The Secret School by Avi Multiple Choice Questions

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Questions and Answers

What was Ida's main challenge while driving the family's car?

Her inability to reach the floor of the car to operate the pedals (correct)

The constant backfiring of the car

The dust twirling out and momentarily hiding the snowcapped mountains

The narrow and twisting dirt road in Elk Valley, Colorado

What was the condition of the family's car as described in the text?

Battered and hiccuping like a damp firecracker (correct)

New and shiny

Rusty and unreliable

Sleek and well-maintained

What did Ida and Tom often talk about?

Their favorite books and movies

Their dream cars and future travels

Their school assignments and homework

Their plans, friends, families, and what was going on in the valley (correct)

What did the dust do as the car bumped along?

Twirled out like an unraveling rope, momentarily hiding the snowcapped mountains Signup and view all the answers

What does Mr. Jordan suggest as a result of the school closure?

The children will have an extended summer vacation Signup and view all the answers

What is Ida's aspiration for her future career?

To become a teacher Signup and view all the answers

What does Tom suggest as an alternative for learning?

Learning from a correspondence course Signup and view all the answers

What does Mr. Jordan question the necessity of for girls?

High school education Signup and view all the answers

What does Miss Fletcher reveal about her monthly earnings?

Forty dollars Signup and view all the answers

What decision does Ida make despite the uncertain future?

To have fun Signup and view all the answers

What does Ida aspire to become?

A teacher Signup and view all the answers

What does the story's setting in Elk Valley add to the narrative?

Depth and context Signup and view all the answers

Who suggests that Ida become their teacher when Miss Fletcher leaves?

Tom Signup and view all the answers

What does the text highlight about the characters' educational and career aspirations?

Disparity in opportunities and aspirations Signup and view all the answers

What does Ida initially do in response to Tom's suggestion?

Dismisses the idea Signup and view all the answers

What is the reason for Miss Fletcher's departure?

Her mother's illness Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of Miss Fletcher's departure on Ida and Tom?

Leaves them uncertain about their future Signup and view all the answers

What does Ida demonstrate her ability to do, indicating her resourcefulness and determination?

Drive the family car Signup and view all the answers

What does Tom recall about Miss Fletcher's warning?

The difficulty of the exams Signup and view all the answers

Where does Ida's family live?

In a log cabin in the mountains Signup and view all the answers

What does Ida express her desire for in the future?

Teaching in a big city with financial stability Signup and view all the answers

What is the central theme in the story?

Ida's ambition to become a teacher Signup and view all the answers

Who built the family's log cabin?

Ida's father during the gold rush Signup and view all the answers

Who supports Ida and accepts her unconventional approach to handling their situation?

Felix, Ida's brother Signup and view all the answers

What does the story portray?

A young girl's determination to become a teacher Signup and view all the answers

What does Miss Fletcher encourage Ida to pursue?

Her dream of becoming a teacher Signup and view all the answers

What does Ida keep a secret from her parents?

Her struggles at school Signup and view all the answers

What does the story reflect about Ida?

Her resourcefulness and resilience Signup and view all the answers

What is the reason for Miss Fletcher's distressed demeanor?

She received grave news Signup and view all the answers

Who is present and going through Miss Fletcher's school account book?

Mr. Jordan Signup and view all the answers

What is the age range of the children in the school?

First to eighth graders Signup and view all the answers

What is the condition of the school's library books?

Tattered Signup and view all the answers

What is the predominant source of light in the schoolhouse?

Kerosene lamps Signup and view all the answers

Where is the schoolhouse situated?

In a small valley with hills, woods, and mountains surrounding it Signup and view all the answers

Who narrowly avoids crashing into Mr. Jordan's car?

Ida Signup and view all the answers

Who are the only eighth graders in the school?

Ida and Tom Signup and view all the answers

What is the predominant heating source in the schoolhouse?

Wood-burning stove Signup and view all the answers

Who is the owner of the local feed and grocery store?

Mr. Jordan Signup and view all the answers

What is the setting of the story?

