Acknowledgments
We would like to thank Larry Kling, Vice President, Editorial, for his editorial direction; Pam Weston, Publisher, for setting the quality standards for production integrity and managing the publication to completion; John Cording, Vice President, Technology, for coordinating the design, development, and testing of REAs TestWare; Diane Goldschmidt, Senior Editor, and Alice Leonard, Senior Editor, for pre-flight editorial review; Kathleen Casey, Senior Editor, for project management; Heena Patel, Technology Project Manager, for software testing; Christine Saul, Senior Graphic Artist, for cover design; and Maureen Mulligan, Graphic Artist, for post-production file mapping.
We also gratefully acknowledge Kathy Caratozzolo of CaraGraphics for typesetting this edition.
INSTALLING REAs TestWare
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Pentium 75 MHz (300 MHz recommended) or a higher or compatible processor; Microsoft Windows 98 or later; 64 MB Available RAM; Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher.
INSTALLATION
- Insert the FTCE-GKT TestWare CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive.
- If the installation doesnt begin automatically, from the Start Menu choose the Run command. When the Run dialog box appears, type d:\setup (where d is the letter of your CD-ROM drive) at the prompt and click ok.
- The installation process will begin. A dialog box proposing the directory Program Files\REA\FTCE_GK will appear. If the name and location are suitable, click ok. If you wish to specify a different name or location, type it in and click ok.
- Start the FTCE-GKT TestWare application by double-clicking on the icon.
REAs FTCE-GKT TestWare is easy to learn and use. To achieve maximum benefits, we recommend that you take a few minutes to go through the on-screen tutorial on your computer.
SSD ACCOMMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
Many students qualify for extra time to take the FTCE-GKT exam, and our TestWare can be adapted to accommodate your time extension. This allows you to practice under the same extended-time accommodations that you will receive on the actual test day. To customize your TestWare to suit the most common extensions, visit our website at www.rea.com/ssd .
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
REAs TestWare is backed by customer and technical support. For questions about installation or operation of your software, contact us at:
Research & Education Association
Phone: (732) 819-8880 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, Monday-Friday)
Fax: (732) 819-8808
Website: www.rea.com
E-mail: info@rea.com
Note to Windows XP Users: In order for the TestWare to function properly, please install and run the application under the same computer administrator-level user account. Installing the TestWare as one user and running it as another could cause file-access path conflicts.
Chapter
Passing the FTCE General Knowledge Test
About This Book and TestWare
You are preparing to take the Florida Teacher Certification Exam General Knowledge Test (FTCE-GKT). Perhaps you are taking it for the first time. Perhaps you are retaking the exam. Whatever the case, this book will help you pass.
While working through this book, along with our exclusive TestWare on the enclosed CD, you will acquire a thorough and accurate understanding of what it takes to master the FTCE-GKT. The comprehensive review material in this book covers all subject areas known to appear on the FTCE-GKT, providing you with all the information you need to take this challenging certification exam.
Test-takers should note that every time the FTCE-GKT is administered, multiple versions of the exam are created and distributed to each testing center. These versions may contain a mix of different questions with different answers. This test versioning can add a greater level of uncertainty for the test-taker. Are you sure you are studying every topic enough? Are you adequately prepared for every test subject you may encounter on the FTCE-GKT? You can rest assured. One important purpose of this book is to prepare you for every possible version of the FTCE-GKT. We at REA believe you cannot prepare enough for this career-building exam.
About Our Practice Exams
You will be allotted three and one half hours to take the actual exam. This same amount of time is allotted to take each of our practice tests. REAs tests are carefully based on the current FTCE-GKT exams, and thus contain every type of question that you can expect to see on test day. Each practice test question is thoroughly explained in easy-to-follow detail. Sample responses are also provided for the essays to help you better understand and master the test material.
The FTCE is scored on a pass/fail basis. The following are the maximum percentages of questions in each subtest you need to answer correctly in order to pass:
- 65% Reading
- 73% English Language
- 60% Mathematics
In order to pass the Essay subtest, you need a score of at least 6 out of 12. Two raters will grade your exam independently and their grades will be combined to arrive at your final score.
About the Test
Who Takes the Test, and What Is It Used For?
The FTCE-GKT is used by the State of Florida to assess knowledge of teacher certification candidates. If you do not achieve a passing score on the FTCE-GKT, dont panic. You can take the test again, so you can work on improving your score in preparation for your next administration.
About Computer-Based Testing
The FTCE-GKT is offered only on computer at flexible times and locations throughout the year. Minimal computer and typing skills are required to complete the computer-based tests. You need to be comfortable with a Windows environment, using a mouse (including clicking, double-clicking, dragging, and scrolling), and typing at a rate that will allow you to complete the assignment in the allotted time (approximately 30 words per minute). In computer-based testing, examinees complete the tests by selecting answers on-screen to multiple-choice questions and typing or recording a response to a performance assessment component. The FTCE-GKT requires the examinee to type a response to the essay assignment.
When Should the FTCE-GKT Be Taken?
The FTCE-GKT is usually taken immediately before the completion of a teacher certification program at a college or university. This gives candidates enough time to retake the test if they are not pleased with their score. Our practice tests will familiarize you with the format of the exam so that you do not have to go through the anxiety of learning about the FTCE-GKT during the actual exam.
When and Where Is the Test Given?
The FTCE-GKT is administered five times a year at testing centers across Florida. Tests are usually administered on a Saturday; however, the test may be taken on an alternate day if a conflict, such as a religious obligation, exists.
The registration bulletin for the FTCE-GKT contains test dates and administration sites. You may obtain a registration bulletin by contacting:
FTCE/FELE Program
Evaluation Systems Group of Pearson
PO Box 226
Phone: (413) 256-2893
Amherst, MA 01004
Website: www.fl.nesinc.com