Elementary Education K–6
For Testing until 12/31/2023

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Annotated Bibliography

The annotated bibliography that follows includes basic references that you may find useful in preparing for the exam. Each resource is linked to the competencies and skills found in Section 3 of this guide.

This bibliography is representative of the most important and most comprehensive texts pertaining to the competencies and skills. The Florida Department of Education does not endorse these references as the only appropriate sources for review; many comparable texts currently used in teacher preparation programs also cover the competencies and skills that are tested on the exam.

Language Arts and Reading

  1. Bromley, K. D. (1998). Language Arts: Exploring connections (3rd ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Allyn & Bacon.

    Details connections between the receptive language arts (listening, reading, and viewing) and the expressive arts (speaking and writing) through real-world stories from teachers. Useful for review of competency 3.

  2. DeVries, B. A. (2008). Literacy assessment and intervention for K–6 classrooms (2nd ed.). Scottsdale, AZ: Holcomb Hathaway Publishers.

    Focuses on appropriate assessment strategies and interpretation of results with special attention to emergent literacy. Useful for review of competencies 3 and 4.

  3. Gunning, T. G. (2004). Creating literacy instruction for all children in grades pre-k to four. Boston, MA: Pearson Allyn & Bacon.

    Features sample lessons for virtually every major literacy skill or strategy and offers reinforcement suggestions and listings of materials appropriate for the lower grades. Useful for review of competencies 3 and 4.

  4. Gunning, T. G. (2012). Assessing and correcting: Reading and writing difficulties (5th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.

    Infuses research and theory to create a balanced, practical approach to reading assessment, diagnosis, and remediation that includes sample lessons and strategies for teachers to aid in developing skills in word recognition, vocabulary, comprehension, writing, spelling, studying, and reading in the content area. Useful for review of competency 4.

  5. Gunning, T. G. (2013). Creating literacy instruction for all students (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.

    Includes plans and strategies to develop appropriate lesson plans that enable students to achieve higher levels of literacy. Useful for review of competency 5.

  6. Jennings, J. H., Caldwell, J., & Lerner, J. W. (2010). Reading problems: Assessment and teaching strategies (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Allyn & Bacon.

    Includes general information on the reading process, problem readers, assessment, and principles of instruction. Details successful intervention programs and teaching in diverse and inclusive settings. Useful for review of competency 4.

  7. Lever-Duffy, J., & McDonald, J. B. (2008). Teaching and learning with technology (3rd ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.

    Provides teachers with a clear understanding of educational media and technologies and how they can be used effectively to enhance learning. Explores the current and emerging technologies and multimedia available to teachers while maintaining an instructional focus. Useful for review of competency 5.

  8. Morrow, L. M. (2012). Literacy development in the early years: Helping children read and write (7th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.

    Presents a comprehensive, balanced approach to literacy teaching and learning through both theoretical and research-based rationales. Useful for review of competencies 1 and 2.

  9. Norton, D. E. (2004). The effective teaching of language arts (6th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Merrill Prentice Hall.

    Offers clearly developed methodologies and lessons and makes extensive use of children’s actual language samples to illustrate ways literature can enhance the development of skills. Includes instruction and assessment in speaking, listening, writing, and reading. Useful for review of competency 5.

  10. Roblyer, M. D., & Doering, A. H. (2010). Integrating educational technology into teaching (5th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.

    Incorporates two complementary instructional models to create a comprehensive technology integration framework built on research and proven techniques. Provides teachers with the knowledge and skills to overcome obstacles when integrating technology into their curriculum across the content areas. Useful for review of competency 5.

  11. Roe, B. D., & Ross, E. P. (2006). Integrating language arts through literature and thematic units. Boston, MA: Pearson.

    Integrates literature into thematic units to follow current thinking in the field and adapts instruction for English language and special needs learners to reflect the population of current classrooms. Useful for review of competencies 1, 2, 4, and 5.

  12. Spears, D. (2013). Developing critical reading skills (9th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

    Designed for intermediate and advanced reading courses. Features a variety of selections and excellent coverage of critical reading skills. Useful for review of competency 1.