Rural, early 20th-century setting Signup and view all the answers

What does Miss Fletcher's unusual demeanor and Mr. Jordan's presence lead the children to do?

Speculate about the reason for their behavior Signup and view all the answers

What did Ida do to gain entry into the school?

She climbed through a window with the help of two boys Signup and view all the answers

What was Ida's announcement to the children after entering the school?

She declared that the school was closed for the day Signup and view all the answers

What was the children's reaction to Ida's announcement at the school?

They gasped in surprise Signup and view all the answers

What did Ida do after the children left the school?

She peeked out of the door and confirmed they had all gone Signup and view all the answers

What does Ida do to regain calm and control in her classroom?

She starts the day with a song Signup and view all the answers

How does Ida handle the disruptive student, Herbert?

She refuses to use physical discipline and tries to reason with him Signup and view all the answers

What does Ida threaten to do if Herbert doesn't comply with her instructions?

Expel Herbert from the school Signup and view all the answers

How does Herbert's demeanor change when faced with the possibility of expulsion?

He becomes more compliant Signup and view all the answers

Who offers support and encouragement to Ida?

Tom, a student Signup and view all the answers

What does the text highlight about Ida's emotional state?

Her emotional turmoil and doubts about her ability to handle the situation Signup and view all the answers

How do the students respond to Ida's efforts to restore order in the classroom?

Positively Signup and view all the answers

What does Ida receive from a student, reaffirming her identity and the importance of her role as a teacher?

Encouragement Signup and view all the answers

What is the central theme highlighted in the text?

The challenges and emotional toll of being a teacher Signup and view all the answers

What does Tom's offer of support and encouragement to Ida signify?

Positive student-teacher relationships Signup and view all the answers

What does Ida refuse to use in handling the disruptive student, Herbert?

Physical discipline Signup and view all the answers

What does Ida's refusal to use physical discipline demonstrate about her approach to teaching?

Her emphasis on non-violent conflict resolution Signup and view all the answers

What time does Ida start her day?

4:30 AM Signup and view all the answers

How does Ida feel about her new role as a teacher?

Overwhelmed and anxious Signup and view all the answers

Who did Ida keep her new role as a teacher a secret from?

Her brother, Felix Signup and view all the answers

What does Ida's father give in response to her new position as a teacher?

Encouragement Signup and view all the answers

What does Ida struggle with in her new role as a teacher?

Maintaining authority Signup and view all the answers

How does Ida try to assert her authority?

By correcting a student's behavior Signup and view all the answers

What does Ida feel uncertain and insecure about?

Her abilities as a teacher Signup and view all the answers

What is the demeanor of the students without their previous teacher?

Rowdier and less disciplined Signup and view all the answers

What does Ida do before going to school at 4:30 AM?

Does farm chores Signup and view all the answers

Who is the new teacher at the school?

Ida Signup and view all the answers

What does Ida's family learn about during dinner?

Ida's secret role as a teacher Signup and view all the answers

What is Ida's main challenge in her new role?

Maintaining control and authority Signup and view all the answers

What gift does Ida's father give her to help with time management in the classroom?

An old wind-up clock Signup and view all the answers

What subjects are included in Ida's structured daily routine in the classroom?

Reading, memorization, and geography Signup and view all the answers

Who are the winners of the weekly spelling and mathematics contests in the classroom?

Natasha and Tom Signup and view all the answers

What does Tom surprise the class with?

A homemade crystal radio Signup and view all the answers

What does Herbert do to signal the end of the school day?

Rings a bell Signup and view all the answers

What does the text highlight about Ida's growing awareness?

Her awareness of student behaviors and learning styles Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the text?

Ida's teaching journey and classroom experiences Signup and view all the answers

How does Ida handle the challenges with disruptive student Herbert?

By managing the situation without using physical discipline Signup and view all the answers

What does Ida allow her students to do, leading to an improved teaching experience?

Work at their own pace Signup and view all the answers

What does Tom explain the workings of, and the challenges of reception due to the nearby mountains?

A crystal radio Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of Ida's teaching journey?

