references

Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy

tx.nesinc.com — Test delivery, exam format, score release · verified Oct 2026