FTCE (REA) - The Best Teachers' Test Prep for Florida Teacher Certification (Test Preps) 3rd Edition [Paperback]

Leasha Barry Ph.D. (Author), Betty J. Bennet Ph.D. (Author), Lois Christensen Ph.D. (Author), Alicia Mendoza Ed.D. (Author), Enrique Ortiz Ph.D. (Author), Migdalia Pagan M.S. (Author), Sally Robison Ph.D. (Author), Otilia Salmon Ph.D. (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 15, 2004

Be prepared. Get certified. Then get ready to teach! REA's excellent FTCE study guide helps you master the FTCE exam so you will be one step closer to teaching in a Florida classroom of your own.

This brand new, fully revised 3rd edition of REA's FTCE (Florida Teacher Certification Exam) test prep contains an in-depth review and 2 full-length practice exams with thoroughly detailed answers. The comprehensive FTCE review contains focused coverage of all relevant exam topics and Florida's 14 competencies including key pedagogical concepts, theories, and relevant laws. Follow up your study with REA's powerhouse test-taking strategies that get you ready for this all-important exam. Fully indexed for easy topic searches. Also contains a complete directory of all Florida public school districts.

DETAILS
- Written by 7 leading Florida-based specialists with doctorates in teacher education.
- Comprehensive reviews of all of Florida's 14 state competencies
- Features every type of question, every subject area, and every skill that can be expected on the actual FTCE.
- Each practice exam question is fully explained in easy-to-follow, step-by-step detail.
- Adaptable study schedule that fits your lifestyle.
- Fully compliant with federal No Child Left Behind guidelines.
- Fully indexed for quick and speedy topic searches.
- Bonus Appendix of all Florida public school districts

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1: Passing the FTCE
- About this Book
- About the Test
- How to Use this Book
- Format of the FTCE
- Computer-Based Testing
- About the Review Sections
- Scoring the FTCE
- Studying for the FTCE
- Test-Taking Tips
- The Day of the Test
- FTCE Study Schedule
CHAPTER 2: Competency 1: Assessment
- Definition of Competency
- Purposes of Assessment
- Teacher-Made (Classroom) Tests
- Authentic Assessments
- Standardized Testing
- Performance-Based Assessment
- Creating Classroom (Teacher-Made) Tests
- Principles of Test Construction
- Self-Directed Learning and Assessment
- Test Blueprints
- Objectives
- Test Items
- Constructing Test Questions
- Scoring the Test
- Evaluating and Revising Tests
- Preparation for Testing
- Test Administration
- Formative Feedback
- Summary
- References
CHAPTER 3: Competency 2: Communication
- Definition of Competency
- Principles of Verbal Communication
- Voice
- Nonverbal Communication
- Expectations of Students and Communication
- Media Communication
- Effective Use of Language
- Relationship Between Teachers and Students
- Connected Discourse
- Marker Expressions
- Task Attraction and Challenge
- Scrambled Discourse, Vagueness, and Question Overload
- Providing Clear Feedback to Students
- Make Specific Statements about Students' Responses
- Methods of Correcting Students' Errors
- Parent-Teacher Communication
- References
CHAPTER 4: Competency 3: Continuous Improvement
- Definition of Competency
- Effective Professional Development
- Professional Development Delivery Methods
- Recommended Professional Development Topics
- Barriers to Professional Development
- References
CHAPTER 5: Competency 4: Critical Thinking
- Definition of Competency
- Metacognition
- Comparison/Contrast
- Questioning
- The Six Levels of Taxonomy
- References
CHAPTER 6: Competency 5: Diversity
- Definition of Competency
- Diversity
- Factors Affecting Learning Style
- Nature and Nurture
- References
CHAPTER 7: Competency 6: Ethics
- Definition of Competency
- What is Ethics?
- Ethics and the Education Profession
- The Code of Ethics of the Education Profession in Florida
- The Principles of Professional Conduct of the Education Profession in Florida
- References
CHAPTER 8: Competency 7: Human Development and Learning
- Definition of Competency
- Physical, Social, and Academic Development
- Motivational Strategies
- Accommodating Different Learning Needs, Developmental Levels, and Experiential
- Backgrounds
- Applying Learning Theories in the Classroom
- Students with Disabilities
- Intervention Strategies for Students with Disabilities
- References
CHAPTER 9: Competency 8: Subject Matter
- Definition of Competency
- Reading Strategies
- Reference Materials and Technology
- Multidisciplinary Studies
- References
CHAPTER 10: Competency 9: Learning Environments
- Definition of Competency
- Physical Environment
- Social and Emotional Climate
- Academic Learning Time
- Student Behavior
- Cognitive Development and Moral Decision Making
- Learning Styles and Personality Types
- Standards for Classroom Behavior
- Rules and the Student's Role in Decision Making
- Rules and School Safety Issues
- "With it"-ness in the Classroom
- Procedures for Learning Success
- Organizing Activities
- Outcome-Oriented Learning
- References
CHAPTER 11: Competency 10: Planning
- Definition of Competency
- Goals
- Identifying Student Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes
- Constructing or Adapting Short-Range Objectives
- Organizing and Sequencing Short-Range Objectives
- Choosing Educational Materials
- Educational Resources
- Visual Materials
- Human Resources
- Planning Processes
- Teaching Methods
- Teaching Styles
- Directions
- Objectives
- Performance Standards
- Supplies
- Classroom Assessment
- Practice to Promote Retention and Learning
- Varying Practice Activities
- Reinforce Retention of Specific Information
- Provide a Variety of Activities to Promote Retention
- Assist Students During Seatwork
- Practice Activities Promote Long-Term Retention
- Reviewing Material
- Recapping Significant Points
- Thesis, Antithesis, and Synthesis
- Recapping Discussion and Reviewing Subject Matter
- End of the Lesson Recap
- Journal Writing
- Cooperative Learning
- Weekly and Monthly Reviews
- References
CHAPTER 12: Competency 11: The Role of the Teacher
- Definition of Competency
- The Teacher's Role in Classroom Management
- Classroom Behavior
- Behavior Patterns
- Recognizing Substance Abuse
- Behaviors that Indicate a Tendency Toward Substance Abuse
- Physical and Behavioral Characteristics of Students Under the Influence of Drugs
- The Use of Referrals
- Teaching about the Dangers of Substance Abuse
- Recognizing Abuse and Neglect
- Symptoms of Abuse
- Visible Signs of Abuse
- How to Report Suspicions of Abuse
- Summary
- References
CHAPTER 13: Competency 12: Technology
- Definition of Competency
- Educational Technology in the Primary Classroom
- Educational Technology in the Secondary Classroom
- Copyright Laws for Computer Programs
- References
CHAPTER 14: Competency 13: Foundations of Education
- Definition of Competency
- A Brief History of the Foundations of American Education
- References
CHAPTER 15: Competency 14: ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages)
- Definition of Competency
- English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
- Important Definitions of ESOL Terms
- Limited English Proficiency Codes
- Identification of Potential LEP Students
- ESOL Program Models in Florida Schools
- Considerations and Teaching Strategies for ESOL Students
- Teaching Strategies and Principles for ESOL Students
- Principles of Second-Language Acquisition
- Quadrants of Language and Learning
- Assessment
- References
PRACTICE TESTS
Practice Test 1
- Multiple-Choice Questions
- Answer Key
- Detailed Explanations of Answers
Practice Test 2
- Multiple-Choice Questions
- Answer Key
- Detailed Explanations of Answers
- Practice Test Answer Sheets
Index
Appendix: Florida School Districts