Navigating the complexities of managing a classroom and fostering a positive learning environment Signup and view all the answers

What does the text offer insights into?

Ida's growth as a teacher Signup and view all the answers

What does the crystal radio allow the children to do?

Listen to different radio stations and mark the locations on a map Signup and view all the answers

What interrupts the radio exploration during Charley's turn?

Their recess Signup and view all the answers

What does Miss Sedgewick advise Tom to do?

Study hard for the exit diploma examination Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of Miss Sedgewick's visit on the classroom atmosphere?

Brings an air of formality and inspection Signup and view all the answers

How does Miss Sedgewick react to Ida's age and teaching experience?

Takes note of Ida's age and expresses satisfaction with the order in the classroom Signup and view all the answers

How do the children feel about their appearance compared to Miss Sedgewick's formal attire?

Aware of their shabby appearance Signup and view all the answers

What is Miss Sedgewick's primary responsibility as mentioned in the text?

Overseeing teacher certification, curriculum, and exit exams Signup and view all the answers

What is the children's reaction to Miss Sedgewick's departure?

Anxious Signup and view all the answers

What does Tom express to Ida as she drives off?

Support and encouragement for her teaching Signup and view all the answers

What does Ida recall as she drives home?

Places they heard on the radio Signup and view all the answers

What did Ida declare she would be during recess?

Miss Bidson Signup and view all the answers

What game did the students urge Ida to join during recess?

Crack the Whip Signup and view all the answers

Who commended the students for their desire to be in school and addressed Ida's soaked state?

Miss Sedgewick Signup and view all the answers

What did Ida struggle to contain during Miss Sedgewick's serious talk?

Her laughter Signup and view all the answers

What did Miss Sedgewick encourage Ida to do despite her wet clothes?

Sit down Signup and view all the answers

Where did Ida run off to during recess?

The playground Signup and view all the answers

What was Ida's initial response to the students' urge to join a game during recess?

She joined immediately Signup and view all the answers

What did Ida feel when she decided to join the students for recess?

Restless Signup and view all the answers

Who confronted Ida during Miss Sedgewick's serious talk?

The county examiner Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of Ida joining the game of 'Crack the Whip'?

She was flung into a pond Signup and view all the answers

What did Ida do after being flung into the pond?

She laughed uncontrollably Signup and view all the answers

What did Miss Sedgewick acknowledge during her visit to the school?

The students' dedication to studying Signup and view all the answers

What is the reason for Ida's visit to the Bixler farm?

To check on Herbert, a student who has been absent from school Signup and view all the answers

Who accompanies Ida to the Bixler farm?

Her brother Felix Signup and view all the answers

How does the Bixler farm compare to Ida's family farm?

Dilapidated and disorganized, contrasting with Ida's own family farm Signup and view all the answers

How does Ida feel about being at the Bixler farm?

Hesitates and feels out of place Signup and view all the answers

What does Mr. Bixler question Ida about?

Her authority and approval from the school board Signup and view all the answers

What does the encounter at the Bixler farm highlight?

The contrast between Ida's dedication to teaching and the challenges faced by her students Signup and view all the answers

What does the visit to the Bixler farm underscore?

The socioeconomic disparities and the difficulties faced by students like Herbert Signup and view all the answers

What does Mr. Bixler express about Herbert's schooling?

It is secondary to farm responsibilities Signup and view all the answers

What does Ida try to advocate for at the Bixler farm?

Herbert's education Signup and view all the answers

What does the interaction with Mr. Bixler raise questions about?

The balance between education and farm life for rural students Signup and view all the answers

How does Ida feel during the encounter at the Bixler farm?

Frustrated and out of place Signup and view all the answers

What does Mr. Bixler question Ida's authority and approval from the school board for?

Visiting Herbert and advocating for his education Signup and view all the answers

What does Tom show Ida during her visit to his farm?

His homemade printing press Signup and view all the answers

What teaching methods does Ida use to engage her students?

Individual attention, independent study, and collaborative learning Signup and view all the answers

What prompts Ida to focus on her own studies?

Felix mentions Tom's confidence in passing a final exam Signup and view all the answers

What does the story primarily depict?

