Discusses the experience of a committee at the University of Southern California that was formed to implement the university's requirement that foreign languages become a "Skill Level" requirement. This means that the student must meet the requirement by performing at a certain level on a proficiency examination. (SED)

Describes development and implementation of the Indiana University French Communicative Ability Test, designed to provide valid and reliable evaluation of minimal communicative ability. (BK)

Presents the history of the development of instruments to test both English proficiency and limited-English-proficient candidates to determine those most likely to successfully complete a machine shop training program. Lists the competencies required at the time of enrollment and provides samples of the tests. (SED)

The soundness of the existing system of examination at the high school level in India is assessed with particular reference to the English section. The purposes to be served by the examination are discussed and the shortcomings of the system are described. The test and the passing procedure is found inferior to those systems which utilize…

Describes the University of Arizona's plan of action for defining and testing second language proficiency at the fourth semester level (a college requirement). