Intended for use by school administrators, guidance counselors, teachers, and proctors, this manual contains general information on Regents examinations and competency tests. Specifically, the regulations and procedures for ordering, administering, rating, and reporting results of these examinations are described. Information is also included…

The discussion of minimum competency testing (MCT) for learning disabled students focuses on advantages and disadvantages, the need for test modifications, and the importance of coordinating the child's individualized education program with MCT considerations. (CL)

Item specifications developed by the Arkansas Department of Education as part of the Minimum Performance Testing Program (MPT) appear in this document. Specifically, the social studies materials given to sixth-grade students on the MPT are included. The purpose of an item specification is to provide an overview of the general content and format of…

Describes the steps that a school district should follow in the first stages of implementing a minimum competency testing program: preparatory activities, defining the project, identifying existing tests, evaluating tests, developing a local test, and sharing knowledge. (Author)

Item specifications developed by the Arkansas Department of Education as part of the Minimum Performance Testing Program (MPT) appear in this document. Specifically, the social studies materials given to eighth-grade students on the MPT are reviewed. The purpose of an item specification is to provide an overview of the general content and format…

This review of literature from the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) database is the second volume on the topic of testing and assessment for the counseling professional; the first volume was published in 1979. The sections on minimum competency tests identify issues of current interest, e.g., the basic issue of definition; the…

The document provides information related to statewide testing of exceptional students for the North Carolina Annual, Minimum Skills Diagnostic, End-of-Course, and Competency Testing programs. Guidelines for the appropriate use of alternative test formats, aids, or a different test environment with disabled students are given. Included are rules…

The Texas Academic Skills Program (TASP) is a statewide program designed to ensure that all students attending public colleges and universities have the basic reading, mathematics, and writing skills necessary to perform effectively at the college level. All entering first-time freshmen are required to take the TASP test, which has a basic skills…

Discusses the use of computerized placement testing at Santa Fe Community College to enable students needing only a short review of reading skills to exit early from a College Preparatory Reading Class (CPRC). Describes CPRC placement, structure, curriculum, and exit criteria; the Early Exit Reading Project; and project results. (DMM)

Reviews assessment efforts in Florida's postsecondary institutions, which emphasize assessing achievement periodically, improving guidance and placement, increasing college readiness among secondary students, and measuring college-level skills after the second college year. Looks at the positive contributions of these changes and the potential for…

Teacher competency testing for the purpose of screening persons prior to state certification continues to be on the upswing in the United States. Many states have implemented paper-pencil tests, most of which were prepared by Educational Testing Service and National Evaluation Systems. Problem areas to consider when certification tests are used to…

Many school districts have adopted minimum competency tests as part of the requirements for high school diplomas. It is important that the needs of special education students are included when planning and implementing competency testing. Included are three levels of options to consider for modified testing of special students. (MD)

The author examines concerns about whether or not, and by what criteria, handicapped students should be included in or excluded from comprehensive competency testing programs, as well as the implications of minimum competency testing for the handicapped. Pertinent legislation from several states is discussed. (Author/SJL)

While the seventh and ninth grade Maryland Functional Mathematics Tests (MFMT) appear valid and well constructed, the 65 percent passing rate for Montgomery County Public Schools' ninth grade students raises questions about the 81 percent passing score set for the MFMT. This standard is far stiffer than the 59 percent set for the Maryland…

This manual, accompanying the New York State Regents Examinations and Competency Tests, is intended for use by school administrators, guidance counselors, teachers, and proctors. Regents examinations measure the quality of instruction and learning that has taken place in high schools, and provide information for educational and vocational decision…