  13. Strickland, D. S., & Morrow, L. M. (2000). Beginning reading and writing. New York, NY: Teachers College Press.

    Presents current, research-based information on the advances and refinements in the areas of emerging literacy and the early stages of formal instruction in reading and writing. Includes suggestions for classroom practice. Useful for review of competency 3.

  14. Tompkins, G. E. (2009). Language arts: Patterns of practice (7th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Merrill Prentice Hall.

    Strategies for teaching and assessing language arts. Analyzes the reading and writing processes and emergent literacy. Useful for review of competencies 3 and 5.

  15. Tompkins, G. (2011). Teaching writing: Balancing process and product (6th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Merrill Prentice Hall.

    Examines genres and instructional procedures with a strong new focus on differentiating instruction to ensure success for all writing students. Useful for review of competency 3.

  16. Vacca, J., Vacca, R., Gove, M., Burikey, L., Lenhart, L., & McKeon, C. (2012). Reading and learning to read (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.

    Discusses instructional practices and ways of encouraging success in reading and reading comprehension. Useful for review of competency 4.

  17. Vughn, S., & Linan-Thompson, S. (2004). Research-based methods of reading instruction: Grades K to 3. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

    Explores the research on reading, providing a comprehensive overview of five core instructional areas and how they affect student achievement. Includes reading activities and lesson plans that are grounded in solid research. Useful for review of competency 1.

  18. Yellin, D., Jones, M. B., & Devries, B. (2008). Integrating the language arts (4th ed.). Scottsdale, AZ: Holcomb Hathaway Publishers.

    Introduces a balanced approach between direct instruction in the communication arts and integrating the language arts with other content areas, such as music, art, drama, mathematics, social studies, and science. Useful for review of competencies 3 and 5.

Social Science

  1. Brinkley, A. (2007). American history: A survey (12th ed.). Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill.

    Explores various areas of history (social, cultural, urban, racial, ethnic), the history of the West and South, environmental history, the history of women and gender issues, and U.S. history in a global context. Useful for review of competency 2.

  2. Chapin, J. R. (2009). Elementary social studies: A practical guide (7th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Allyn & Bacon.

    Presents the essential methods for teaching and assessing social studies content in the K–8 classroom. Useful for review of all competencies.

  3. Davidson, J. W., Stoff, M. B., & Viola, H. J. (2005). The American nation. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.

    Explores U.S. history from earliest Native American civilizations to the present with maps, charts, activities, study questions, and review chapters. Useful for review of competencies 1, 2, and 3.

  4. Duplass, J. A. (2008). Teaching elementary social studies: Strategies, standards, and internet resources (2nd ed.). Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin.

    Includes active-learning strategies, application of constructivist principles, a focus on big ideas and thinking skills, use of the Internet, modeling of best practices, and performance-based assessments. Useful for review of all competencies.

  5. Gannon, M. (2003). Florida: A short history (rev. ed.). Gainesville, FL: University Press of Florida.

    Relates the history of Florida, from indigenous peoples to modern environmentalists, in a chronological narrative. Includes sections covering “in-migration,” restoration of the Everglades, education, the work force, and the role of Florida in the 2000 presidential election. Useful for review of competencies 2 and 4.

  6. Getis, A., Getis, J., Bjelland, M., & Fellmann, J. D. (2011). Introduction to geography (13th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

    Includes four parts that center on each of the geological themes of Earth science, culture-environment, location, and area analysis. Introduces students to the breadth and spatial insights of the field of geography while allowing the major research traditions of geography to dictate the principal themes. Useful for review of competency 3.

  7. Magleby, D. B., Light, P. C., & Nemacheck, C. L. (2011). Government by the people (24th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Longman.

    Offers an introduction to the foundational principles, processes, and institutions of American government. Highlights how similarities and differences in political beliefs continuously shape government. Useful for review of competency 4.

  8. Mason, L., Garcia, J., Powell, F., & Risinger, C. F. (1998). America’s past and promise. Evanston, IL: McDougal Littell.

    Presents a survey of major events in U.S. history in a chronological fashion. Useful for review of competencies 2, 3, and 4.

  9. Massing, G. I. (2009). Civics in practice: Principles of government and economics. Austin, TX: Holt, Rinehart, and Winston.

    Provides fundamentals of U.S. government in the context of various other social science fields such as economics, history, and sociology. Useful for review of competencies 4 and 5.

