17 Understand the structure and organization of the New York State educational system and the role of education in the broader society.

For example:

• analyzing differences between school-based and centralized models of decision making

• applying knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of different components of the education system in New York (e. g., local school boards, Board of Regents, district superintendents, superintendents of schools, school principals, Boards of Cooperative Educational Services [BOCES], higher education, unions, professional organizations)

• applying procedures for working collaboratively and cooperatively within the system to accomplish a variety of educational goals

• analyzing relationships between education and society (e. g., schools reflecting and affecting social values, historical dimensions of the school-society relationship)

APPENDIX B

Liberal arts and sciences test (last)

Test Objectives

The New York State educator has the knowledge and skills necessary to teach effectively in New York State public schools. The teacher has a broad understanding of the fundamental concepts of mathematics, science, and technology and is familiar with the basic principles and procedures associated with scientific inquiry. The teacher recognizes the interrelatedness of geography and culture and can analyze varied interpretations of human history and society. The teacher has an understanding of the major traditions of art, literature, religion, and philosophy and how cultural contexts inform artistic and literary expression. The teacher can retrieve information from traditional and electronic sources, communicate effectively, reason clearly, and evaluate competing ideas and arguments. Most importantly, the teacher recognizes the fundamental connections among all realms of human thought and endeavor and the diverse perspectives that shape human societies.

The purpose of the Liberal Arts and Sciences Test (LAST) is to assess knowledge and skills in the following five areas:

• scientific, mathematical, and technological processes

• historical and social scientific awareness

• artistic expression and the humanities

• communication and research skills

• written analysis and expression

The test objectives listed below are eligible to be assessed by the LAST. Each test objective is followed by focus statements that provide examples of the range, type, and level of content that may appear on the test.

SUBAREA I. SCIENTIFIC AND MATHEMATICAL PROCESSES

01 Use mathematical reasoning in problem-solving situations to arrive at logical conclusions and to analyze the problem-solving process.

For example:

• analyzing problem solutions for logical flaws

• analyzing problems to determine missing information needed to solve them

• analyzing a partial solution to a problem to determine an appropriate next step

• analyzing the validity or logic of an argument or advertising claim that is based on statistics or probability