The challenges and triumphs of a dedicated teacher in a rural community Signup and view all the answers

What is the central theme highlighted in the text?

The importance of education and community support Signup and view all the answers

What does Ida feel increasingly confident about in the school?

The school's progress Signup and view all the answers

What does the text highlight about Ida's role?

The multifaceted nature of teaching and learning in a rural setting Signup and view all the answers

What is Ida's response to Tom's reassurance?

She abruptly leaves Tom's farm with her son, Felix Signup and view all the answers

What is Mr. Bixler's attitude towards schooling?

He dismisses the importance of schooling Signup and view all the answers

What does Ida fear will happen if she continues visiting Herbert?

Mr. Bixler will involve the school principal Signup and view all the answers

What does Ida struggle to balance in her life?

Her roles as a teacher, student, and family member Signup and view all the answers

What does the school's progress give Ida confidence about?

The children's participation in school chores Signup and view all the answers

What is Ida's primary concern about her students?

Their academic progress and individual struggles Signup and view all the answers

What adds to Ida's feeling of being overwhelmed?

Her daily routine of teaching, grading, and studying Signup and view all the answers

What does Ida express a desire for but worries about the financial challenges?

Going to high school Signup and view all the answers

What does Ida's father remind her when she expresses her desire to go to high school?

Choosing a hard path will be difficult Signup and view all the answers

What does Ida feel conflicted about in her relationship with Tom?

Balancing her roles as a teacher and a friend Signup and view all the answers

What does Ida's father remind her of after a mishap with spilled milk?

The challenges she has taken on and the full-time job of living in the area Signup and view all the answers

What is Ida's daily routine that adds to her feeling of being overwhelmed?

Early morning milking before dawn Signup and view all the answers

What does Ida struggle to balance?

Her roles as a teacher and a friend Signup and view all the answers

What does Ida express worry about when considering going to high school?

Financial challenges and finding a place to board Signup and view all the answers

What does Ida's father encourage her to do after she expresses her desire to go to high school?

Admit to her mistakes Signup and view all the answers

What does Ida feel conflicted about in her relationship with Tom?

Balancing her roles as a teacher and a friend Signup and view all the answers

What does Ida's father remind her of after a mishap with spilled milk?

The challenges she has taken on and the full-time job of living in the area Signup and view all the answers

What was the smell in the Kohls' barn?

Sweet with the smell of stacked hay Signup and view all the answers

What did Tom and his father work on under the truck in the barn?

Repairing the truck Signup and view all the answers

What did Ida ask Tom to print up to spread around the valley?

A circular Signup and view all the answers

How does Mr. Kohl's voice sound?

Loud with a German accent Signup and view all the answers

Who arrives late due to the rain and starts the exams?

Miss Sedgewick Signup and view all the answers

What kind of exams do the students have in subjects like geography, arithmetic, and reading?

Both written and recitation exams Signup and view all the answers

Who reassures the students that she is sure everyone passed and then leaves?

Miss Sedgewick Signup and view all the answers

What does Ida ask Miss Sedgewick about after the exams?

How they will know if they passed Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary emotion Ida feels during the exam?

Nervousness Signup and view all the answers

When does the rain stop?

By morning recess Signup and view all the answers

What does Miss Sedgewick provide time for the students to do after the exams?

Check their work and write their post box numbers on the booklets Signup and view all the answers

Where does Ida remain after everyone else leaves?

In the empty schoolroom Signup and view all the answers

How will the students know if they passed the exams?

They will be informed by mail after Miss Sedgewick grades the exams Signup and view all the answers

What is the weather like during morning recess?

Sunny Signup and view all the answers

What does Miss Sedgewick reassure the students about after the exams?

That she is sure everyone passed Signup and view all the answers

What does Ida feel after the exams?

Drained Signup and view all the answers

What was the structure sweet with the smell of stacked hay?

The Kohls' barn Signup and view all the answers

Who was under the truck that was being repaired?

Tom Signup and view all the answers

What did Ida ask Tom to print up?