  10. Miller, R. L. (2001). Glencoe economics: Today and tomorrow. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

    Includes coverage of the economy and the impact of the digital revolution, as well as statistics and news events. Contains relevant diagrams, charts, maps, and illustrations. Useful for review of competency 5.

  11. Parker, W. C. (2009). Social studies in elementary education (13th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.

    Presents social studies content and pedagogy for children in elementary school and offers the material in simple and accessible ways. Useful for review of all competencies.

  12. Pulsipher, L. M., & Pulsipher, A. (2011). World regional geography: Global patterns, local lives (5th ed.). New York, NY: W.H. Freeman and Company.

    Shows how larger geographical forces affect the lives of individuals and communities around the globe. Useful for review of competency 3.

  13. Smaldino, S., Lowther, D., & Russell, J. (2008). Instructional technology and media for learning (9th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.

    Guides teachers through sample lesson plans and informative explanations to incorporate computer technology into the classroom. Useful for review of competency 1.

  14. Sunal, C. S., & Haas, M. E. (2008). Social studies for the elementary and middle grades: A constructivist approach (3rd ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.

    Approaches elementary and middle school social studies education from a constructivist’s view. Provides pedagogical content knowledge within a guided inquiry framework. Includes suggestions for activities and assessment strategies. Useful for review of all competencies.

  15. Zarrillo, J. J. (2012). Teaching elementary social studies: Principles and applications (4th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.

    Emphasizes differentiated instruction and meeting the needs of all students while addressing those diverse students through social studies teaching methods. Useful for review of all competencies.

Science

  1. Abruscato, J., & DeRosa, D. A. (2010). Teaching children science: A discovery approach (7th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.

    Provides content on the latest technologies in science teaching. Establishes a solid foundation in science pedagogy upon which students can build in later years. Useful for review of competencies 1 and 2.

  2. Barnes, D., et al. (2005). ScienceSaurus: A student handbook (Grades 4–5). Wilmington, MA: Great Source.

    Includes chapters on general science information, the branches of science, doing science, life science, Earth science, and physical science. Useful for review of competencies 2, 4, and 5.

  3. Bass, J. E., Contant, T. L., & Carin, A. A. (2009). Teaching science as inquiry (11th ed.). Boston, MA: Prentice Hall.

    Introduces science content, teaching strategies, and inquiry activities necessary to teach science in contemporary ways. Useful for review of competency 4.

  4. Bonnstetter, R., et al. (2006). ScienceSaurus: A student handbook (Grades 6–8). Wilmington, MA: Great Source.

    Includes chapters on general science information, the branches of science, science labs, life science, Earth science, and physical science. Useful for review of competencies 2, 4, and 5.

  5. Buckley, D. M., et al. (2012). Interactive science: Florida life science. Boston, MA: Pearson.

    Supports student understanding of life science through an inquiry-based approach. Useful for review of competencies 1 and 5.

  6. Campbell, N. A., Reece, J. B., Taylor, M. R., & Simon, E. J. (2008). Biology: Concepts and connections (5th ed.). San Francisco, CA: Pearson Benjamin Cummings.

    Makes biology approachable with the use of analogies, real-world examples, and conversational language. Useful for review of competency 5.

  7. Charlesworth, R., & Lind, K. M. (2013). Math and science for young children (7th ed.). Clifton Park, NJ: Delmar Cengage Learning.

    Focuses on the integration of mathematics and science with other important areas of child development from birth to age 8. Useful for review of competency 2.

  8. Davis, G. A., & Keller, J. D. (2009). Exploring science and mathematics in a child’s world. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.

    Explores the relationship between mathematics and science and how children develop understanding of different concepts. Provides insight into growth and development of reasoning and logic skills. Useful for review of competencies 1 and 2.

  9. Hess, F. S., et al. (2006). Earth science: Geology, the environment, and the universe. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

    Presents an overview of Earth space science for students. Useful for review of competency 4.

  10. Martin, D. J. (2001). Constructing early childhood science. Clifton Park, NY: Delmar Cengage Learning.

    Provides early childhood education students with a comprehensive hands-on guide to science education. Includes activities for children ages 3 to 8 which aids in developing interdisciplinary instruction. Useful for review of competency 1.

