Download or read book How to Pass the Professional Skills Tests for Initial Teacher Training ITT written by Chris John Tyreman and published by Kogan Page Publishers. This book was released on 2013-07-03 with total page 376 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: How to Pass the Professional Skills Test for Initial Teacher Training (ITT) provides complete practice for candidates applying to study for teacher training and those aiming for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). The only book which combines all aspects of the test, including numeracy, literacy as well as the new reasoning questions, it covers basic practice as well as more challenging questions. It provides mental arithmetic training to help you answer questions confidently without the use of a calculator as well as realistic test practice. With over 1000 questions and detailed answers with explanations, How to Pass the Professional Skills Test for Initial Teacher Training (ITT) is the only resource you'll need to pass the exam and start your teacher training with confidence.

Download or read book Pass the Professional Skills Tests for Initial Teacher Train written by and published by . This book was released on 2016-11 with total page 260 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Success Passing the Professional Skills Tests for Teachers written by Jenny Lawson and published by Critical Publishing. This book was released on 2015-04-20 with total page 355 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An essential book for anyone thinking of taking, or about to take, the Professional Skills Tests for Teachers. You must pass these tests before starting your course, and this up to date text tells you exactly what to expect and how to prepare for the latest versions of the tests. There is an emphasis on support and clear guidance throughout, along with plenty of practice material, so you can face the tests with confidence and succeed in your application. It provides: a guide to the variety of Initial Teacher Training (ITT) provision and routes into teaching a preparation timeline comprehensive coverage of both the numeracy and literacy tests an audit of your strengths and areas for improvement in literacy and numeracy example questions and answers, highlighting common errors, providing top tips for success, with theories and methods fully explained full practice papers plus test-taking and revision strategies discrete topics within the numeracy and literacy sections enabling focused learning, with explanations and hundreds of examples larger format pages, with topics covered across double page spreads for ease of use and more memorable learning.

Download or read book Getting into Teacher Training written by Bruce Bond and published by Learning Matters. This book was released on 2017-11-13 with total page 278 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Are you thinking about applying to teacher training in England? Not sure where to start or what to expect? This is your comprehensive go-to guide with helpful information and advice to help you on this very special journey ahead! Written by experts on initial teacher training in England, this guide: helps you understand the many different routes in to teaching provides essential information about the education sector and the different types of state schools offers advice and practice tests to pass the mandatory Professional Skills tests in numeracy and literacy gives insight about the application process and helpful tips to confidently face your interview Everything you need to know to secure your place on a teacher training course - now in one easy accessible guide!

