FTCE Social Science 6-12

by Staff of Research Education Association

• ISBN13: 9780738608082
• ISBN10: 0738608084
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2010-10-18
• Publisher: Research & Education Assn

Summary

REA's FTCE Social ScienceGrades 6-12Test Prep with Practice Tests on TestWare CD Gets Florida Teachers Certified and in the Classroom! Updated 2nd Edition! Nationwide, more than 5 million teachers will be needed over the next decade, and all must take appropriate tests to be licensed. REA gets you ready for your teaching career with our outstanding library of Teacher Certification test preps! Scoring well on the FTCE (Florida Teacher Certification Examinations) doesn't just help you get certified to teach, it helps move your career forward! REA's updated second edition ofour bestselling FTCE with TestWare test prep shows you how to score highon the exam andget certified! Designed for persons seeking certification as social science teacher in Florida,our complete study packagecontains an in-depth review of all the topics tested on the official exam, including geography, economics, political science, world history, U.S. history, and social science and its methodology. A customized study schedule and REA's expert test-taking strategies offer advice on how to prepare for exam day. Two full-length, multiple-choice practice tests in the book and on CD help you test your knowledgeand focus on areas in need of improvement. Each practice test is balanced to include every type of question, subject area, and skill tested on the actual exam. Our practice tests replicate the FTCE question format, allowing you to assess your skills and gauge your test-readiness. Both of the book's practice exams are featured on our TestWare CD with the most powerful scoring and diagnostic tools available today.Timed testing conditions, automatic scoring, and instant reports help you zero in on the topics and types of questions that give you trouble now, so you'll succeed when it counts! Every practice exam comes with detailed feedback on every question. We don't just say which answers are right--we explain why the other answer choices are wrong--so you'll be prepared. Our detailed explanations of answers help you identify strengths and weaknesses while building your skills. This book is a must for anyone seeking certification as teacher in Florida! REA books and software have proven to be the extra support teacher candidates need to pass their challenging tests for licensure. Our comprehensive test preps are teacher-recommended and written by experts in the field.

Excerpts

Introduction

About This Book and TestWare®

REA’s comprehensive guide to Florida’s FTCE Social Science 6–12 Test is 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 along with REA’s exclusive TestWare® software:

• presents an accurate and complete overview of the FTCE Social Science 6–12;
• identifies all of the important information and how it’s represented 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 like this FTCE exam;
• 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.

 

Practice Tests 1 and 2 are included in two formats: in printed form in this book and in
TestWare® format on the enclosed CD. We recommend that you begin your preparation
by first taking the computerized version of your test since the only format for Florida’s
entire series of teacher certification exams is computerized. The software provides the
added benefits of enforced timed conditions and instantaneous, accurate scoring, making
it easier to pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses.

 

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. The practice tests assume that you have some foundation of
knowledge in social science; therefore, not all questions have been drawn from the review
section.

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.

As of December 2009, all FTCE/FELE tests are available on computer, and as of
January 2010, paper-based testing (PBT) is no longer available. A list of computer-based
tests currently available is posted on the FTCE/FELE contractor website:
www.fl.nesinc.com/FL_testselection.asp.

 

To find a list of test sites, visitwww.fl.nesinc.com/FL_testsites.asp.

 

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
accounts for. 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                                         10%
2. Knowledge of Economics                                         15%
3. Knowledge of Political Science                                 15%
4. Knowledge of World History                                    25%
5. Knowledge of U.S. History                                       25%
6. Knowledge of Social Science and its Methodology   10%

 

The test has approximately 120 questions and you will have 2.5 hours to take it.

Who Administers the Test?
The Florida Department of Education develops this test. Subject area knowledge
tested on the FTCE Social Science 6–12 examination 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 the Evaluation Systems group of Pearson
Education, 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 that 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 the content area in which they choose to specialize. 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 evaluate your eligibility only 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 also can 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: [phone]

Website:www.fldoe.org/asp/ftce

orwww.fl.nesinc.com

Bureau of Educator Certification:www.fldoe.org/edcert

The FTCE Registration Bulletin also includes information regarding test retakes and
score reports.

 

Is There a Registration Fee?
To take the FTCE, you must pay a registration fee. You may pay by personal check,
money order, cashier’s check, or Visa or MasterCard. Cash is not accepted. Utilize the
contact information above for any questions.

 

How To Use This Book and Testware®

How Do I Begin Studying?
1. Review the organization of this test preparation guide.

2. To best utilize your study time, follow our FTCE Independent Study
Schedule. The schedule is based on a six-week program but can be condensed
to four weeks if necessary by combining a few weekly periods.

3. Take the first Practice Test on CD-ROM and study the competencies that
your scores indicate need further review.

4. Review the format of the FTCE.

5. Review the test-taking advice and suggestions presented later in this chapter.

6. Pay attention to the information about competencies and skills, content, and topics on the test.

7. Spend time reviewing topics that stand out as needing more study.

8. Take the second Practice Test on CD-ROM, review the explanations to your answers carefully, and study the competencies that your scores indicate need further review.

9. Follow the suggestions at the end of this chapter for the day before and the day of the test.

 

When Should I Start Studying?
It is never too early to start studying for the FTCE. 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, since it does not allow you the time to think about the content, review
the competencies, and take the practice tests. It is important, however, to review the material
one last time on the night before the test administration.

It is very important for you to choose the time and place for studying that works
best for you. Some individuals may set aside a certain number of hours every morning
to study, while others may choose to study at night before going to sleep. Other people
may study during the day, while waiting in line, or while eating lunch. Only you can
determine when and where your study time will be most effective. Be consistent and use
your time wisely. Work out a study routine and stick to it.