FTCE FELE Florida Educational Leadership Examination
The FTCE Florida Educational Leadership Examination (FELE) is designed to ensure that those wishing to pursue a career in school administration in the state of Florida possess the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in an entry level role within the field. The FTCE/FELE is developed and administered by the Florida State Department of Education in cooperation with its official subcontractor, Pearson. Florida Department of Education exercises direct supervision and final authority over all content, test administration, and related scoring practices.
The content of the FTCE Florida Educational Leadership Examination assesses a prospective test taker's comprehension of the benchmarks for Educational Leadership as established and published by the Florida State Board of Education. The FELE test is made up of three individual subtests and contains test material covering 13 core competencies in Educational Leadership curriculum. These generally cover leadership, student achievement, organization, and retention.
All candidates seeking a career in school administration in the state of Florida must achieve the minimum FTCE passing score on all three subtests of the FTCE FELE test in order to obtain the required Florida professional teacher certification in Educational Leadership from the State of Florida. We'll cover the format and content in more detail in the following sections.
Format of the FTCE FELE Test
The FTCE FELE test features approximately 185 multiple choice questions divided among three subtests, the third of which also include a written performance assessment (WPA). Each of the multiple choice questions offers four possible answers from which the best choice needs to be selected.
The Florida Education Leadership Examination is a timed test. Test takers are allotted the following times for each subtest as seen in the following table:
Subtest
Time Allotted
#1
2 hours
#2
2 hours
#3
1 hour 30 minutes (for multiple choice), 1 hour (for the written performance assessment)
Note that test takers are expected to organize their ideas, write, review, and edit their final submission within the 1 hour time allotted for the written assessment portion of subtest #3.
Each of the FTCE FELE subtests are administered and scored individually. Candidates' FTCE scores on each subtest must be a passing score in order to pass the test as a whole. Upon payment of the FTCE retake fee, candidates who fail a subtest may retake each failed subtest independently to obtain an overall passing score on the FELE test.
Subtests of the FTCE FELE
The FTCE FELE is divided into 3 subtests.
Subtest #1: Leadership for Student Learning - the identification, development, and effective implementation of best practices to support and improve student achievement.
Subtest #2: Organizational Development - the recruitment, and retention of talented and motivated faculty.
Subtest #3: Systems Leadership - fiscal resource management, data analysis and communication.
The core competencies and skills assessed in each subtest are detailed below.
Leadership for Student Learning
FELE subtest 1, Leadership for Student Learning, contains approximately 60 multiple choice questions covering four core competencies:
Competency #1: Student Learning Results
Approximately 25% of FELE subtest #1 questions gauge a candidate's knowledge and skills in the facilitation of student academic achievement goals. Candidates should know about:
Creation and implementation of student learning goals that align with state and district educational standards
Identification of problem areas where improvement measures are needed in accordance with state accountability measures
Evaluation of performance assessment-based student learning results
Ability to provide actionable feedback in a useful manner to improve instruction
Competency#2: Student Learning as a Priority
This competency also constitutes 25% of FELE subtest #1 but tests on the prioritization of student academic achievement goals. Candidates will need to understand the development of:
policies that encourage educators and staff to work together to promote student goals
strategies that create a learning environment that encourage student engagement
policies that foster high standards for student academic achievement
policies that encourage educators and staff to prioritize academic improvement and narrow student achievement gaps
Competency #3: Instructional Plan Implementation
The next 25% of FELE subtest #1 questions test on the development of an effective instructional framework. Candidates should have knowledge of:
Development of strategies to assess and monitor faculty implementation of the Florida Educator Accomplished Standards (FEAS)
Assessment of individual educator teaching practices to aid in educator instructional planning and performance improvement
Assessment and selection of instructional methods to facilitate the implementation of state and district curricula standards in a manner that is both academically robust and culturally relevant
Development and implementation of formative assessments policies in accordance with state and district educational standards
Competency #4: Learning Environment
The last quarter (25%) of FELE subtest #1 covers the creation and maintenance of a learning environment that fosters academic achievement for all students. Candidates will need to be familiar with:
Development of strategies that promote an inclusive learning environment for a diverse student population
Identification of strategies that foster a school culture geared toward preparing students to succeed in a diverse democratic society with a global economy
Identification of methods to promote diversity in the development of policies and practices that improve motivation and learning outcomes for all students
Development of faculty and staff monitoring and feedback practices that promote continuing growth in student academic achievement and school improvement
Identification of opportunities for professional education that assist faculty and staff in narrowing student achievement gaps by recognizing diversity and developmental issues
Organizational Development
FELE subtest 2, Organizational Development, contains approximately 60 multiple choice questions assessing a candidate's knowledge and skills across 4 core competencies.
