Texas PPR (Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities) Practice Test

What is the first action a high school teacher should take upon noticing that a majority of students do not understand a key concept from a recent mathematics exam?

1. Assign additional practice problems

2. Cancel upcoming assessments

3. Reteach the essential concept before covering new material

4. Ignore the issue and hope for improvement

The correct answer is: Reteach the essential concept before covering new material

Reteaching the essential concept before covering new material is the most effective first action a high school teacher should take when noticing a lack of understanding among students. This approach allows the teacher to address the gap in comprehension directly and provides an opportunity for students to fully grasp the concept before moving forward. Ensuring that students have a solid foundation is crucial in subjects like mathematics, as new concepts often build on previously learned material. By prioritizing the reteaching of the key concept, the teacher can engage students in various instructional strategies that accommodate different learning styles and reinforce understanding, which is vital for overall academic success. It also helps in fostering a supportive learning environment where students feel comfortable seeking clarification and asking questions.