NYSTCE ATAS NYSTCE Physical Education 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A teaching assistant notices a student struggling with skipping. Which cue would BEST help the student improve the locomotor pattern?
- Tell the student to move faster
- Remind the student to step-hop on one foot then the other (Correct answer)
- Have the student watch a video without practice
- Instruct the student to gallop instead
Correct answer: Remind the student to step-hop on one foot then the other
Skipping is a step-hop pattern alternating feet, and verbal cues that describe the mechanics help students self-correct.
Question 2: During a tag game, several students consistently avoid participating. The BEST strategy for the teaching assistant is to:
- Allow them to sit out so others can play
- Modify the game so all students have an active role (Correct answer)
- Tell the teacher after class
- Assign them to keep score on the sideline
Correct answer: Modify the game so all students have an active role
Modifying games to increase inclusion ensures all students remain physically active and engaged.
Question 3: A student complains of shin pain after running laps. The teaching assistant should FIRST:
- Encourage the student to push through the pain
- Have the student rest and report to the supervising teacher (Correct answer)
- Apply ice immediately without informing anyone
- Continue the activity and monitor from a distance
Correct answer: Have the student rest and report to the supervising teacher
Student safety requires immediately informing the supervising teacher of any pain or injury complaint.
Question 4: Which fitness component is PRIMARILY assessed by a sit-and-reach test?
- Cardiovascular endurance
- Muscular strength
- Flexibility (Correct answer)
- Body composition
Correct answer: Flexibility
The sit-and-reach test measures flexibility, specifically of the hamstrings and lower back.
Question 5: When assisting with the PACER (Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run) test, the teaching assistant's role is to:
- Encourage students to beat each other's scores
- Record each student's level and shuttle accurately and objectively (Correct answer)
- Allow students to skip laps if tired
- Demonstrate the full test before students begin
Correct answer: Record each student's level and shuttle accurately and objectively
Accurate and objective data collection is the primary role during fitness assessments like the PACER.
Question 6: A student with asthma wants to participate in outdoor running on a high-pollen day. The teaching assistant should:
- Allow full participation without any modification
- Consult the supervising teacher and review the student's health plan (Correct answer)
- Excuse the student from all physical activity for the day
- Have the student run half the distance without informing the teacher
Correct answer: Consult the supervising teacher and review the student's health plan
Students with health conditions require review of their individualized health plans before participation decisions are made.
Question 7: Which of the following BEST demonstrates the concept of 'personal space' in physical education?
- Students moving in a cluster to stay together
- Each student moves in their own area without touching others (Correct answer)
- Students holding hands during locomotor activities
- The teacher assigns specific floor spots and students stay fixed
Correct answer: Each student moves in their own area without touching others
Personal space means each student occupies and moves through their own area independently without interfering with others.
NYSTCE ATAS NYSTCE Physical Education 2
A teaching assistant notices a student struggling with skipping.
Which cue would BEST help the student improve the locomotor pattern?