Answers and Explanations

Answers and Explanations for ATS Questions

1. B

The primary focus of this question is:

Understand instructional planning and apply knowledge of planning processes to design effective instruction.

One multiple-choice question certainly cannot reference everything a teacher takes into account when planning what to teach, but this question isn't looking for an extensive listing of considerations. It's looking for a basic way of thinking about planning instructional objectives in a new situation. Eliminate (A) because textbooks are created at a general level and don't take into account features of a specific district or classroom. Eliminate (C) because you are given no information to ascertain the quality of the predecessor's lesson materials. Eliminate (D) because Ms. DeFoe's previous instructional units may not be appropriate for her new students. Ms. DeFoe must consider the abilities and backgrounds of her current students while designing instructional objectives that comply with the learning standards set forth by the district where she is currently employed and by the state. Choice (B) is the correct response.

2. C

The primary focus of this question is:

Understand reciprocal rights and responsibilities in situations involving interactions between teachers and students, parents, community members, colleagues, school administrators, and other school personnel.

Teachers should apply their knowledge of their rights and legal responsibilities in various situations (e.g., in relation to students who may be abused). According to Title 6 of the New York State Social Services Law, a teacher who has reasonable cause to suspect that a child is an abused or maltreated child shall "immediately notify the person in charge" of the school, which means Ms. Quinn is legally mandated to notify the building principal. Eliminate (A) because Ms. Quinn is not legally mandated to discuss her concerns with Nicole's parents. Eliminate (B) because Ms. Quinn is not legally mandated to report to the police. In fact, child abuse cases are usually handled through the Child Protective Service, not through police departments. Eliminate (D) because Ms. Quinn must notify the principal, not the counselor. Choice (C) is the correct response.

3. D

The primary focus of this question is:

Understand the structure and organization of the New York State educational system and the role of education in the broader society.

Eliminate (A) because the Constitution grants the regulation of education to the states. Eliminate (C) because it's too narrow an answer. While the laws about civil rights must be obeyed in the schools, other federal laws must be obeyed also. This answer choice doesn't mention them. In theory, federal regulations should not affect the schools because the power to regulate education is a power granted to the states, not to the federal government. Federal regulations enter the picture because federal funds are available to public education. The catch is that the schools accepting federal monies must comply with federal laws and regulations as a condition for receiving them. Eliminate (B) since it contradicts this reality. Choice (D) is the correct response.

4. B

The primary focus of this question is:

Understand reciprocal rights and responsibilities in situations involving interactions between teachers and students, parents, community members, colleagues, school administrators, and other school personnel.

Eliminate (A). Nejad is certainly entitled to free speech, but only so long as he doesn't deprive other students of the education to which they're entitled. Since the demonstration was disruptive, the principal was within her rights to stop it. Eliminate (C) because it is not supported by the question. The principal simply stopped the demonstration, the principal did not take disciplinary action-no hearing is warranted. Eliminate (D) because it brings up an irrelevant issue. Whether or not a teacher was supervising the demonstration, the demonstration was disrupting the learning environment and had to be stopped. Once a student or group of students becomes so disruptive that they disrupt the learning environment for others, that activity has to stop. Even though Nejad is entitled to express his opinions because he is entitled to free speech just as everyone else is, he and the other demonstrators are not entitled to disrupt the classes of the other student, and that's why the principal was within her rights to stop the demonstration. Choice (B) is the correct response.

5. C

The primary focus of this question is:

Understand principles and procedures for organizing and implementing lessons, and use this knowledge to help learners construct meaning and achieve intended outcomes.

This is a multiple-response question. Read the Roman numeral responses and try to identify one with which you totally agree or one with which you totally disagree, whichever seems easier. Eliminate Roman IV because it is not supported by the question-Mr. Grindle is helping the students apply their current knowledge from their home environments, not teaching them about their home environments. Eliminate (A) and (D) because both include Roman IV. Choices (B) and (C) both include Roman II and Roman III. Thus, you need decide only whether Roman I should be included in the answer choice. Roman I is correct because making connections between two concepts that may appear unrelated requires application of several types of critical thinking including analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. Eliminate (B) because it does not contain Roman I. Roman II is correct because helping learners apply information they have gained from their home life to content they study in school will help them recognize their home environments as valuable resources in their learning. Roman III is correct because the strategy that Mr. Grindle uses recognizes that learners come to school with knowledge and experiences on which they can build as they construct meaningful understandings. Choice (C) is the correct response.