Discusses the minimum competency testing movement and the unresolved issues concerning it. Indicates that until the issues are settled, there will continue to be controversy and legal activity. (JOW)

Everything that educators have learned aabout individual differences and learning styles as they relate to pacing is negated by tests that disregard such evidence. Unless they are improved, competency tests are likely to seriously damage the educational process. (CJH)

School and government officials, system administrators and other policymakers offer a variety of reasons for engaging in high stakes testing: to monitor student performance, to measure teacher and/or school effectiveness, to ensure accountability, etc. Some of these reasons are good; others not. But the best reason--one that is never offered,…