Download or read book Passing the Professional Skills Tests for Trainee Teachers and Getting into ITT written by Bruce Bond and published by Learning Matters. This book was released on 2013-01-31 with total page 194 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Lecturers, why waste time waiting for the post to arrive? Request your e-inspection copy today! If you are applying to teacher training in England, you must pass your Professional Skills Tests for Trainee Teachers before you can start your training. This is your guide to how to prepare for, approach and succeed in the Professional Skills Tests for Trainee Teachers. It takes you through how the tests work and includes hints and tips on what to expect and how to respond. It offers clear and concise guidance on revision and examples of questions so you can prepare for the tests and pass. Also included is essential information on teaching and schools, knowledge of which may help you pass the tests, and information on how to successfully apply to Initial Teacher Training (ITT) in England. Written by authors who have written questions for the test themselves, and published by Learning Matters, this is your essential guide to the Professional Skills Tests for Trainee Teachers. Bruce Bond has been involved in writing, editing, observing, reviewing and trialling the QTS Literacy Skills Tests for over 10 years. He has also been closely associated with the national development and evaluation of the Initial Teacher Training pilots in invidividual learning plans, mentoring, and teaching observation and practice. Bruce has over 30 years of experience teaching English and literacy in SEN, primary, secondary and further education sectors and is now an educational consultant and author of literacy assessments. Jim Johnson is an Honorary Fellow of Nottingham Trent University where, until his retirement, he led the English team in the Department of Primary Education. Mark Patmore was until recently a senior lecturer in mathematical education in the Department of Education at Nottingham Trent University. He is an Associate of the AlphaPlus Consultancy and has written for the QTS Numaracy Skills Test. Nina Weiss has worked in education for over 30 years. Since 2008, she has been authoring and editing the QTS Literacy Skills Tests. Nina currently teaches English and adult literacy at City and Islington College and is an external examiner for teacher training courses at the University of Greenwich and the Institue of Education, London. Acknowledgements We would like to thank the following contributors who responded to questions on applications and interviews to ITT, and shared their thoughts and comments, for the final chapter. Doreen Challen, Primary PGCE Tutor, Southampton Education School Jean Conteh, Senior Lecturer in Primary Education, University of Leeds Richard English, Programme Director for the Primary PGCE Course, University of Hull Suzanne Horton, Senior Lecturer in Primary Initial Teacher Education, University of Worcester Angela Major, Principal Lecturer in Education, University of Roehampton Ceri Roscoe, Assistant Head of Primary Programmes with particular responsibility for the BA Primary Education, Manchester Metropolitan University Debbie Simpson, Interim PGCE Primary Programme Leader, University of Cumbria The numeracy glossary is reproduced courtesy of the TA - Teaching Agency for Schools. Permission to reproduce TA copyright material does not extend to any material which is indentified as being the copyright of a third party or any photographs. Authorisation to reproduce such material would need to be obtained from the copyright holders. The publishers would like to thank the TA for permission to use the audio icon. This has been taken from the practice Literacy Skills Test on the TA website www.education.gov.uk and is the copyright of the Teaching Agency.

Download or read book Passing the Professional Skills Tests for Trainee Teachers and Getting into ITT written by Bruce Bond and published by Learning Matters. This book was released on 2015-04-17 with total page 225 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "I found this book very informative. It is clearly set out and the chapters are clear. I particularly liked how you can test yourself on all areas then check the answers along with an explanation. At the end of the book is a honest account from someone who completed their QTS and I enjoyed reading this." - Stephanie Kane, Teacher Training Candidate "I will recommend this book because it is up to date and because it covers both literacy & numeracy skills tests. It explains coherently what the tests are for. It shows how rigorous they are and why they are important - showing how they impact practice even if not in the trainee's specialist area. Everything a potential ITT trainee needs to know is covered. and shows it is more than just about passing the tests. There are good practice questions. IN a nutshell - everything a trainee needs is here!" -Mrs Sarah Barton, School of Education, Portsmouth University If you are applying to teacher training in England, you must pass your Professional Skills Tests for Trainee Teachers before you can start your training. Written by authors who have written questions for the test themselves, this is your guide to how to prepare for, approach and succeed in the Professional Skills Tests for Trainee Teachers. It takes you through how the tests work and includes hints and tips on what to expect and how to respond. It offers clear and concise guidance on revision and examples of questions so you can prepare for the tests and pass. This second edition has been updated with added practice questions, and a new chapter with trainee and tutor profiles giving you up-to-date and focused insight into how to get into teacher training, and what it's like to complete the course. How to use this book The first chapter in this book will help you understand the context of the skills tests and direct you to useful sources where you can conduct your own research into schools and education. Having a familiarity with key terms and issues in education will prove useful both when approaching the skills tests and also at a later date when you apply for a training place. Subsequent chapters will outline the content and structure of the literacy and numeracy skills tests and offer you practice questions. Then there is a chapter designed to support your application to teacher training courses and provide suggestions and advice for the interview process. Finally, for this second edition a new chapter 'What is teacher training really like?' offers you real insight into intial teacher training from the point of view of the student and the tutor. About the authors Bruce Bond has been involved in writing, editing, observing, reviewing and trialling the QTS Literacy Skills Tests for over 10 years. Jim Johnson is an Honorary Fellow of Nottingham Trent University where, until his retirement, he led the English team in the Department of Primary Education. Mark Patmore was until recently a senior lecturer in mathematical education in the Department of Education at Nottingham Trent University. Nina Weiss has worked in education for over 30 years. Since 2008, she has been authoring and editing the QTS Skills Tests.

