Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) TExES Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of middle level schools structured for young adolescents?

1. Subject centered

2. Flexible scheduling with large blocks of time

3. Interdisciplinary teams with common planning periods

4. Development of both affective and cognitive skills

The correct answer is: Subject centered

Subject-centered instruction is not a characteristic of middle level schools designed specifically for young adolescents. In middle level education, the focus is typically on meeting the developmental needs of students, which includes fostering both academic and social-emotional growth. This environment promotes a student-centered approach, encouraging exploration and connections between subjects rather than a strict focus on individual subjects. In contrast, the other characteristics, such as flexible scheduling with large blocks of time, emphasize the importance of allowing students to engage deeply with a subject or project, facilitating deeper learning. Interdisciplinary teams with common planning periods support collaboration among educators to integrate various content areas, enhancing the relevance and context of learning for students. Moreover, the development of both affective and cognitive skills is essential in this phase of education, as young adolescents are undergoing significant emotional and social changes, necessitating a holistic approach to teaching and learning.