Competency #1: Faculty Recruitment & Hiring
Just 17% of FELE subtest #2 questions will measure a candidate's knowledge in regard to the recruitment and on-boarding of diverse and talented faculty and staff. Candidates should demonstrate a solid understanding of:
Identification of best practices for recruitment and hiring of a diverse and talented educators who possess the instructional proficiency required to serve the student population
Identification and implementation of effective faculty on-boarding policies and practices
Competency #2: Faculty Development & Retention
Another 33% of FELE subtest #2 questions are focused on the identification of policies and practices aimed at the retention and continuous development of diverse and talented faculty and staff. Test takers should understand:
Identification of professional development opportunities that focus on student academic achievement goals in accordance with school objectives
Appropriate resource management to facilitate and encourage faculty participation in individual and group education and professional development opportunities
Development of effective assessment practices to provide timely, and productive feedback to faculty regarding their performance
Evaluation of faculty instruction performance through the use of direct observation and assessment of student academic achievement results
Identification of professional development opportunities geared toward aiding faculty in the delivery of academically robust and culturally relevant instruction
Identification of communication best practices for delivering constructive feedback in faculty disciplinary or remediation actions
Competency #3: Leadership Development
A quarter (25%) of FELE subtest #2 questions analyze skills aligned with the identification of policies and practices that encourage and develop leaders within the organization. Candidates should be prepared to show the following skills:
Identification of best practices to encourage and support faculty leadership potential
Identification of best practices for task delegation among faculty and staff
Development of a path of succession for key positions
Identification of educator leadership roles that foster improvement in instructional effectiveness and student achievement
Competency #4: Professional and Ethical Behavior
The final 25% of FELE subtest #2 questions focus on the identification and fostering of personal and professional best practices in community leadership and education. Examinees should demonstrate:
Recognition and understanding of the behaviors outlined in the Principles of Professional Conduct for the Education Profession in Florida
Recognition of behavior and best practices that demonstrate resilience and productivity in response to challenges and adversity
Identification of professional development opportunities that encourage leadership best practices in accordance with school vision and need
Identification and implementation of best practices that foster teamwork
Systems Leadership
FELE subtest 3, Systems Leadership, contains approximately 45 multiple choice questions and a written performance section assessing a candidate's knowledge and skills across 5 core competencies
Competency #1: Decision-Making Processes
A quarter (25%) of FELE subtest #3 questions are related to the identification and implementation of effective decision-making processes. Test takers should prove the following skills:
Identification of decision-making best practices that lessen the impact of adverse events on faculty performance and student achievement
Identification of best practices for evaluation of decisions and determination and implementation of alterations or adjustments
Identification of opportunities to empower faculty and staff through delegation of leadership roles
Determination of appropriate change process hierarchy for efficient implementation of new school policy
Competency #2: Organizational Theory
The next 25% of FELE subtest #3 questions are assess a candidate's knowledge of organizational theory. Test takers will need to understand:
Development of efficient, effective, and clear organizational plans
Identification of effective discipline policies and best practices to foster school safety
Identification of effective health, safety, and welfare best practices
Development of best practices for task delegation and schedule management
Competency #3: School Management
Another 25% of FELE subtest #3 questions are aligned with the effective management of school resources in order to foster and maintain a safe and productive school environment. Prepare to show basic knowledge of these skills:
Determination of fiscal best practices in the management of local, state, and federal school funding
Determination of fiscal best practices in management of school generated funding and materials in accordance with state guidelines
Recognition of the basic formula factors involved in Florida Education Finance computations
Identification of alternate school funding sources
Competency #4: School Legal Practices
Lastly, 25% of FELE subtest #3 questions will center on school legal best practices to foster and maintain a safe and productive academic environment. Test takers need to display:
Determination of appropriate physical and/or educational accommodations required for compliance with state and federal guidelines
Understanding of state and federal school health and safety guidelines
Understanding of legal requirements in relation to faculty, staff, students, and family constitutional and statutory rights
Competency #5: Written Communication
The written performance assessment portion of FELE subtest #3 is designed to assess a candidate's ability to communicate their ideas effectively in written form. Examinees should be ready to show:
Ability to analyze and share data with stakeholders in written format
Ability to analyze data and present ideas in written format in a way that engages the interest of stakeholders
Ability to analyze data and communicate information to faculty and staff in a written format
FTCE FELE Registrations & Logistics
Prospective test takers are able to register for the exam 24 hours a day, 7 days a week using the online registration form provided on the registration web page of the FTCE FELE test website. New users will be required to submit basic information to create a free user account. Once created, users can log into the website to complete their FTCE registration and take or retake one or more exams, view their test results, or submit a request for FTCE score verification.