Download or read book Success Passing the Professional Skills Tests for Teachers written by Jenny Lawson and published by Critical Publishing. This book was released on 2015-04-20 with total page 298 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An essential book for anyone thinking of taking, or about to take, the Professional Skills Tests for Teachers. You must pass these tests before starting your course, and this up to date text tells you exactly what to expect and how to prepare for the latest versions of the tests. There is an emphasis on support and clear guidance throughout, along with plenty of practice material, so you can face the tests with confidence and succeed in your application. It provides: a guide to the variety of Initial Teacher Training (ITT) provision and routes into teaching a preparation timeline comprehensive coverage of both the numeracy and literacy tests an audit of your strengths and areas for improvement in literacy and numeracy example questions and answers, highlighting common errors, providing top tips for success, with theories and methods fully explained full practice papers plus test-taking and revision strategies discrete topics within the numeracy and literacy sections enabling focused learning, with explanations and hundreds of examples larger format pages, with topics covered across double page spreads for ease of use and more memorable learning.

Download or read book Passing the Literacy Skills Test written by Jim Johnson and published by Learning Matters. This book was released on 2015-02-16 with total page 168 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "This book is fantastic and has been purchased by many of our students who have subsequently passed the skill test." - Sarah Martin-Denham, Faculty of Education and Society, University of Sunderland All applicants to Initial Teacher Training in England need to PASS the QTS Literacy Skills Test before starting their course. This professional skills test is designed to ensure trainee teachers have a sound grasp of literacy skills such as comprehension and spelling and how to apply these in practice. This popular and widely recommended book outlines all of the requirements of the QTS Literacy Skills Test, explains the essential subject knowledge candidates need and includes practice questions for test preparation. This fourth edition, co-written by an author of the test itself, is updated throughout and now includes a full practice test, more practice questions and more question and answer commentary. This is more than a collection of practice questions. It includes advice, tips, test commentary and guidance to help students pass first time. It helps students to: familiarise yourself with the skills and knowledge to be tested fully understand the format and structure of the literacy skills test know what to expect on the day of the test HOW TO USE THIS BOOK For the purposes of the test, literacy is seen as comprising the four sections: Spelling, Punctuation, Grammar and Comprehension. Each section has its own chapter. There you will find an explanation of the knowledge required, examples of the features of literacy being tested and explicitly direction about what to do in the test. There are practice questions for each section. Chapter 5 is a complete literacy practice skills test for you to work through, and Chapter 6 contains answers and explanatory key points for all the questions in the main chapters, and for the practice test. Revision checklist You can use the checklist in your revision to make sure that you have covered all the key content areas.

Download or read book Passing the Literacy Skills Test written by Jim Johnson and published by Learning Matters. This book was released on 2015-02-16 with total page 225 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "This book is fantastic and has been purchased by many of our students who have subsequently passed the skill test." - Sarah Martin-Denham, Faculty of Education and Society, University of Sunderland All applicants to Initial Teacher Training in England need to PASS the QTS Literacy Skills Test before starting their course. This professional skills test is designed to ensure trainee teachers have a sound grasp of literacy skills such as comprehension and spelling and how to apply these in practice. This popular and widely recommended book outlines all of the requirements of the QTS Literacy Skills Test, explains the essential subject knowledge candidates need and includes practice questions for test preparation. This fourth edition, co-written by an author of the test itself, is updated throughout and now includes a full practice test, more practice questions and more question and answer commentary. This is more than a collection of practice questions. It includes advice, tips, test commentary and guidance to help students pass first time. It helps students to: familiarise yourself with the skills and knowledge to be tested fully understand the format and structure of the literacy skills test know what to expect on the day of the test HOW TO USE THIS BOOK For the purposes of the test, literacy is seen as comprising the four sections: Spelling, Punctuation, Grammar and Comprehension. Each section has its own chapter. There you will find an explanation of the knowledge required, examples of the features of literacy being tested and explicitly direction about what to do in the test. There are practice questions for each section. Chapter 5 is a complete literacy practice skills test for you to work through, and Chapter 6 contains answers and explanatory key points for all the questions in the main chapters, and for the practice test. Revision checklist You can use the checklist in your revision to make sure that you have covered all the key content areas.

