* Note to the instructor: Multiple choice, true/false, short answer/fill-in-the-blank, and essay questions are available for each chapter. Answers are provided after all types of questions have been listed.
Multiple Choice
1) An eighth grade social studies teacher elects to have a barbeque for his students to celebrate their promotion to ninth grade. At the event he teaches the students how to do square dancing. Of the curriculum theorists below, which is the only one that would consider this activity part of the curriculum?
(A) Caswell and Campbell
(B) Dewey
(C) Popham and Baker
(D) Tyler
2) Of the theorists below, with respect to descriptions of curriculum, which is most strongly constructivist in nature?
(A) Brown
(B) Hass
(C) Ragan
(D) Tanner and Tanner
3) The definition of curriculum used in the text includes all of the following except
(A) Actualization of plans in the classroom
(B) Grades earned after plan actualization
(C) Plans made for guiding learning
(D) Retrievable documents
4) Which of the following does not belong with the other three?
(A) Learned curriculum
(B) Perceived curriculum
(C) Recommended curriculum
(D) Tested curriculum
5) Which factors are not impacting the recommended curriculum?
(A) Decline in achievement in American Schools
(B) Technology
(C) NCLB
(D) Teachers’ pre-service training
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6) Recommended curriculum: Ideological curriculum:
(A)
(B)
(C)
Experimental curriculum: Perceived curriculum
Operational curriculum: Formal curriculum
Tested curriculum: Supported curriculum
(D) Written curriculum: Formal curriculum
7) Which of the following is not probably a major function of the written curriculum?
(A) Controlling
(B) Mediating
(C) Rationalizing
(D) Standardizing
8) Principals often believe controlling the curriculum is an important management responsibility. Waters, Marzano, and McNulty (2003) point to the following as effects of instruction and student achievement:
(A) Principals should be directly involved in the design and implementation of curriculum
(B) Principals should provide teachers with oversight necessary to execute their roles
(C) Allow teachers freedom to design their own curriculum
(D) Ensure teachers are in the classrooms from bell to bell
9) A new principal believes to support the curriculum it is necessary to require all teachers to maintain total congruence between the written curriculum, the taught curriculum, and the tested curriculum. The principal is
(A) Correct
(B) Incorrect because teachers need some flexibility
(C) Incorrect because there is little relationship between taught and tested
(D) Incorrect because s/he is only responsible for supporting curriculum
10) Which one of the statements below is most likely a curriculum goal?
(A) All students should write well-structured essays
(B) All students relate well to cultural diversity
(C) The learner will correctly identify the five largest cities in the state
(D) Teachers will use appropriate teaching strategies
11) Listed below, in alphabetical order, are four terms used in describing curriculum. Which one represents the most narrow or restrictive?
(A) Courses of Study
(B) Fields of Study
(C) Programs of Study
(D) Units of Study
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12) Which of the following does not belong with the other three?
(A) Supported curriculum is influences by federal and state legislation.
(B) Supported curriculum is influenced by class size
(C) Supported curriculum is influenced by parallel curriculum
(D) Supported curriculum is influenced by program of study
13) Which of the following does not belong with the other three?
(A) At the beginning of a unit have strategies to establish learning goals
(B) At the end have strategies to help students assess achievement
(C) During the unit monitor student progress
(D) Summarize and note taking
14) Which of the following does not belong with the other three?
(A) Curricular policies are the set of designated rules, criteria and guidelines
(B) Curricular policies are intended to control curriculum
(C) Curricular policies can be macro or micro
(D) Curricular policies do not allocate value
15) Structured learning has four characteristics. Which of the characteristics is not one of the four?
(A) Measurable outcomes
(B) Planning
(C) Sequencing
(D) Student determined content
16) Which of the following is most likely a mastery objective?
(A) Correctly balance an equation for a composition reaction
(B) Develop positive attitudes toward inquiry
(C) Practice appropriate safety precautions
(D) Study regularly to maximize learning
17) The school district should control
(A) Enrichment curriculum
(B) Mastery curriculum
(C) Organic curriculum
(D) All of the above
18) One key to helping the brain integrate new knowledge into neural networks is to "create an experience." Based on what you know, Patricia Wolfe would categorize that as
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(A) Abstract learning
(B) Concrete learning
(C) Representational learning
(D) Symbolic learning
19) Below are four actual school-based events. Which one is not consistent with aspects of the hidden or implicit curriculum which most people consider inherent in the concept?