CHAPTER 1: Passing the FTCE

About this Book

This book provides you with an accurate and complete representation of the Florida Teacher Certification Examination (FTCE) Professional Education Test. Inside you will find topical reviews designed to equip you with the information and strategies needed to pass the exam. REA also gives you two full-length practice tests, which are based on the most recently administered FTCE and contain every type of question that you can expect to encounter on test day. As with the actual test, each of ours takes two and one-half hours to complete. Following each practice test, you will find an answer key with detailed explanations designed to help you better grasp the test material.

About the Test

Who takes the test and what is it used for?
The FTCE is taken by individuals seeking initial teacher certification in Florida. Educators must pass the Professional Education Test as one of the requirements for their first five-year Florida Professional Certificate. You are eligible to take the test if you meet any one of these criteria:
- Enrolled in a college or university teacher-preparation program
- Teaching with provisional certification
- Making a teaching career change to public school teaching

If you do not do well on the FTCE, don't panic! The test can be taken again, so you can work on improving your score in preparation for your next FTCE. A score on the FTCE that does not match your expectations does not mean you should change your plans about teaching.

Who administers the test?
The FTCE is developed and administered by the Florida Department of Education. A test development process was designed and implemented to ensure that the content and difficulty level of the test are appropriate.

When should the FTCE be taken?
The test should be...

Editorial Reviews

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

About This Book
You are preparing to take the Florida Teacher Certification Exam General Knowledge Test (FTCE-GKT). Perhaps you are taking it for the first time. Perhaps you are retaking the exam. Whatever the case, this book will help you pass.

While working through this book, you will acquire a thorough and accurate understanding of what it takes to master the FTCE-GKT. The comprehensive review material in this book covers all subject areas known to appear on the FTCE-GKT, providing you with all the information you need to take this challenging certification exam.