The exam fee for first-time FELE test takers is $215 for any combination of subtests taken in the initial test taking session. The FTCE test cost of retakes or subtests taken in subsequent testing sessions will cost $225 per session for any combination of subtests.
Examinees can schedule a date and time for testing using the steps below:
Click Register for the FTCE/FELE to select the appropriate test, and provide requested information
Locate the drop down menu titled Open Registrations and select Schedule to choose a specific date, time, and location for testing
Review and finalize test registration by submitting payment. Users may use a check card, credit card, or debit card to submit payment online
After completing the steps above, users will receive an email at their registered email address confirming the scheduled date, time, and location for testing.
Participants should report to their chosen FTCE testing locations at least 30 minutes ahead of their scheduled test time. Test takers will need to bring two forms of identification (current, and in English). The FELE is a computer-based FTCE test and no outside materials are required or allowed. Test takers will be issued a notepad and writing utensil on site.
The following items are strictly prohibited and will not be allowed into the testing site.
Phones or any other type of personal electronic device
Reference materials or books
Calculators
Purses, satchels, backpacks, or wallets of any kind
Jewelry, watches, and other types of accessories
Food and beverage items
Test takers with a disability (or disabilities), as well as nursing mothers, may be eligible for alternative testing accommodations. Candidates wishing to request such arrangements before taking the FTCE and any FTCE subject area exam will need to check the relevant box during their FTCE registration, complete the form, and include documentation from a licensed physician or psychologist.
Preparing for the FTCE FELE
In preparation for the FTCE Florida Educational Leadership Examination, prospective test takers should make use of FTCE test preparation courses and the wide range of resources available through the official FELE test Florida website and other reputable sources. Using FELE test study guides can be helpful in gaining insight into the specific core competencies and skills expected on the test, including competencies and skills required for teacher certification in Florida.
FTCE FELE practice tests provide an opportunity to familiarize test takers with the format of the questions and multiple choice options by offering Florida Teacher Certification Exam sample questions similar to the real content and style, and with the same time constraints.
The FTCE FELE test utilizes the same standard scaled scoring method used by the majority of large standardized testing agencies. Essentially, questions are assigned a score based on difficulty, so the exact number of correct answers needed may vary depending on the specific form of the test administered. Candidates can count on needing to have about 70% of the multiple choice questions answered correctly for each subtest. Candidates' FTCE scores must be a minimum of 7 out of 12 points on the written performance assessment portion of subtest #3 to pass. Remember that individual subtests can be retaken if needed, though the FTCE retake fee must be paid again for each retake.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is FELE certification?
Individuals wishing to pursue a career as a school administrator in Florida must demonstrate the knowledge and skills to succeed in an entry level role by passing the FTCE FELE test. Candidates must pass all subtests of the FELE test suite to earn a Florida Education Leadership Certificate.
What is a passing score on the FELE?
Candidates must achieve a minimum scaled score of 200 points on each of the 3 FELE multiple-choice subtests. Additionally, test takers are required to earn a minimum score of 7 out of 12 points on the written performance analysis section of subtest 3. Applicants must achieve a passing score on all 3 subtests to earn a passing score on the FELE test.
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