A circular to ensure the school stays closed Signup and view all the answers

Who was described as a large man with big features and a loud voice rich with a German accent?

Mr. Kohl Signup and view all the answers

Who printed off 20 copies of the circular to announce the school meeting?

Tom Signup and view all the answers

How many school board members were present at the Elk Valley School Board meeting?

4 Signup and view all the answers

What did Mr. Plumstead claim to have seen, implicating the children?

Miss Fletcher locking the school door Signup and view all the answers

What did Ida and Tom request permission for at the school board meeting?

Finish their schooling and take the exit exam Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the school board meeting regarding the children's request?

They were allowed to take the exit exam Signup and view all the answers

Who defended the children at the school board meeting?

Mr. Hawkins Signup and view all the answers

What did Mr. Jordan criticize Ida for at the meeting?

Pretending to be a teacher without a license Signup and view all the answers

What did the audience point out about Ida's role at the school?

She was not paid and actually saved the board money Signup and view all the answers

What did Ida recite at the school board meeting, receiving applause from the audience?

A poem taught by Miss Fletcher Signup and view all the answers

What did Tom do after the school board members excused themselves to confer?

Praised Ida Signup and view all the answers

What was the conclusion of the Elk Valley School Board meeting?

The children were allowed to take the exit exam Signup and view all the answers

What did the crowd do after Mr. Jordan's announcement at the meeting?

Congratulated Ida Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility placed on Ida by Mr. Jordan?

To ensure every child passes their exams Signup and view all the answers

How did Ida feel during the last two weeks before the exams?

Tormented and overwhelmed Signup and view all the answers

What did Ida urge Herbert to do on the day before the exams?

To pass and show everyone how smart he is Signup and view all the answers

How did Ida feel on the day of the exam?

Exhausted and emotionally wrought Signup and view all the answers

What was Ida's mother's response to her hard work and challenges?

Expressed pride and encouraged her Signup and view all the answers

How did Ida and Felix set off for the exam?

In challenging weather, feeling overwhelmed Signup and view all the answers

What did Mr. Jordan grant before the exams?

Two more weeks for the school Signup and view all the answers

What did the families have to take responsibility for?

The school building and grounds Signup and view all the answers

What did Ida choose to do at lunchtime despite her desire to study?

Help her students Signup and view all the answers

What did Ida do late into the evening before the exam?

Worked, feeling the weight of responsibility Signup and view all the answers

What did Ida feel during the last two weeks before the exams?

Tormented and overwhelmed Signup and view all the answers

Who granted two more weeks for the school before the exams?

Mr. Jordan Signup and view all the answers

What was Ida's primary emotion on the day before the exams?

Nervousness Signup and view all the answers

What did Ida urge Herbert to do on the day before the exams?

Pass his exams Signup and view all the answers

What did Ida choose to do on the day before the exams, causing a moment of hurt for Tom?

Study alone at home Signup and view all the answers

How did Ida feel on the evening before the exam?

Overwhelmed Signup and view all the answers

Who expressed pride in Ida's hard work and encouraged her despite the challenges?

Ida's mother Signup and view all the answers

How did Ida feel on the day of the exam?

Exhausted Signup and view all the answers

Who did Ida snap at in the car on the way to the exam?

Felix Signup and view all the answers

What did Mr. Jordan expect from every child in relation to the exams?

To pass Signup and view all the answers

What did families have to take responsibility for in relation to the school?

The school building and grounds Signup and view all the answers

Who granted two more weeks for the school with Ida Bidson as the teacher for the children to take their exams?

Mr. Jordan Signup and view all the answers

What was the atmosphere like in the last two weeks before the exams?

Frantic, with students quizzing each other and focusing on studying Signup and view all the answers

What did Ida feel during lunchtime on the day before the exams?

Tormented Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason for the Elk Valley School Board meeting?

To discuss whether the school should remain open or closed Signup and view all the answers

Who accuses Ida of pretending to be a teacher and the children of trespassing on township property?

Mr. Jordan Signup and view all the answers

What did Mr. Plumstead claim to have seen, leading to the accusation of trespassing?

