Competencies for this test are also available in the following web-site as an Adobe pdf file:
http://www.firn.edu/doe/sas/ftce/ftcecomp.htm
The following sample item descriptions were developed to supplement the Study Guide for the Florida Teacher Certification Exam (FTCE), Elementary Education 1-6, developed by the Florida Department of Education. The Competencies and Skills, given by the Florida Department of Education, being used as the basis for the Elementary Education 1-6 exam, were used to classify each of the sample items. The percentage of total test items are given in parentheses for each competency below.
Knowledge of effective instructional practices (22%)1. Recognize and apply theories of learning in the teaching/learning
process.
2. Organize the classroom to provide for effective grouping, individualization,
and instruction.
3. Identify and apply skills that contribute to the development of effective
literal, interpretative, and critical thinking.
4. Identify and apply skills necessary to integrate content areas in the instructional
process.
5. Identify and demonstrate the appropriate use of instructional materials and
resources.
6. Identify and apply models and methods of classroom management and discipline.
7. Identify appropriate instructional strategies.
8. Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of curricular development.
Knowledge of child growth and development (13 %)1. Describe the developmental stages of children: intellectual, moral, physical,
and social.
2. Recognize young children as individuals with feelings, attitudes, and emotions
that shape their behavioral responses.
3. Demonstrate and understanding that a child's prior experiences contribute
to individual differences in all areas of development.
4. Demonstrate sensitivity to multicultural children and provide for their needs.
5. Demonstrate the ability to utilize principles of child growth and development
for appropriate teaching/learning processes.
6. Demonstrate the ability to assist students in interacting constructively
with their peers.
7. Recognize signs of child abuse, substance abuse, and severe emotional distress.
Knowledge of foundations (7 %)1. Identify and apply models of elementary and early childhood education programs
in classroom organization and teaching.
2. Write plans that include long-term and short-term objectives, activities,
materials, and instructional and evaluation strategies.
3. Select curricular content that promotes understanding of the structure or
nature of the discipline.
4. Identify major philosophies of early childhood and elementary education.
5. Identify the implications of major philosophies of elementary or early childhood
education in the teaching/learning process.
Familiarity with research, standards, ethics, practices, and
trends (5 %)1. Promote conditions that provide for the welfare of the profession.
2. Demonstrate the ability to read, comprehend, and interpret elementary and
early childhood professional literature.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of professional and educational trends and issues.
4. Recognize the need for confidentiality of student and parent information.
5. Recognize the need for working effectively with colleagues, parents, and
the community.
Proficiency in diagnosis, assessment, and evaluation (8 %)1. Demonstrate the ability to diagnose, assess, evaluate, and prescribe instruction
in all subject areas, according to each child's readiness level.
2. Provide readiness activities in all subject areas, according to each child's
readiness level.
3. Implement a program of curriculum and instruction that is developmentally
appropriate.
4. Determine the readability level of instructional materials.
5. Demonstrate the ability to match instructional materials to children's abilities
in all content areas.
6. Use the results of standardized, commercial, and teacher-made tests in classroom
instruction.
7. Demonstrate the ability to construct tests to measure students' performances,
based on objectives taught.
8. Make assignments appropriate for a child's developmental level and family
and homelife.
9. Use effective conferencing and communication techniques (oral and written)
to inform parents of test results, achievement progress, and classroom behavior.
Knowledge of concepts, skills, and strategies necessary for effective
teaching in grades one through six (45 %)1. Demonstrate the ability to teach reading/language arts.
2. Demonstrate the ability to teach mathematics.
3. Demonstrate the ability to teach science/health.
4. Demonstrate the ability to teach social studies.
5. Demonstrate the ability to teach computer literacy skills.
6. Demonstrate the ability to integrate art, music, and physical education in
the elementary curriculum.
Go to Sample Questions for Exam.