Test-takers should note that every time the FTCE-GKT is administered, multiple versions of the exam are created and distributed to each testing center. These versions may contain a mix of different questions with different answers. This test versioning can add a greater level of uncertainty for the test-taker. Are you sure you are studying every topic enough? Are you adequately prepared for every test subject you may encounter on the FTCE-GKT? You can rest assured. One important purpose of this book is to prepare you for every possible version of the FTCE-GKT. We at REA believe you cannot prepare enough for this career-building exam.

About Our Practice Exams

You will be allotted three and one half hours to take the actual exam. This same amount of time is allotted to take each of our practice tests. REA's tests are carefully based on the current FTCE-GKT exams, and thus contain every type of question that you can expect to see on test day. Each practice test question is thoroughly explained in easy-to-follow detail. Sample responses are also provided for the essays to help you better understand and master the test material.

About the Test

Who Takes the Test and What Is It Used for?

The FTCE-GKT is used by the State of Florida to assess knowledge of teacher certification candidates.

If you do not achieve a passing score on the FTCE-GKT, don't panic. You can take the test again, so you can work on improving your score in preparation for your next administration.

When Should the FTCE-GKT Be Taken?

The FTCE-GKT is usually taken immediately before the completion of a teacher certification ­program at a college or university. This gives candidates enough time to retake the test if they are not pleased with their score. Our practice tests will familiarize you with the format of the exam so that you do not have to go through the anxiety of learning about the FTCE-GKT during the actual exam.

When and Where is the Test Given?

The FTCE-GKT is administered six times a year at testing centers across Florida. Tests are usually administered on a Saturday; however, the test may be taken on an alternate day if a conflict exits, such as a religious obligation.

When you register for the FTCE-GKT, your registration bulletin will contain test dates and administration sites. You may obtain a registration bulletin by contacting:

FTCE Inquiries
Florida Department of Education
325 West Gaines Street, Suite 414
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400

Is There a Registration Fee?

Yes, you must pay a fee to take the FTCE-GKT. Fee waivers are available for candidates who are unable to afford registration. You must be enrolled in a college undergraduate program and must prove that you are required by a registered score recipient to take the exam. Details regarding income eligibility levels are contained in the registration bulletin.

How to Use This Book

What should I Study First?

Read over our review material, and then take the first practice test. This will help you pinpoint your areas of weakness. Study those sections in which you had the most difficulty first, and then move on to those areas that presented less of a challenge to you.

When should I Start Studying?

It is never too early to begin studying for the FTCE-GKT. The earlier you begin, the more time you will have to sharpen your skills. Do not procrastinate! Cramming is not an effective way to study. Give yourself enough time to become familiar with the format of the test and the material it covers. The sooner you learn the format of the exam, the more comfortable and confident you will be on the day of the test.

Format of the FTCE-GKT

The FTCE-GKT is divided into four sections:

The Reading Test
The Reading Test measures your ability to understand and analyze written information. The test ­consists of several written passages and about 40 multiple-choice questions to test your understanding of those passages. You have 40 minutes to complete this section of the exam.

The Mathematics Test
The Mathematics Test measures competency in mathematical skills that an educated adult will require. It focuses on the ability to solve problems in a quantitative context. Several problems involve the integration of several skills into one problem-solving situation. The test consists of about 45 multiple-choice questions, which you have 80 minutes to complete.

The English Language Skills Test
The English Language Skills Test assesses your facility with the use of standard English, and you have 40 minutes to complete 40 multiple choice questions.

The Essay Test
The Essay Test assesses the ability to communicate in written form using appropriate language and grammar. For your essay, you will choose between two topics. The 50 minutes allotted for this section of the exam includes time to prepare, write, and edit your essay.

About the Review Sections

The Reading Comprehension Review
The Reading Comprehension Review is designed to enhance the reading comprehension skills necessary to achieve a high score on the FTCE-GKT. Strategies for attacking reading comprehension questions are thoroughly explained, and a four-step approach to answering the test questions is completely outlined. In addition, a vocabulary enhancer is included to help you better understand the passages on the test.

The Basic Math Skills Review
The Mathematics Review will help you reinforce the arithmetic, algebraic, and geometric concepts that will be tested on the FTCE-GKT. Drill questions are included that will help you sharpen your mathematical skills. A valuable reference table offers quick access to important formulae and an index of mathematical symbols. Careful review of this section should give you all the information you need to pass this section of the FTCE-GKT.

The English Language Skills Review

The Writing Skills Review
The Writing Skills Review contains a wealth of information concerning the structure, content, and form of the FTCE-GKT essay. Regardless of the topic you are assigned on the exam, a concise, well-­constructed essay is essential to achieve a passing score. Careful study of the Essay Writing Review will hone your essay writing abilities, so that you will be able to write your essay with confidence.