Miss Fletcher locking the school door Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the school board meeting?

The children were allowed to take the exit exam Signup and view all the answers

What did Ida and Tom want to finish their schooling for?

To attend high school and take the exit exam Signup and view all the answers

Who defended the children, emphasizing that they were just trying to continue their education and learn?

Mr. Hawkins Signup and view all the answers

What did Mr. Jordan criticize Ida for, but the audience pointed out in her defense?

Pretending to be a teacher without a license Signup and view all the answers

What did Ida recite and request the chance to take, receiving applause from the audience?

A poem taught by Miss Fletcher and the exit exam Signup and view all the answers

Who announced that the children would be allowed to take the exit exam?

Mr. Jordan Signup and view all the answers

What was the reaction of the crowd when the school board members made the decision to allow the children to take the exam?

They congratulated Ida Signup and view all the answers

Who praised Ida after the school board's decision?

Tom Signup and view all the answers

What did Ida and Tom follow in their decisions, as explained by Ida?

Majority rule Signup and view all the answers

What is the reason for Miss Sedgewick's late arrival on exam day?

She got stuck in traffic due to the rain Signup and view all the answers

What subjects did the students have exams in on that day?

Geography, Arithmetic, and Reading Signup and view all the answers

What did Miss Sedgewick reassure the students about before leaving?

That everyone would pass the exams Signup and view all the answers

What did Ida ask Miss Sedgewick about after the exams?

How they would know if they passed Signup and view all the answers

What did Ida do after everyone else left the schoolroom?

Remained in the empty schoolroom feeling drained Signup and view all the answers

What did the students have time to do before Miss Sedgewick left?

Check their work and write their post box numbers on the booklets Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary cause of Ida's nervousness during the exam?

The unexpected events on the way to school Signup and view all the answers

What was the weather like by morning recess?

The rain stopped Signup and view all the answers

What caused Ida and Felix's car to skid into a ditch on the way to school?

A backfiring engine and rain Signup and view all the answers

What did Tom and Mary do for Ida and Felix after their car skidded into a ditch?

Offered to give them a lift to school Signup and view all the answers

What did Miss Sedgewick start after her late arrival?

The exams Signup and view all the answers

How will the students know if they passed the exams?

They will be informed by mail after Miss Sedgewick grades the exams Signup and view all the answers

What is the setting for the Last Day Exercises?

One-room schoolhouse Signup and view all the answers

Who is offered a scholarship to stay in Steamboat Springs while attending high school?

Ida Signup and view all the answers

What does Herbert Bixler reveal to Ida about his future plans?

He plans to join the navy in Denver Signup and view all the answers

What does Mr. Jordan express hope for Ida's future career?

To become a real teacher Signup and view all the answers

What is the conclusion of the Last Day Exercises ceremony?

Susie sings 'Amazing Grace' and everyone heads outside for refreshments Signup and view all the answers

Who does Ida approach at the end of the text?

Herbert Bixler Signup and view all the answers

What does Miss Sedgewick inform Ida about her classmates?

All students, except Herbert Bixler, completed their exams with varying degrees of success Signup and view all the answers

What recognition does Ida receive at the Last Day Exercises?

Graduating from eighth grade with honors and for acting as the schoolteacher Signup and view all the answers

Who sings 'Amazing Grace' at the Last Day Exercises ceremony?

Susie Signup and view all the answers

What does Miss Gertrude Sedgewick offer Ida?

A scholarship to stay in her Steamboat Springs home while attending high school Signup and view all the answers

What does Ida's letter inform her about her future education?

She is entitled to enter the high school at Steamboat Springs, beginning September 1925 Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of Ida's exams?

She passed Signup and view all the answers

What did Miss Gertrude Sedgewick offer Ida?

A scholarship to attend high school at no cost to her parents Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of Herbert Bixler's exam?

He failed the exam on purpose Signup and view all the answers

What was Ida specially recognized for at the Last Day Exercises?

Graduating from eighth grade with honors Signup and view all the answers

What does Mr. Jordan express hope for Ida's future?

