Series 2-11: What Professional Operators Can Do

The “What Professional Operators Can Do” chapter in the Alberta School Bus practice test highlights the key responsibilities of professional school bus drivers.

Alberta School Bus Test - SERIES 2-11: What Professional Operators Can Do

1 / 25

For serious incidents such as fighting, which consequence level should be used immediately?

Communication/conference with the principal (level four)

Only an assigned seat change

Just a verbal warning

No action until parents complain

2 / 25

What must passengers do while the bus is in motion?

Stand if they are near their stop

Move freely if they are quiet

Sit only if they feel unsafe

Remain seated until the operator says they can get up and exit

3 / 25

Why is it helpful to have the passenger suggest their own solution to the problem?

It guarantees they will never misbehave again

There is a better chance it will work because it is their solution

It removes all responsibility from the operator

It allows other students to vote on the solution

4 / 25

What should the bus operator try their best to avoid when dealing with passengers?

Losing their temper

Speaking to parents

Asking passengers questions

Giving any warnings

5 / 25

How should operators view the value and responsibilities of people on the bus?

The operator has more value than the passengers

Every person, including the operator, has equal value and deserves equal respect

Older students have more value than younger ones

Only well-behaved passengers deserve respect

6 / 25

What does “progressively negative choice” involve?

Giving the passenger a choice where one option is more unpleasant

Offering only one possible action

Allowing passengers to choose no consequence

Asking the principal to decide every consequence

7 / 25

Which behaviour must passengers stop, according to the responsibilities?

Fighting, teasing, and bullying

Talking politely to friends

Quietly reading books

Smiling at others

8 / 25

Which of the following is NOT one of the acceptable consequences listed? [[34–35]]

Warning

Conference with the principal

Immediate expulsion from school

Assigned seat

9 / 25

Which of the following is a listed responsibility related to windows?

Yell out of open windows only at stops

Ensure nothing is extended or tossed outside through open windows

Throw away garbage through open windows

Open all windows whenever possible

10 / 25

When discussing behaviour with a passenger, what should the operator avoid doing?

Asking any questions

Nagging and over-explaining

Listening to the passenger

Referring to safety at all

11 / 25

What must be true about the application of consequences?

They must be applied consistently and equally to every passenger

They should be random to discourage bad behaviour

They should vary depending on how much the operator likes the passenger

They should be harsher with younger students

12 / 25

What is a key way for the operator to demonstrate leadership to passengers?

Frequently remind passengers that the operator is in charge

Show by their behaviour that they care about the passengers

Never speak to passengers unless correcting them

Enforce rules without giving any reasons

13 / 25

How do you describe consequences?

As punishments that come without reason

As optional suggestions

As unrelated to the passenger’s behaviour

As a direct result of the passenger’s chosen action

14 / 25

How can the operator positively reinforce a passenger with a short attention span who has remained seated?

Ignore the behaviour until they misbehave

Wait to praise them until the end of the school year

Only speak to them if they stand up

Thank them shortly before their usual limit, e.g., “Thank you for remaining seated”

15 / 25

During a conference, what question should the operator ask to reaffirm the passenger’s knowledge of safety?

“Isn’t this embarrassing for you?”

“What could happen to you if you are not seated and the bus has to suddenly stop or swerve?”

“Do you know how many rules you’ve broken?”

“Why don’t you ever listen?”

16 / 25

How often should the operator review passenger responsibilities during the year?

At each season change and after major holidays

Every single day

Only at the start of the school year

Only after a student is suspended

17 / 25

What atmosphere should operators try to create among passengers?

Friendly cooperation

Competitive behaviour among students

Strict silence at all times

Fear of punishment

18 / 25

Who is ultimately in control of the situation on the bus?

The bus operator

The school principal

The oldest passenger

The student council representative

19 / 25

When should the operator outline responsibilities and expectations to passengers?

At the end of the first month of school

Only at the beginning of winter

In the afternoon on the first or second day of school

Only after the first major incident

20 / 25

Where and how should a conference with a passenger ideally take place?

Alone with the door locked

While driving so time is not wasted

In front of all other passengers for example’s sake

At school, outside the bus, with another adult present if possible

21 / 25

What phrase should operators avoid using when explaining guidelines and limits?

“Please listen carefully”

“Because I said so!”

“For your own safety”

“This is school policy”

22 / 25

What physical contact with passengers is generally permitted as positive recognition?

A tap on the shoulder to get attention

A pat on the head

A hug for every student each day

A congratulatory high five

23 / 25

After three warnings, what is normally the next consequence?

Calling the police

Immediate suspension from the bus

Assigned seat, usually front passenger side

Moving the passenger to the back of the bus

24 / 25

What is specifically listed as a passenger responsibility regarding the bus operator?

Set their own rules for the bus

Always obey the directions of the bus operator

Decide when the bus should stop

Help the operator drive the bus

25 / 25

In the example of “progressively negative choice,” what are the two options given?

Sit in the back or stand in the aisle

Change buses or walk home

Call parents or write an apology

Remain seated or move to the front seat

Your score is

It emphasizes maintaining a safe and respectful environment for students, adhering strictly to traffic laws, and practicing defensive driving. Operators are encouraged to communicate effectively with passengers, parents, and school officials, and to remain calm in challenging situations. Regular vehicle inspections and emergency preparedness are also covered. By mastering these skills, professional operators ensure the safety and well-being of everyone on board, reflecting the high standards expected of Alberta’s school bus drivers.