(A) In a New Jersey middle school, the civics class establishes a class government based on the type of government used in the community.
(B) In an Illinois high school, an alternative education program is established whereby students operate a second hand store, set prices, and distribute profits.
(C) In a California middle school, after the events of September 11, 2001, students were required to dress as Muslims and follow Muslim customs.
(D) In Louisiana, the state legislature mandated a course in Free Enterprise so all students understood the capitalistic system.
20) Which of the following terms do not belong with the other three?
(A) Academic variables
(B) Culture variables
(C) Organizational variables
(D) Social-system variables
21) One problem with state-mandated gate-keeper tests may be
(A) After testing classes tend to let down or relax in academics
(B) Costs are high for students
(C) Do not relate to NCLB mandates
(D) Do not relate to curriculum
22) One objective the program known as Head Start was designed to do is:
(A) Emphasize academic achievement
(B) Emphasize social and emotional development
(C) Emphasize the importance of independence
(D) Emphasize the need for good behavior
23) If you were appointed a district director of curriculum, in your initial discussions with school leaders it is most important to
(A) Admonish building administrators if you do not see uniformity
(B) Ascertain the names of the best teacher in each department
(C) Examine student achievement records
(D) Probe to see if there are clear goals understood by everyone
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24) Mr. Brown praised a student in class for her performance in the class play, but when another student was not paying attention he elected to wait until class was over to speak to him. Mrs. Smith was passing the room and, later in the faculty room, told Mr. Brown it was silly to worry about a classroom play performance and he should have lambasted the student who was not paying attention.
(A) Mr. Brown was correct
(B) Mrs. Smith was correct because praise is only given for academics
(C) Mrs. Smith was correct because punishment should be public
(D) Mrs. Smith is correct because class time was wasted
25) Principal leadership responsibilities do not include which of the following:
(A) culture
(B)
(C)
(D) communication facility repair flexibility
26) Reform reports are not fueled by which of the following?
(A) achievement gap between students of different races
(B) decline of education in America
(C) low international ranking
(D) unacceptable technology integration
27) Three questions about the long-term effects of early school experiences include:
(A) small classes in early grades relates to graduation
(B) principal presence is related to graduation
(C) academic achievement in K-3 relates to graduation
(D) free and reduced lunch students’ graduation is related to A & C
True/False
1) True or False. Over time the concept of "curriculum" has evolved into a standard definition.
2) True or False. The most useful definition of curriculum should meet two criteria, one of which is being useful in making operational distinctions.
3) True or False. National standards do not constitute a national curriculum.
4) True or False. With respect to the supported curriculum, states do not have much influence.
5) True or False. Research from the Educational Testing Service has shown that a class size of 20 or less is most efficient at the primary level.
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6) True or False. Students usually take seriously only that for which they will be held accountable.
7) True or False. Most textbooks treat curriculum development as if it were a highly differentiated process.
8) True or False. A field of study is a sub-set of courses of study.
9) True or False. Teachers usually base their lesson plans on units of study.
10) True or False. Basic learnings are those essential for every student.
11) True or False. The principal’s role is to demonstrate an awareness of the personal aspects of teachers and staff.
12) True or False. No Child Left Behind has had a positive impact on education.
13) True or False. No Child Left Behind tried to address issues through accountability and testing.
Short Answer
1) There are types of curriculum; curriculum that describes what "ought to happen" is called_____________.
2) The most useful definition of curriculum should meet two criteria, one of which is being useful in making operational distinctions; the other is ____________.
3) Keeping up with Japan and advancing technology probably influenced the _______ efforts of the 1980s.
4) Class size and instruction materials deal with the __________curriculum.
5) One group of researchers indicates there are four factors frequently overlooked in accountability: summer reading loss, retention in grade, test preparation and __________.
6) No education reform is ever going to be long lasting unless it becomes _______.
7) List five of the nine strategies identified by Marzano that have a strong effect on student achievement.
8) The three types of learning are mastery, organic, and _________
9) Thy type of curriculum that should be assessed on curriculum-based tests is _____.
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10) What students learn outside of what the school intends them to learn is sometimes called the ____________ curriculum.
11) Analyses showed that ______________ was related to K-3 achievement in small classes.
12) Concern over quality _______________ continues to grow.
13) Statistical evidence provides a strong warrant that how we ___________ and _________ schools has a major effect on the instructional exchanges in classrooms.
Essay
1) There have been many definitions of curriculum. You have an option of either: (a) selecting the one you like best and write an essay supporting the definition or (b) construct your own definition with a rationale for the definition.
2) John Goodlad suggested there were five different types of curriculum. Construct an essay in which you identify the five types and either support or criticize the approach.
3) At least one state as adopted a "comprehensive curriculum" whereby the curriculum is mapped out, time frames provided and even activities prescribed. Based on what you know about the approaches of Goodlad and of Glatthorn, what position do think they would take and why.
4) In terms of principal leadership with respect to curriculum and instruction assessment it has been said that the principal "is directly involved in design and implementation of curriculum, instruction, and assessment practices.” Considering the current trend to empower teachers to what degree should principals be involved?
5) Assuming that there is the written curriculum, the supported curriculum, the taught curriculum, and the tested curriculum we can assume that one should lead to the other to maximize the effectiveness. Suppose things do not go as well as one would like and assuming competent people, which of the types of curricula is probably the cause and why.
6) In 1981 Saylor, Alexander, and Lewis made a distinction between de jure policy and de facto policy. Construct an essay explaining the difference and why it might be useful today.
7) A student states: "A unit of study can exist independently of anything else." Evaluate, with support, that student's statement.
8) Construct an essay in which you explain the concept of structured learning, the four characteristics, and how the concept can be applied in the classroom when constructing lessons.
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9) You are serving as a supervisor and examine an assessment instrument constructed by a teacher. You notice not all mastery objectives on the topic are covered and there are questions resulting from "teachable moments.” What should your position be with the teacher?
10) It has been said that a key to enriching curriculum is to involve students in real-life problem-solving scenarios. Explain why this is a reasonable statement.
11) It has been stated that some research indicates social promotion results in better attitudes toward school, better self-image, and improved achievement. Based on your experiences and philosophies of education do you agree or not agree social promotion is a valid practice. In your essay you must state support.
12) NCLB has also been called "no test maker left behind" because most states have imposed specific tests and scores needed to pass to a specific grade. We know that curriculum grouping may result in vastly different levels of academic rigor. At the secondary level, current redesign efforts suggest a common core of courses for everyone, at least in the first two years of high school. Given these facts, formulate an essay relating those facts to what should be done in the schools.
13) Grouping is always a topic of interest. If we are looking at ability grouping, not curriculum grouping, would you suggest doing it within the individual classroom or within the school so there are complete classes of above average students, etc. Support your judgment.
14) While Lyndon Johnson was President, the Colman Report that concluded performance differences were based on race was used to integrate schools. Later, A Nation at Risk suggested it was socio-economic conditions, not race. More recently, Kahlenberg seems to support the latter approach. Construct an essay in which you present an argument as to why Coleman was incorrect.
15) There is an old saying that one should "reward in public, but chastise in private.” Based on your experience and what you have learned, evaluate the veracity of that statement.
16) Culture and climate are extremely important in school effectiveness. Discuss the four attributes of purposeful communities and why they are important.
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Multiple Choice
1) A Caswell and Campbell are the only theorists who believe that any experience students have under the guidance of a teacher is curriculum; there does not need to be a connection to a class.
2) D
3) B
4) B B is part of Goodlad's approach, not the authors
5) D
6) D
7) C
8) A relates to the total educational experience, not the curriculum
9) B
10) A
11) D
12) A
13) D
14) B
There is enough information provided about 4MAT® so they can analyze to the correct answer. Clearly there is nothing abstract about creating an experience and choice C and
D are different ways of stating the same thing.
15) D
16) A
17) B
18) B
19) C
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20) A
21) A
22) B
23) D
24) A
25) C
26) D
27) B
True/False
1) False
2) True
3) True
4) False
5) True
6) True
7) False
8) False
9) False "usually" implies most times and many teachers skip unit planning
10) True
11) True
12) False
13) True
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Short Answer
1) Prescriptive
2) Reflect the general understanding of the term as used by educators.
3) Reform
4) Supported
5) Testing accommodations
6) Institutionalized
7) Any 5 from: (1) identify similarities and differences, (2) summarize and note taking,
(3) reinforcing effort and providing recognition, (4) homework and practice, (5) nonlinguistic representation, (6) cooperative learning, (7) setting objectives and providing feedback, (8) generating and testing hypotheses, and (9) question cues and advanced organizers.
8) Enrichment
9) Mastery
10) Hidden
11) Graduation
12) Textbooks
13) Organized, operate
Essay Suggestions
1) As with higher order essays, the instructor must develop his or her own Rubric. If the first option is selected be certain that the definition is attributed to the correct author(s) and the support is justified.
2) Students must include: (1) ideological curriculum, (2) formal curriculum, (3) perceived curriculum, (4) operational curriculum, and (5) experimental curriculum. The Rubric for support or criticizing must be developed by individual instructors.
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3) Goodlad does accept the suggestion of specific activities and a timeline where Glatthorn prefers a simpler approach because it would make the written curriculum more likely to be used.
4) The key is that principals should be involved, but not dominate. The principal can be a change agent, provide professional development and resources. Principals look at assessments constructed by teachers, but do not write them. Principals can be involved in writing curriculum, but teachers are the subject experts and also need involvement. On the other hand, principals are responsible for assuring appropriate implementation.
5) Most people should select the supported curriculum because of class size, problems with text books, and financial limitations. However, you could also accept others as long as an appropriate rationale is presented.
6) De juree relates to policy as implemented by court decisions, legal acts and local regulations while de facto is carried out be community networks, accrediting associations, and the like. Students need to show a solid grasp of the difference. Students also need to show reasoning behind their conclusion on usefulness.
7) The student needs to indicate the statement is not appropriate. A unit of study is a sub-set of a course of study and not an independent item.
8) Students need to include sequencing, planning, development of measurable outcomes and clearly delineated content. The application is up to the individual instructor.
9) The district controls the mastery curriculum and all objectives that are appropriate to the course and/or grade level and topic must be assessed. "Teachable moments" are probably enrichment and do not require assessment.
10) The students should include that scenarios assist in developing brain networks formed by actual experiences. This, in turn, should increase problem solving skills and strategies.
11) There is no correct or incorrect answer as long as there is support. Students may indicate it depends on the area of academic difficulty; someone significantly behind in reading and/or math may have difficulty improving while if the difficulty is in social studies, it may not be as important. Each faculty member needs to establish a Rubric that accepts either support or non-support so long as there is appropriate justification.
12) Again. We are looking for thought process. Probably the best approach is to start students in a common core of rigorous courses and allow dropping to a lower level only when the evidence supports such action. It is important for students to note that, from community and political perspectives, receiving satisfactory scores on state-mandated tests is essential.
13) Students should realize that forming groups within the class is better than have entire classes at one level. Student may recall that the mail principle behind cooperative
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learning as originally developed by Johnson and Johnson was to establish heterogeneous groupings within a class so weaker students can benefit from the stronger students.
14) In the essay the student should relate to the concepts of underrepresented and over represented groups. The lower SES students have a disproportionate number of minority students; they are over represented. On the other hand, they are underrepresented in the middle and above SES groups.
15) It is generally accepted that rewards and praise given in public are motivational while chastisement can cause embarrassment. Students may elect to cite Anderson, but that is not necessary. Expect some rationale to be provided.
16) 4 attributes: agreement on what people can accomplish because they work together as part of an organization, agreement on ways in which they will work together, effective use of all tangible and intangible assets, and high levels of collective efficacy.
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