Becoming a real teacher and returning to work at the same school Signup and view all the answers

What does Susie do to conclude the Last Day Exercises?

Sings "Amazing Grace" Signup and view all the answers

What does Ida allow her students to recite at the Last Day Exercises?

Poems, excerpts from famous orations, speeches from Shakespeare, and other literature Signup and view all the answers

What does Tom thank Ida for?

Being their teacher and for the idea of the secret school Signup and view all the answers

What does Ida refuse to use in handling disruptive student, Herbert?

Physical force Signup and view all the answers

What does Herbert reveal to Ida?

That he failed the exam on purpose Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary emotion Ida feels during the exam?

Tension and anxiety Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility placed on Ida by Mr. Jordan?

Acting as the schoolteacher and guiding her classmates Signup and view all the answers

What does Ida struggle to balance in her life?

Her academic studies and teaching responsibilities Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ida's Dream of Becoming a Teacher

Ida is upset because her mother's illness may prevent her from attending high school
Miss Fletcher, Ida's teacher, expresses regret for Ida's situation and encourages her to pursue her dream of becoming a teacher
Ida is determined to continue her education and become a teacher to escape a life of farming
Tom, a classmate, suggests that Ida become their teacher when Miss Fletcher leaves
Ida initially dismisses the idea but is intrigued by the possibility
Ida demonstrates her ability to drive the family car, indicating her resourcefulness and determination
Ida considers Tom's suggestion seriously as she reflects on her future
Ida returns home to her family's log cabin, determined to keep her school struggles a secret from her parents
The cabin was built by her father during the gold rush in the surrounding mountains
Ida's brother, Felix, supports her and accepts her unconventional approach to handling their situation
Ida's ambition to become a teacher is a central theme in the story, reflecting her determination and resilience
The story portrays a young girl's struggle to overcome obstacles and achieve her dreams in the face of adversity

The Arrival at Elk Valley School

Ida and Felix arrive at Elk Valley's schoolhouse in an old car with no windows
The schoolhouse is situated in a small valley with hills, woods, and mountains surrounding it
Ida narrowly avoids crashing into a car parked in their spot, which is revealed to belong to Mr. Jordan, the owner of the local feed and grocery store
The children, including Ida and Felix, enter the one-room schoolhouse and take their regular seats at their desks
The school is furnished with old benches, desks, a wood-burning stove, kerosene lamps, and educational materials like maps and charts
Miss Fletcher, the teacher, appears distressed and calls the children inside, hinting at grave news
Mr. Jordan, a member of the school board, is present and going through Miss Fletcher's school account book
The children, ranging from first to eighth graders, are seated according to their grades, with Ida and Tom being the only eighth graders
The school has a small library with fifteen tattered books and a few old magazines
The children notice Miss Fletcher's unusual demeanor and lack of her regular greetings
The children speculate about the reason for Mr. Jordan's presence and Miss Fletcher's behavior
The scene is set in a rural, early 20th-century setting, with details about the school's surroundings and the characters' appearances and actions

Crystal Radio and Miss Sedgewick's Visit

Tom demonstrates a crystal radio he made to his classmates, allowing them to listen to different radio stations by manipulating a crystal and a pointer.
The children hear music, jazz, and livestock prices from various radio stations across the United States through the crystal radio.
The crystal radio excites the children, and they realize they can "go anywhere" and mark the locations on a map.
During Charley's turn, they listen to a baseball game from Chicago, but their recess interrupts the radio exploration.
Miss Sedgewick from the County Education Office visits the school, wearing a green felt hat and a black suit, and brings a sense of formality and inspection to the classroom.
Miss Sedgewick recognizes Ida as the new teacher and questions her about Miss Fletcher's absence and her own teaching experience.
Miss Sedgewick takes note of Tom as an eighth-grade student who will be taking the exit diploma examination and advises him to study hard.
Miss Sedgewick finds Ida young and takes her name down, expressing satisfaction with the order in the classroom before leaving.
The children are aware of their shabby appearance compared to Miss Sedgewick's formal attire, and Ida feels self-conscious about her own dress.
The children and Miss Sedgewick observe each other in a moment of awkward silence before Miss Sedgewick questions Ida about her teaching experience and age.
Miss Sedgewick's visit brings an air of formality to the classroom, and her interaction with the children and Ida is marked by a sense of inspection and evaluation.
The crystal radio provides a sense of excitement and adventure for the children, allowing them to explore and listen to different radio stations, contrasting the formality and inspection of Miss Sedgewick's visit.

