Educating All Students (EAS) Practice Exam

What is a crucial factor for improving academic performance in economically disadvantaged schools?

1. Increased funding without reform

2. Consistent curriculum across all subjects

3. Enhanced community and parental engagement

4. Reduction in teacher training

The correct answer is: Enhanced community and parental engagement

Enhancing community and parental engagement is a crucial factor for improving academic performance in economically disadvantaged schools because it directly involves families and the surrounding community in the educational process. When parents and community members are actively engaged, students often benefit from increased support, motivation, and resources that can reinforce their learning both inside and outside of the classroom. Engagement can manifest in various ways, such as through parental involvement in school activities, open lines of communication between educators and families, and partnerships with local organizations that provide additional resources or tutoring. This collective support helps create a more nurturing and motivating environment for students, fostering a sense of belonging and accountability toward their education. In contrast, simply increasing funding without strategic reform does not guarantee that the funds will address the root causes of academic underperformance. A consistent curriculum across all subjects is valuable for ensuring educational standards, but without the involvement of communities and families, even the best curriculum may not achieve significant impact. Lastly, a reduction in teacher training undermines the professional development teachers need to effectively engage students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.