From the relationship between natural physical processes and the environment, to knowledge of human growth and development, to interpreting tables, graphs, and equations, this comprehensive guide reviews the core content of all five test categories including: Language Arts and Reading; Social Science; Music, Visual Arts, Physical Education and Health Science; and Mathematics. Once you’ve mastered the content, test your knowledge with the 200 practice questio… More >>
#1 by Jennifer Stephenson on July 2, 2010 - 6:17 pm
FTCE’s XAMonline study guide for elementary education k-6 gets two stars because at least it gives some information. However, the information is incomplete and it is very is poorly written. Its unorganized. It doesn’t give the definition of key terms when the terms are introduced (refer to the topic of the first chapter “Emergent Literature”). Obviously, the writers agree a definition is needed because they do provide one, but not until 3 sections after they’ve introduced and discussed the key term. In addition, all discussion of the topic at hand is incomplete and disconnected at best. I understand the authors don’t claim to teach the content but to simply provide a review, but at the very least the review could be readable. This company doesn’t have its customer’s best interest in mind and since they have a no known competition, we’re forced to study from a less than quality source and take our chances passing this test.
Rating: 2 / 5
#2 by Kenneth C. Hill on July 2, 2010 - 6:32 pm
This book is a great way to review for the exam. It has a lot of information, 400+ pages, to help you prepare for the test. It also has a lengthy practice test to help you as well. There are some things in here I would have never thought an elementary student would be learning so it helped me review the areas I needed help in, mainly math and science. My only main problem with this book is the spelling errors. I am not sure who edited or proofread this book but I would have thought that they would have used spell check at the very least. I have found spelling errors on 50% of the pages. I would recommend this book for anyone taking this test though.
Rating: 3 / 5
#3 by book buyer on July 2, 2010 - 8:42 pm
I recommend the guide very highly and without hesitation. After reading some other reviews of it I bought some other study guides as well, but all I did was waste money. The XAM guides certainly are the greatest. I have used them for 3 FTCE exams and I passed each one the first time around. I have been out of college for 23 years.
Rating: 5 / 5
#4 by Gigi on July 2, 2010 - 9:27 pm
Before purchasing this book, I read the reviews and, while they weren’t great, I decided to get the book anyway. I also read the responses from the Editors claiming to have “cleaned up” the errors, which I can’t imagine were worse than what I saw!
The two biggest complaints I have regard organization and errors. The outline of the study guide patterns the Florida Test Information Guide, but is so confusing in its organization that, advanced information on a topic is given well before the basic information you need to effectively understand and process the topic. It’s often repetitive, with MANY errors, not only in spelling but also in facts. It’s a POORLY edited piece and contains too much ancillary material, which I’m sure will be of no use when taking the test. Having not been a teacher before, I felt it necessary to get a “refresher guide” on elementary education before taking the exam and in that sense, the book helps somewhat. I really wouldn’t recommend it for anything other than that.
Rating: 3 / 5
#5 by K. Zimmerman on July 2, 2010 - 10:20 pm
While I agree that this book was riddled with errors, I was able to pass the test on the first try. I only used this text to study from and I found the questions on my test were in line with what I studied.
Rating: 4 / 5