Download or read book Testing Teacher Candidates written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2001-10-19 with total page 472 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Americans have adopted a reform agenda for their schools that calls for excellence in teaching and learning. School officials across the nation are hard at work targeting instruction at high levels for all students. Gaps remain, however, between the nation's educational aspirations and student achievement. To address these gaps, policy makers have recently focused on the qualifications of teachers and the preparation of teacher candidates. This book examines the appropriateness and technical quality of teacher licensure tests currently in use, evaluates the merits of using licensure test results to hold states and institutions of higher education accountable for the quality of teacher preparation and licensure, and suggests alternatives for developing and assessing beginning teacher competence. Teaching is a complex activity. Definitions of quality teaching have changed and will continue to change over time as society's values change. This book provides policy makers, teacher testers, and teacher educators with advice on how to use current tests to assess teacher candidates and evaluate teacher preparation, ensuring that America's youth are being taught by the most qualified candidates.

Download or read book Getting Into Teacher Training written by Bruce Bond (Writer on literacy skills) and published by . This book was released on 2018 with total page 218 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Are you thinking about applying to teacher training in England? Not sure where to start or what to expect? This is your comprehensive go-to guide with helpful information and advice to help you on this very special journey ahead! Written by experts on initial teacher training in England, this guide: • helps you understand the many different routes in to teaching • provides essential information about the education sector and the different types of state schools • offers advice and practice tests to pass the mandatory Professional Skills tests in numeracy and literacy • gives insight about the application process and helpful tips to confidently face your interview Everything you need to know to secure your place on a teacher training course - now in one easy accessible guide! Hear what teacher training applicants and newly qualified teachers are saying about this guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uN1yZye9zDA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WDaJ1xUEBA&feature=youtu.be.

Download or read book Success Passing the Numeracy Skills Test for Teachers written by Trish Kreft and published by Critical Publishing. This book was released on 2017-02-28 with total page 190 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An essential book for anyone thinking of taking, or about to take, the Numeracy Skills Test for Teachers. You must pass this test before starting your course, and this up to date text tells you exactly what to expect and how to prepare for the latest version of the test. There is an emphasis on support and clear guidance throughout, along with plenty of practice material, so you can face the test with confidence and succeed in your application. It provides: a guide to the variety of Initial Teacher Training (ITT) provision and routes into teaching a preparation timeline comprehensive coverage of the numeracy test an audit of your strengths and areas for improvement in numeracy example questions and answers, highlighting common errors, providing top tips for success, with theories and methods fully explained full practice papers plus test-taking and revision strategies discrete topics enable focused learning, with explanations and hundreds of examples larger format pages for ease of use and more memorable learning.

Download or read book Teacher s Skills Tests For Dummies written by Colin Beveridge and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2014-06-03 with total page 375 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: If you’re preparing for the newly revised Numeracy and Literacy Skills Tests, Teacher’s Skills Tests For Dummies is your one-stop for both exams, providing you with subject-matter review, revision and practice tests you need to tackle the tests with confidence and succeed. Written by expert authors in Maths, English, and Education (with the credentials to prove it), Teacher’s Skills Tests For Dummies provides you with: - A review of the key maths and English concepts you need to know to do well - Full length practice tests and tons of additional practice questions - Online accessible audio tests for spelling and mental arithmetic — to better prepare you for the actual test - Tips and tricks (along with mistakes to avoid) to become a better test taker With this book — and a bit of work on your part — you’ll be positioned to pass your skills tests and gain that coveted place on a teacher-training course.

