Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) TExES Practice Exam

Why is Ann, the tenth grader, missing more classes?

1. She has financial issues at home

2. She is focused more on the present than the future

3. She struggles with abstract thinking

4. She has low motivation for school

The correct answer is: She is focused more on the present than the future

The choice that indicates Ann is missing more classes because she is focused more on the present than the future highlights a common developmental characteristic of adolescents. During high school years, students may become preoccupied with immediate social dynamics, personal interests, or activities that provide instant gratification. This present-oriented mindset can lead to a lack of planning or concern for future consequences, such as the impact of skipping classes on their education. While the other answers discuss various issues that could affect a student's attendance, they do not specifically address the cognitive and emotional aspects of adolescent development as directly as this option does. Financial issues, abstract thinking struggles, and low motivation may contribute to absenteeism, but being more focused on immediate situations rather than long-term academic goals provides a clearer rationale for why a tenth grader might choose to miss classes. This emphasis on the now over the later can ultimately hinder her academic progress if not addressed.