1.
What two elements of education have evolved since colonial times?
Correct Answer
D. Curricula and teaching methods
Explanation
Since colonial times, education has undergone significant changes in curricula and teaching methods. In the past, education focused primarily on basic subjects such as reading, writing, and arithmetic, with a strong emphasis on rote memorization. However, in modern times, curricula have expanded to include a wider range of subjects, including science, social studies, and the arts. Teaching methods have also evolved to incorporate more interactive and student-centered approaches, moving away from the traditional lecture-style teaching. These changes reflect a shift towards a more comprehensive and holistic education system that prepares students for the complexities of the modern world.
2.
The text describes the causes of certain developments in American education. What does the text suggest is the cause behind the continued expansion of education in the early twentieth century?
Correct Answer
A. Because the economy was exploding, the country needed more eduated people to fill new roles and become business and industry leaders
Explanation
The text suggests that the continued expansion of education in the early twentieth century was caused by the booming economy, which created a need for more educated individuals to fill new roles and become leaders in business and industry.
3.
Education in America reflects the values and aspirations of the country. What evidence supports this conclusion?
Correct Answer
C. Curricula and teaching methods have evolved
Explanation
The evidence that supports the conclusion that education in America reflects the values and aspirations of the country is the fact that curricula and teaching methods have evolved. This suggests that education has adapted and changed over time to align with the changing values and aspirations of the country. As society progresses and new ideas emerge, education has responded by updating its curricula and teaching methods to reflect these changes. This demonstrates that education in America is not stagnant, but rather a dynamic institution that evolves in accordance with the values and aspirations of the country.
4.
Based on the text, what two groups of people have faced inequality in education?
Correct Answer
B. Women and blacks
Explanation
The text suggests that two groups of people who have faced inequality in education are women and blacks. This implies that historically, both women and black individuals have been disadvantaged and discriminated against in terms of access to education opportunities.
5.
What is the main idea of the article?
Correct Answer
A. Though there has been progress in providing more equality in education, there is much more to be done.
Explanation
The main idea of the article is that while there has been some progress in achieving equality in education, there is still a lot of work to be done. The mention of the "No Child Left Behind" initiative and its unrealistic goal of having all students proficient by 2014 highlights the challenges and limitations in achieving educational equality. The reference to Horace Mann schools suggests that although teachers were given more responsibility, it resulted in passive learning for students. Overall, the main idea is that the question of how to educate America's children is both controversial and important, indicating the need for further efforts to achieve equality in education.
6.
Read the sentences and answer the question. "To simply increase funding to minority schools is not enough, because the success or failure of education is closely tied to the affluence or poverty of the local community. Students from poor families living in poor communities have worse educational outcomes than their more affluent counterparts, even when school funding is equal." As used in the text, what does the word “affluent” mean?
Correct Answer
D. Wealthy
Explanation
The word "affluent" in the given text means wealthy. It is used to describe individuals or families who have a high level of financial resources. The text states that the success or failure of education is closely tied to the affluence or poverty of the local community, indicating that students from wealthier families living in wealthier communities tend to have better educational outcomes.
7.
What word or phrase best completes the sentence? Black students were forced to attend separate schools from white students ________ the Supreme Court’s 1954 decision.
Correct Answer
B. Prior to
Explanation
The word "prior to" best completes the sentence because it indicates that black students were forced to attend separate schools from white students before the Supreme Court's 1954 decision. This implies that the forced separation was happening before the court made their ruling.
8.
According to the text, what is the success or failure of education closely tied to?
Correct Answer
C. Affluency or poverty of a local comminty
Explanation
The success or failure of education is closely tied to the affluency or poverty of a local community. This means that the financial resources and socioeconomic status of the community greatly impact the educational outcomes of students. Higher-income communities often have better-funded schools, access to resources, and more opportunities for students, leading to higher success rates. Conversely, lower-income communities may struggle with limited resources, inadequate funding, and fewer opportunities, resulting in lower educational success.
9.
Identify the statement from the text below that best illustrates the author's argument.
Correct Answer
C. Despite the accomplishments of the Civil Rights movement and predecessor movements, educational inequality has far from disappeared.
Explanation
The statement "Despite the accomplishments of the Civil Rights movement and predecessor movements, educational inequality has far from disappeared" best illustrates the author's argument because it highlights that despite efforts to address educational inequality, the problem still persists. This statement suggests that there is a need for further action to address the issue and that simply increasing funding to minority schools is not enough. It supports the idea that educational success is closely tied to the affluence or poverty of a local community.
10.
Which of the statements below does NOT describe a factor that has impacted the evolution of American education?
Correct Answer
A. Private tutoring
Explanation
Private tutoring is not a factor that has impacted the evolution of American education. While private tutoring may have an impact on individual students' education, it is not a systemic factor that has influenced the overall evolution of the American education system. Factors such as population density, wealth, race, and gender have all played significant roles in shaping the development of American education over time.