Download or read book FTCE Reading K 12 written by Kathleen Jasper and published by . This book was released on 2020-02-18 with total page 153 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Pass the FTCE Reading K-12 Test Are you working on your reading endorsement? The NavaED FTCE Reading K-12 study guide with practice tests is fully aligned to the skills and competencies assessed on the exam. The study guide has content and test questions that cover everything assessed on the FTCE Reading K-12, so you can pass your exam the first time you take it. The study guide includes: Detailed content sections for all competencies of the test, so you understand everything covered on the exam. 10 practice test questions after each competency, so you can practice the specific skills for each type of question you'll see on the test. Detailed answer explanations for every test question in the study guide, so you know exactly why you answered correctly or incorrectly. Multiple teaching scenarios and assessment questions, so you are prepared for complex situational questions on the test. Test tips and strategies specific to the FTCE Reading K-12 Test, so you can think like a test maker and not a test taker. A full 120-question practice test with detailed answer explanations, so you can practice your skills. A list of "good words" to look for in the answer choices, so you can identify the correct answers and eliminate incorrect answers quickly. The 9 competencies covered in this study guide are: Knowledge of research and theories of reading processes Knowledge of text types and structures Knowledge of reading assessment and evaluation Knowledge of learning environments and procedures that support reading Knowledge of oral and written language acquisition and beginning reading Knowledge of phonics and word recognition Knowledge of vocabulary acquisition and use Knowledge of reading fluency and reading comprehension Knowledge of reading program development, implementation, and coordination

Download or read book Passing the Professional Skills Tests for Trainee Teachers and Getting into ITT written by Bruce Bond and published by Learning Matters. This book was released on 2015-04-17 with total page 264 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "I found this book very informative. It is clearly set out and the chapters are clear. I particularly liked how you can test yourself on all areas then check the answers along with an explanation. At the end of the book is a honest account from someone who completed their QTS and I enjoyed reading this." - Stephanie Kane, Teacher Training Candidate "I will recommend this book because it is up to date and because it covers both literacy & numeracy skills tests. It explains coherently what the tests are for. It shows how rigorous they are and why they are important - showing how they impact practice even if not in the trainee's specialist area. Everything a potential ITT trainee needs to know is covered. and shows it is more than just about passing the tests. There are good practice questions. IN a nutshell - everything a trainee needs is here!" -Mrs Sarah Barton, School of Education, Portsmouth University If you are applying to teacher training in England, you must pass your Professional Skills Tests for Trainee Teachers before you can start your training. Written by authors who have written questions for the test themselves, this is your guide to how to prepare for, approach and succeed in the Professional Skills Tests for Trainee Teachers. It takes you through how the tests work and includes hints and tips on what to expect and how to respond. It offers clear and concise guidance on revision and examples of questions so you can prepare for the tests and pass. This second edition has been updated with added practice questions, and a new chapter with trainee and tutor profiles giving you up-to-date and focused insight into how to get into teacher training, and what it's like to complete the course. How to use this book The first chapter in this book will help you understand the context of the skills tests and direct you to useful sources where you can conduct your own research into schools and education. Having a familiarity with key terms and issues in education will prove useful both when approaching the skills tests and also at a later date when you apply for a training place. Subsequent chapters will outline the content and structure of the literacy and numeracy skills tests and offer you practice questions. Then there is a chapter designed to support your application to teacher training courses and provide suggestions and advice for the interview process. Finally, for this second edition a new chapter 'What is teacher training really like?' offers you real insight into intial teacher training from the point of view of the student and the tutor. About the authors Bruce Bond has been involved in writing, editing, observing, reviewing and trialling the QTS Literacy Skills Tests for over 10 years. Jim Johnson is an Honorary Fellow of Nottingham Trent University where, until his retirement, he led the English team in the Department of Primary Education. Mark Patmore was until recently a senior lecturer in mathematical education in the Department of Education at Nottingham Trent University. Nina Weiss has worked in education for over 30 years. Since 2008, she has been authoring and editing the QTS Skills Tests.