Studying for the FTCE-GKT
Everyone has a different learning environment that works best for them, and it is very important that you find the one that works best for you. Some students prefer to set aside a few hours every morning to study, while others prefer to study at night before going to sleep. Some students are capable of studying while waiting on line at the supermarket, or even while eating lunch. Other students require absolute ­silence in a well-lit room to study. Only you can determine what works best for you, but be consistent and use your time wisely. Develop a routine that works for you and stick to it.

When you are taking the practice tests, you should try to duplicate the testing conditions as closely as possible. Turn off the television and radio, and sit down in a quiet area as free from distraction as possible. Make sure to time yourself, and allow yourself no more time for the practice tests than you would have on the actual exam. Start off by setting a timer for the time that is allotted to each section of the exam, and be sure to reset it for the appropriate amount of time whenever you start a new section.

As you complete each practice test, score your exam and thoroughly review the detailed explanations to all the questions you answered incorrectly. Concentrate on one question at a time by reviewing the question and the explanation, and by studying the appropriate review material until you are confident that you completely understand the material.

Keep track of your scores on the individual practice tests. Doing this will enable you to gauge your progress and discover general weaknesses in particular sections. You should carefully study the review sections that cover your areas of difficulty to help reinforce your skills in those areas.

Test-Taking Tips
Even though you have probably taken standardized tests like the FTCE-GKT before, you may still be experiencing some anxiety about the exam. This is perfectly normal and there are several ways to help alleviate it listed below.
o Become comfortable with the format of the FTCE-GKT. When you are taking the practice tests, simulate the testing conditions as closely as possible. Stay calm and pace yourself. After simulating the test a few times, you will boost your chances of doing well. The test-taking experience will not be unfamiliar to you, and this will allow you to take the FTCE-GKT with much more confidence.
o Read all of the possible answers. Just because you think you have found the correct response, do not automatically assume that it is the best answer. Read all the answer choices so that you do not make a mistake by jumping to conclusions.
o Use the process of elimination. Go through all the answer choices and eliminate obviously incorrect answers immediately. If you are able to eliminate one or two answer choices, you will be able to make an educated guess.
o Work quickly and steadily. You only have one hour for each section, so pace yourself carefully. Do not spend too much time on any one question. By ­taking the practice tests included in this book, you will become better abl...

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 544 pages
• Publisher: Research & Education Association; First edition (September 15, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0738600458
• ISBN-13: 978-0738600451
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.5 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #957,103 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #21 in Books > Education & Reference > Education > Test Guides - Graduate & Professional > Teaching

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars GK Overkill, September 10, 2006

By 

Stephen A. Berry - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: FTCE General Knowledge Test (REA) - The Best Teachers' Test Preparation (FTCE Teacher Certification Test Prep) (Paperback)

Very thorough and well-written, but many of the questions are above and beyond the complexity of those encountered on the General Knowledge test. I used it in conjunction with the GK test preparation book published by Cliff's Notes. The CN's volume tracks very closely with the GK test sections--and tells you precisely which section of the GK test it is addressing. I took the CN book as my main study guide and used this, the REA book, to provide me with additional practice questions of somewhat greater complexity within the context of the CN's guide. Had I done the reverse and used the REA volume as my main study guide for the GK, I'd still be studying what is ulitmately a large body of extraneous material--and feeling depressed at my ignorance. (Yes, I passed. :) )

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This book provides good review..., June 16, 2006

By 

Mrs.Kozlow (Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: FTCE (REA) - The Best Teachers' Test Prep for Florida Teacher Certification (Test Preps) 3rd Edition (Paperback)

I needed to retake the Professional Ed test 14 years after college graduation. This book was a great refresher for me. At least a dozen questions from the test were very similar (though not necessarily identical) to the practice test items from the book, and that could make the difference between passing and failing for many people.

If you have absolutely no background in education, you are going to have to put a lot more time (like several months) and effort (like locating and reading many of the resources listed) into studying for this test, but this book will definitely help you to focus your efforts by showing you your strengths and weaknesses. Read the book, take the first Practice Test, and anzlyze your results (based on your missed items) to focus your study efforts. Make sure you read the explanations to help you understand any missed items.

If you have an education background, though, and need to take or retake the Prof Ed test, this book is a great investment and confidence booster.

I took the computerized version of the test, and used the study guide without the CD. I am very comfortable with computers. I am glad I didn't spend extra money for the CD. If you aren't comfortable with computers, you might want to consider purchasing the edition with the CD-ROM if you plan to take the computerized test.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Preparation, February 25, 2006

By 

Jill H. (Tampa, Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: FTCE (REA) - The Best Teachers' Test Prep for Florida Teacher Certification (Test Preps) 3rd Edition (Paperback)

I started studying about 6 weeks before the test with this book. It reviews each section of the test. I took all the practice tests and the explanations are like extra review. I recommend that you take all the practice tests - many of the questions were close to the actual exam. Definitley worth the price to pass.