TExES Exam Principal as Instructional Leader 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A principal wants to build a culture of continuous improvement. Which action is MOST effective?
- Announcing improvement expectations at the start of each year and moving on
- Establishing professional learning communities (PLCs) that meet regularly to analyze data and refine practice (Correct answer)
- Rewarding only top-performing teachers
- Requiring all teachers to use identical lesson plans
Correct answer: Establishing professional learning communities (PLCs) that meet regularly to analyze data and refine practice
PLCs create ongoing collaborative structures where teachers systematically use data to improve instruction and student outcomes.
Question 2: According to the Texas Principal Standards, which domain focuses on establishing a campus vision?
- School Culture
- Human Capital
- Strategic Operations
- School Vision and Mission (Correct answer)
Correct answer: School Vision and Mission
The School Vision and Mission domain addresses how principals develop, communicate, and implement a shared vision for student success.
Question 3: A principal needs to address a teacher whose instruction is consistently below standard. The FIRST step is to:
- Begin termination proceedings immediately
- Provide the teacher with specific, documented feedback and a support plan (Correct answer)
- Reassign the teacher to a non-instructional role
- Ignore the issue to avoid conflict
Correct answer: Provide the teacher with specific, documented feedback and a support plan
Documentation of specific feedback paired with a structured support plan is both legally sound and aligned with the principal's role as an instructional coach.
Question 4: Which federal law requires schools to provide all students with disabilities a free appropriate public education (FAPE)?
- Title I of ESEA
- Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act only
- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (Correct answer)
- Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
Correct answer: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
IDEA mandates that schools provide a free appropriate public education to eligible students with disabilities through individualized education programs (IEPs).
Question 5: Which strategy BEST supports family and community engagement according to the TExES framework?
- Communicating only through formal written reports
- Creating multiple communication channels and involving families in campus decision-making (Correct answer)
- Limiting parent access to school to maintain order
- Sharing only positive student information with families
Correct answer: Creating multiple communication channels and involving families in campus decision-making
Meaningful engagement requires varied communication approaches and genuine opportunities for families to participate in school governance and decisions.
Question 6: A principal is evaluating a teacher using the Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS). Which step comes FIRST?
- Summative conference
- Goal-setting conference (Correct answer)
- Classroom observation
- End-of-year rating
Correct answer: Goal-setting conference
The T-TESS cycle begins with a goal-setting conference in which the teacher and evaluator establish professional development goals for the year.
TExES Exam Principal as Instructional Leader 2
A principal wants to build a culture of continuous improvement.
Which action is MOST effective?