Download or read book Pass the QTS Skills Tests with Confidence written by Tony Cotton and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2015-07-30 with total page 213 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Pass the QTS Skills Test with Confidence is the must-have guide for all prospective trainee teachers. It will provide you with the skills guidance, subject knowledge and confidence you need to pass the Literacy and Numeracy QTS Skills Tests, make an application that stands out and sail through interview day. Online support provided on the companion website includes tests to audit your subject knowledge. The first section of the book introduces you to the tests and how to prepare for them, and covers the areas of knowledge tested. The second section offers advice to help you write a personal statement that stands out, make a successful application and get ready for your interview. Extensive online support provided on the companion website includes tests to audit your subject knowledge. Key topics covered include: Developing your exam technique Mastering the mental arithmetic test Succeeding in the written questions How to use spelling, grammar and punctuation correctly Successfully applying for teaching training courses Acing the interview Written by expert teacher trainers with first-hand experience of both interviewing candidates and helping students pass the QTS Skills Tests, this is an essential purchase for all prospective teachers.

Download or read book The Best Teachers Test Preparation for the FTCE written by Anita P. Davis and published by . This book was released on 2004-10 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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 taken just before or right after graduation for those seeking certification right out of school. While the FTCE is required to teach in Florida, you may be issued a two-year temporary certificate while completing your teaching requirements and working toward passing the FTCE itself. 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, such as a religious obligation, exists. 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, consult the FTCE Registration Bulletin, which can be obtained by contacting: FTCE Inquiries Florida Department of Education 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 414 Tallahassee, FL 32399-0400 Phone: (850) 488-8198 or (813) 974-2400 Website: http: //www.firn.edu/doe/sas/ftcehome.htm and http: //www.cefe.usf.edu/requestapp.aspx 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. How to Use this Book What do I study first? Read over the reviews and the suggestions for test-taking. Studying the reviews thoroughly will reinforce the basic skills you will need to do well on the exam. Make sure to take the practice tests to become familiar with the format and procedures involved with taking the actual FTCE. To best utilize your study time, follow our FTCE Independent Study Schedule located at the end of this chapter. The schedule is based on a seven-week program, but can be condensed to four weeks if necessary. 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 needed to learn the test material. Format of the FTCE The Professional Education Test features 120 questions designed to assess your knowledge of the information described in the competencies included in our review sections. The test covers the 14 teaching competencies identified by the Florida Department of Education as foundational to effective teaching. Mastery of the content included in each of the competencies is gauged by one or more items on the examination. Individual test items require a variety of different thinking levels, ranging from simple recall to evaluation and problem solving. The competencies are broad statements written in a way that reflect the information an entry-level educator needs in order to be a truly effective teacher. Within the review section, each competency is broken down into the competency statement and a description of what the competency covers. The competencies will not be discussed in the actual FTCE test. All the questions on the FTCE are in multiple-choice format. Each question will have four options, lettered A through D, from which to choose. You should have plenty of time in which to complete the FTCE, but be aware of the amount of time you are spending on each question so that you allow yourself time to complete the test. Although speed is not very important, a steady pace should be maintained when answering the questions. Using the practice tests will help you prepare for this task. Computer-Based Testing A computer-based test is also available. To register, visit http: //www.cefe.usf.edu and click on "Computer-Based Testing." If you decide to take the exam on the computer, you will receive notice of Pass/Fail immediately after completing the exam. It can be scheduled at a time that is convenient for you. About the Review Sections The reviews in this book are designed to help you sharpen the basic skills needed to approach the FTCE, as well as provide strategies for attacking the questions. Each teaching competency is examined in a separate chapter. All 14 competencies are extensively discussed to sharpen your understanding of what the FTCE covers. Your schooling has taught you most of what you need to answer the questions on the test. The education classes you took should have provided you with the know-how to make important decisions about situations you will face as a teacher. Our review is designed to help you fit the information you have acquired into specific competency components. Reviewing your class notes and textbooks together with our competency reviews will give you an excellent springboard for passing the FTCE. Scoring the FTCE How do I score my practice test? There are a total of 120 questions on the FTCE Professional Education Test. A score of 200 