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.

Also includes REA's TESTware, CD-ROM software that offers full-length, timed, computerized practice FTCE exams plus automatic scoring that provides you with the closest thing to experiencing a live exam at a testing center.

DETAILS
- Written by 7 leading Florida-based specialists with doctorates in teacher education.
- Comprehensive reviews of all of Florida's 14 state competencies.
- CD-ROM containing REA's acclaimed TESTware program with 2 computerized practice FTCE exams.
- 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

TESTware System Requirements
- Pentium 75 MHz or higher (300 MHz recommended) or compatible processor
- Microsoft Windows 98 or later
- 64 MB Available RAM
- Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1: Passing the FTCE
- About this Book & TESTware
- 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
Installing REA's TESTware
Using REA's TESTware


CHAPTER 1: Passing the FTCE

About this Book & TESTware

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.

The Practice tests in this book and software package are included in two formats; they are printed in the book and offered as TESTware on the enclosed CD. We recommend that you begin your preparation by first taking the practice exams on your computer. The software provides timed conditions, automatic scoring, and scoring information, all of which makes it easier to pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses.

About the Test

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