Challenges of Teaching and Personal Struggles

Ida, a teacher in Elk Valley, is concerned about her students' progress, including Mary's reading, Natasha's advancement, Herbert's frequent absences, Charley's struggles, and Felix's efforts for his sister.
Ida is also worried about her own studies and finds herself growing exhausted from her daily routine of teaching, grading, and studying.
She feels conflicted about her evolving relationship with Tom, her student, and struggles to balance her roles as a teacher and a friend.
Ida's daily routine includes early morning milking before dawn, and she feels overwhelmed by the demands of teaching and farm work.
Ida's father comforts her after a mishap with spilled milk, reminding her of the challenges she has taken on and the full-time job of living in the area.
Ida expresses her desire to go to high school but worries about the financial challenges and finding a place to board.
Her father reminds her that choosing a hard path will be difficult and encourages her to admit to her mistakes.
Ida is confronted with the question of how she wants to be treated, as a kid or a grown-up, by her father, leaving her startled and without an immediate answer.

Unexpected Events on Exam Day

Ida and Felix's car skids into a ditch on the way to school due to a backfiring engine and rain.
Tom and Mary offer to give them a lift to school.
Miss Sedgewick, the teacher, arrives late due to the rain and starts the exams.
The students have both written and recitation exams in subjects like geography, arithmetic, and reading.
Ida feels nervous and panics during the exam.
The rain stops by morning recess, but no one wants to be outside for long.
Miss Sedgewick provides time for the students to check their work and write their post box numbers on the booklets.
Ida asks Miss Sedgewick how they will know if they passed, and she informs them that they will be informed by mail after she grades the exams.
Miss Sedgewick reassures the students that she is sure everyone passed and leaves.
Ida remains in the empty schoolroom after everyone else leaves, feeling drained and reflecting on the day.

Ida's Journey to High School

Ida receives an elegant, handwritten letter informing her that she has completed the course of study with honors and is entitled to enter the high school at Steamboat Springs, beginning September 1925
Along with the letter, there is a note from Miss Gertrude Sedgewick County Examiner congratulating Ida on her success and informing her that all students, except Herbert Bixler, completed their exams with varying degrees of success
Ida is overjoyed to learn that she passed, and so did most of her classmates, except Herbert Bixler
Miss Sedgewick offers Ida a scholarship to stay in her Steamboat Springs home while attending high school, at no cost to her parents
Last Day Exercises are held at the one-room schoolhouse, and Ida is specially recognized for graduating from eighth grade with honors and for acting as the schoolteacher
The students, from youngest to oldest, recite poems, excerpts from famous orations, speeches from Shakespeare, and other literature, and each is handed a certificate of promotion
Mr. Jordan, the schoolteacher, acknowledges Ida's exceptional dedication and expresses hope that she will become a real teacher and return to work at the same school in the future
Susie sings "Amazing Grace" to conclude the ceremony, and everyone heads outside for refreshments
Ida approaches Herbert Bixler, who admits that he failed the exam on purpose and plans to join the navy in Denver when he's old enough
Herbert reveals to Ida that she is the only one who knows about his decision and leaves without disclosing his thoughts
Tom thanks Ida for being their teacher and for the idea in the first place, as the secret school comes to an end
The text ends with uncertainty about what the future holds for Ida and Herbert, as well as the closure of the secret school and its impact on the students

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Description

Test your knowledge on the story of Ida's dream of becoming a teacher, her challenges in teaching at Elk Valley School, personal struggles, unexpected events on exam day, and her journey to high school. Explore themes of determination, resilience, education, and unexpected twists in the narrative.