  11. Martin, S. (2009). ScienceSaurus: A student handbook (Grades 2–3). Wilmington, MA: Great Source.

    Includes chapters on general science information, the branches of science, doing science, life science, Earth science, and physical science. Useful for review of competencies 2, 4, and 5.

  12. Peters, J. M., & Stout, D. L. (2011). Science in elementary education: Methods, concepts, and inquiries (11th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.

    Presents a constructivist approach to the methodology of effective elementary science teaching. Topics include how science concepts and skills are effectively taught and learned, ways to successfully plan science instruction, resources needed to enhance the science program, assessment of student inquiry, and integration of instructional and design technology. Useful for review of competencies 1 and 2.

  13. Suchocki, J. (2011). Conceptual chemistry (4th ed.). Boston, MA: Prentice Hall.

    Builds a base from which non-science students may view the chemical world more perceptively and helps them visualize the behavior of atoms and molecules to understand the macroscopic environment. Useful for review of competency 3.

  14. Tillery, B. W. (2007). Physical science (7th ed.). Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill.

    Introduces basic concepts and key ideas while providing opportunities for students to learn reasoning skills. Useful for review of competency 3.

  15. Victor, E., Kellough, R. D., & Tau, R. H. (2008). Science K–8: An integrated approach (11th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.

    Based on integrated learning by inquiry. Outlines content that covers the big concepts of Earth science, life science, and physical science. Discusses the relationships between curriculum standards, assessment, and high-stakes achievement testing. Useful for review of competencies 4 and 5.

Mathematics

  1. Bennett, A. B., Burton, L. J., & Nelson, L. T. (2012). Mathematics for elementary teachers: A conceptual approach (9th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

    Contains a strong focus on the development of mathematics skills and the instructional practices that most encourage success. Useful for review of competency 2.

  2. Billstein, R., Libeskind, S., & Lott, J. W. (2007). A problem solving approach to mathematics for elementary school teachers (9th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education.

    Features skills-based resources for future teachers. Includes instruction for problem solving, integers, probability, and geometry. Useful for review of competencies 2, 3, and 5.

  3. Blitzer, R. F. (2008). Thinking mathematically (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

    Presents an introduction to topics such as measurement, geometry, sets, logic, counting, principles, probability, and statistics. Useful for review of competencies 2 and 4.

  4. Long, C. T., DeTemple, D. W., & Millman, R. S. (2012). Mathematical reasoning for elementary teachers (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education.

    Focuses on mathematical content knowledge that teachers will need to know and methods of its use in the classroom. Useful for review of competencies 2 and 4.

  5. Mandery, M., & Schneider, M. (2000). Achieving proficiency in mathematics. New York, NY: AMSCO School Publications.

    Promotes mathematical mastery through critical thinking and applied strategies, including use of the calculator as a tool for exploration and implementation. Emphasizes data reading and interpreting statistical information summarized in tables, bar graphs, and line graphs. Useful for review of competency 2.

  6. Miller, C. D., Heeren, V. E., & Hornsby, J. (2012). Mathematical ideas (12th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education.

    Features an innovative approach that brings the best of popular entertainment into the classroom and integrates it with mathematics lessons. Useful for review of competencies 2 and 5.

  7. Musser, G. L., Burger, W. F., & Peterson, B. E. (2011). Mathematics for elementary teachers: A contemporary approach (9th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.

    Features problem-solving strategies, relevant topics, and opportunities for hands-on experiences. Moves from concrete to pictorial to abstract, reflecting the typical sequence of mathematics instruction in elementary classrooms. Useful for review of competencies 3 and 5.

  8. Van de Walle, J. A. (2005). Teaching student-centered mathematics. Boston, MA: Pearson Allyn & Bacon.

    Provides big idea approaches and explanations to mathematical concepts through student-centered, problem-based learning. Useful for review of competencies 1 and 2.

  9. Van de Walle, J. A. (2007). Elementary and middle school mathematics: Teaching developmentally (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Allyn & Bacon.

    Reflects the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Principles and Standards for School Mathematics in a K to 8 mathematics methods text. Provides ideas and discussions to help future teachers understand the mathematics they will be teaching. Discusses the benefits of student-centered instruction in mathematics. Useful for review of competencies 4 and 5.

 

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