TExES Exam TExES Supplemental 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A teacher wants to promote higher-order thinking in a social studies class. Which question best targets the 'Evaluate' level of Bloom's Taxonomy?
- What year did the Civil War begin?
- Can you list the main causes of the Civil War?
- How would you judge whether Reconstruction was a success or failure? (Correct answer)
- Can you summarize the events of Reconstruction?
Correct answer: How would you judge whether Reconstruction was a success or failure?
Evaluation questions require students to make judgments using criteria and evidence, which is the highest level in the revised Bloom's Taxonomy.
Question 2: The TEKS for a second-grade science class require students to observe and record properties of matter. Which activity best aligns with this standard?
- Reading a textbook chapter on states of matter and answering comprehension questions
- Watching a video about atoms and molecules
- Sorting classroom objects by color, size, and texture and recording findings (Correct answer)
- Listening to a lecture on the periodic table of elements
Correct answer: Sorting classroom objects by color, size, and texture and recording findings
Hands-on observation and recording of physical properties directly addresses the TEKS standard for second-grade science inquiry.
Question 3: A teacher uses a 'think-aloud' strategy while reading a complex text to students. What is the primary instructional purpose of this technique?
- To model the metacognitive processes skilled readers use (Correct answer)
- To assess students' listening comprehension informally
- To provide a dramatic reading experience that builds motivation
- To introduce new vocabulary in a contextual setting
Correct answer: To model the metacognitive processes skilled readers use
Think-alouds make the invisible thought processes of expert readers visible, helping students learn to monitor their own comprehension.
Question 4: Under FERPA, which of the following individuals generally has the right to access a student's educational records without written consent?
- A local newspaper reporter investigating school performance
- A potential employer of the student's parent
- A school official with a legitimate educational interest (Correct answer)
- A state legislator requesting individual student data
Correct answer: A school official with a legitimate educational interest
FERPA allows school officials with a legitimate educational interest to access records without parental consent, as defined by the school's annual notification.
Question 5: A student in a 504 plan has a physical disability requiring preferential seating. When a substitute teacher rearranges the room, the accommodation is not provided. Who bears primary responsibility for ensuring the accommodation is implemented?
- The student, who should self-advocate to the substitute
- The school, which must ensure substitutes are informed of 504 accommodations (Correct answer)
- The parent, who should contact the substitute directly
- The campus counselor, who oversees all 504 plans personally
Correct answer: The school, which must ensure substitutes are informed of 504 accommodations
Schools are legally responsible for ensuring Section 504 accommodations are consistently provided, including communicating them to all staff such as substitutes.
Question 6: Which writing stage involves students sharing drafts with peers to receive suggestions on clarity and content before final revision?
- Prewriting
- Publishing
- Peer conferencing (revision stage) (Correct answer)
- Editing for conventions
Correct answer: Peer conferencing (revision stage)
Peer conferencing occurs during the revision stage of the writing process and focuses on improving ideas, organization, and clarity.
Question 7: A supplemental math teacher wants to address a student's math anxiety. Which research-supported approach is most effective?
- Assigning more timed drills to build speed and confidence
- Reducing the student's math workload to avoid frustration
- Using growth mindset messaging and low-stakes practice opportunities (Correct answer)
- Separating the student from peers during math instruction
Correct answer: Using growth mindset messaging and low-stakes practice opportunities
Growth mindset framing and low-stakes practice reduce performance pressure and help students develop positive associations with mathematics.
TExES Exam TExES Supplemental 3
A teacher wants to promote higher-order thinking in a social studies class.
Which question best targets the 'Evaluate' level of Bloom's Taxonomy?