or higher, which is equivalent to 56% correct, is needed to pass. In other words, you need to answer approximately 67 questions correctly to achieve a passing score. If you do not achieve a passing score, review the detailed explanations for the questions you answered incorrectly. Note which types of questions you answered wrong, and re-examine the corresponding review. After further review, you may want to retake the practice tests. When will I receive my score report and what will it look like? Approximately one month after you take the test, your score report will be mailed to you. You will receive two original score reports and are responsible for sending one to the Bureau of Teacher Certification. A copy of your score report is provided to one Florida college or university and one Florida school district. You should have requested this information on your registration application. When you receive your score report and have passed with a 200 or higher, only the word PASS will be reported. If you do not pass, you will receive a numeric score and will have to retake the test. Studying for the FTCE 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 on line, or even 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. When you take the practice tests, simulate the conditions of the actual test as closely as possible. Turn your television and radio off, and sit down at a quiet table free from distraction. As you complete each practice test, score your test and thoroughly review the explanations to the questions you answered incorrectly; however, do not review too much at any one time. Concentrate on one problem area at a time by reviewing the question and explanation, and by studying our review until you are confident that you have mastered the material. Keep track of your scores. By doing so, you will be able to gauge your progress and discover general weaknesses in particular sections. Give extra attention to the reviews that cover your areas of difficulty, as this will build your skills in those areas. Test-Taking Tips Although you may not be familiar with tests like the FTCE, this book will help acquaint you with this type of exam and help alleviate your test-taking anxieties. Listed below are ways to help you become accustomed to the FTCE, some of which may be applied to other tests as well. Become comfortable with the format of the FTCE. When you are practicing, simulate the conditions under which you will be taking the actual test. Stay calm and pace yourself. After simulating the test only once, you will boost your chances of doing well, and you will be able to sit down for the actual FTCE with much more confidence. 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 through each choice to be sure that you are not making a mistake by jumping to conclusions. Use the process of elimination. Go through each answer to a question and eliminate as many of the answer choices as possible. By eliminating two answer choices, you have given yourself a better chance of getting the item correct since there will only be two choices left from which to make your guess. Do not leave an answer blank; it is better to guess than to not answer a question on the FTCE test. Work quickly and steadily. You will have two and one-half hours to complete the test, so work quickly and steadily to avoid focusing on any one problem too long. Taking the practice tests in this book will help you learn to budget your precious time. Learn the directions and format of the test. Familiarizing yourself with the directions and format of the test will not only save time, but will also help you avoid anxiety (and the mistakes caused by getting anxious). Be sure that the answer circle you are marking corresponds to the number of the question in the test booklet. Since the test is multiple-choice, it is graded by machine, and marking one wrong answer can throw off your answer key and your score. Be extremely careful. The Day of the Test Before the Test On the day of the test, make sure to dress comfortably, so that you are not distracted by being too hot or too cold while taking the test. Plan to arrive at the test center early. This will allow you to collect your thoughts and relax before the test, and will also spare you the anguish that comes with being late. You should check your FTCE Registration Bulletin to find out what time to arrive at the testing center. Before you leave for the test center, make sure that you have your admission ticket and two forms of identification, one of which must contain a recent photograph, your name, and signature (i.e., driver's license). You will not be admitted to the test center if you do not have proper identification. You must bring several sharpened No. 2 pencils with erasers, as none will be provided at the test center. If you would like, you may wear a watch to the test center. However, you may not wear one that makes noise, because it may disturb the other test takers. Dictionaries, textbooks, notebooks, calculators, briefcases, or packages will not be permitted. Drinking, smoking, and eating are prohibited. During the Test The FTCE is given in one sitting with no breaks. Procedures will be followed to maintain test security. Once you enter the test center, follow all of the rules and instructions given by the test supervisor. If you do not, you risk being dismissed from the test and having your scores cancelled. When all of the materials have been distributed, the test instructor will give you directions for filling out your answer sheet. Fill out this sheet carefully since this information will be printed on your score report. Once the test begins, mark only one answer per question, completely erase unwanted answers and marks, and fill in answers darkly and neatly. After the Test When you finish your test, hand in your materials and you will be dismissed. Then, go home and relax - you deserve it!