Passing the FTCE Social Science 6–12 Test
ABOUT THIS BOOK
REA’s The Best Teachers’ Preparation for the FTCE Social Science 6–12 Test is a comprehensive guide designed to assist you in preparing to take the FTCE required for teaching social sciences in grades 6–12. To enhance your chances of success in this important step toward your career as a teacher in Florida schools, this test guide:
• presents an accurate and complete overview of the FTCE Social Science 6–12 Test
• identifies all of the important information and its representation on the exam
• provides a comprehensive review of every competency and skill
• presents sample questions in the actual test format
• suggests tips and strategies for successfully completing standardized tests
• provides diagnostic tools to identify areas of strength and weakness
• provides two full-length practice tests based on the most recently administered FTCE
• replicates the format of the official exam, including levels of difficulty
• provides the correct answer and detailed explanations for each question on the practice tests, which enables you to identify correct answers and understand why they are correct and, just as important, why the other answers are incorrect.
This guide is based on the best research and resources. The editors considered the most recent test administrations and professional standards. They also researched information from the Florida Department of Education, professional journals, textbooks, and educators in the field. This guide includes the best test preparation materials based on the latest information available. Nonetheless, it is always wise to check for any late updates from the test administrator.
ABOUT THE TEST
Since 1980 the state of Florida has used the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations as a requirement for teacher certification. In 1986 the legislature added the requirement to pass a test in the content area in which the teacher desires to be certified. The purpose of this preparation guide is to help you successfully prepare for the test by providing you with a clear overview of what content is considered essential in the social science curricula for grades 6–12. The guide is not designed to be an all-inclusive source for social science content.
There are two versions of the social science test in Florida. Be sure you are registered for the proper test. The version for grades 5–9 is what you should take if you want to be a middle school teacher. The version for grades 6–12 requires greater depth of knowledge. This guide is designed to prepare you for the grades 6–12 test.
Below are the competencies used as the basis for the FTCE Social Science grades 6–12 examination, as well as the approximate percentage of the total test that each competency occupies. These competencies represent the knowledge that teams of teachers, subject area specialists, and district-level educators have determined to be important for beginning teachers. This book contains a thorough review of these competencies, as well as the specific skills that demonstrate mastery of each area.
Competencies Percentage
1. Knowledge of Geography 15%
2. Knowledge of Economics 15%
3. Knowledge of Political Science 15%
4. Knowledge of World History 20%
5. Knowledge of American History 30%
6. Knowledge of Social Science and its Methodology 5%
Who Administers the Test?
The Florida Department of Education develops this test. Subject area knowledge tested on the Social Science 6–12 examination of the FTCE was identified and validated by committees of content specialists from the state of Florida. Public school teachers made up the majority of the committee members, but the committees also included district supervisors and college faculty. Selection of committee members was based on recommendations by professional associations, experts, and teachers’ unions.
Development of the appropriate content and difficulty levels of the exam involved literature review, teacher interviews, beta tests, and professional judgment. Testing services, including test administrations, for the FTCE are provided by National Evaluation Systems, Inc.
Can I Retake the Test?
If you do not achieve a passing grade on the FTCE, don’t panic. The test can be taken again after 31 days, so you can seriously 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.
When Should the FTCE Be Taken?
Florida law requires that teachers demonstrate mastery of basic skills, professional
knowledge, and content area of specialization. If you’ve graduated from a Florida state-approved teacher preparation program and made the decision to teach Social Science 6–12, you need to begin the process by applying for a Florida Temporary Certificate in that subject. The Bureau of Educator Certification will only evaluate your eligibility in the subject(s) you request on your application form. The Temporary Certificate is valid for three school years, which allows you time to complete the certification tests while teaching full-time.
For high school graduates and out-of-state educators, the Bureau of Educator Certification will provide you with official information about which test(s) to take to complete requirements for the Professional Certificate. The FTCE is usually administered four times a year in several locations throughout Florida. The usual testing day is Saturday, but the test may be taken on an alternate day if a conflict exists, such as a religious obligation.
Special accommodations can also be made for applicants who are visually impaired, hearing impaired, physically disabled, or specific learning disabled. To receive information on upcoming administrations of the FTCE you should consult the FTCE Registration Bulletin, which can be obtained by contacting:
Florida Department of Education
325 West Gaines Street, Suite 414
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0400
Phone: (413) 256-2893
Website: www.fldoe.org/asp/ftce or www.fl.nesinc.com
Bureau of Educator Certification: www.fldoe.org/edcert
The FTCE Registration Bulletin also includes information regarding test retakes and score reports.
