The Unteachables

Reading Check and Short Answer questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

Chapters 1-5

Reading Check

1. Which room is Mr. Kermit assigned to?

2. Who do the students discover Mr. Kermit once had a relationship with?

3. Which of the students helps Mr. Kermit start his vehicle?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What clues on Kiana’s first day indicate it may be chaotic in Kiana’s new classroom?

2. What political factors are at play in forcing Mr. Kermit to teach the Unteachables?

3. What are Aldo Braff’s feelings about his classmates? What does it indicate about his personality?

Paired Resource

“Are Labels Preventing Students from Succeeding?”

• This opinion piece in Education Week explores how labels could be more helpful to teachers than to the students they serve. (Teacher-facing; not student-appropriate)
• This resource might provide language and ideas for generating additional discussion in the classroom around the novel’s themes.

Chapters 6-11

Reading Check

1. Who does Mateo compare Mr. Kermit to?

2. What event are the Unteachables excluded from, causing Mr. Kermit to argue with the principal?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence.