5/21/2008

FTCE Pilot Testing

The Florida Department of Education (Department) is currently developing several important subject areas for the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE). The Department has contracted with the Evaluation Systems group of Pearson to conduct pilot testing of test questions for the FTCE. Pilot testing is designed to provide information about the test questions before they are used on actual test forms. Each pilot test will take up to two hours to complete and contains multiple-choice questions.
Pilot tests will be conducted at computer-based testing centers throughout Florida for the following listed subject areas between the following

May 8–June 6
Educational Media Specialist PK–12
Middle Grades Social Science 5–9
Prekindergarten/ Primary PK–3
Social Science 6–12

For each pilot test form that you complete, you will be mailed a $50 check. Candidates will receive payment only if they have demonstrated a valid attempt to respond to the test. Register online beginning at www.fl.nesinc.com; select “Participate in Pilot

Get Your Endorsement to Teach Students with Severe Disabilities (Including Autism and Deaf-Blindness)

Two courses toward a State Endorsement in Severe Disabilities will be offered this summer semester through distance education technology in a joint program between UF, FSU, USF, FGCU, UWF, and UNF. These distance learning courses and student financial support will be available for current graduate students and current teachers interested in applying for an endorsement in severe disabilities. These are 3 credit hour courses that will include both web-based instruction and interactive sessions across the state, using the internet. All interactive sessions will be scheduled after school hours (5-8pm).

Secondary Education and transition for Students with Severe Disabilities
Summer Session A: May 12th – June 20th
Tuesdays and Thursdays 5-8pm
Professor: Dr. Bruce Menchetti

Advanced Curriculum & Instruction for Students with Severe Disabilities in Inclusive Settings
Summer Session C: May 12th – August 8th
Wednesdays 5-8pm
Professor: Dr. Diane Ryndak

To be considered for financial assistance, or for more enrollment information please contact a university representative.

University of Florida Dr. Diane Ryndak Phone: (352) 392-0701
Florida Gulf Coast University Dr. Patricia Wachholz Phone: (239) 590-7808
Florida State University Dr. Bruce Menchette Phone: (850) 644-4880
University of North Florida Dr. Len Roberson Phone: (904) 620-2185
University of South Florida Dr. Phyllis Jones Phone: (941) 359-4395
University of West Florida Dr. Stacie Whinnery Phone: (850) 474-3268

Tenth Annual Family Café Conference

A call for proposals and for exhibiting space has been released for the Tenth Annual Family Café conference. The deadline for submitting proposals for presentations is December 22, 2007. The Annual Conference provides a unique environment, where exhibitors can reach thousands of Floridians with disabilities and their families in a single location. This conference routinely attracts a range of state agencies, durable medical equipment dealers, non-profits and other service providers. The deadline for submitting an exhibitor agreement is March 29, 2008.

The Tenth Annual Family Café Conference

June 13-15, 2008

Disney Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, Florida

For more information visit www.familycafe.net or contact Jeremy Countryman at (850) 224-4670.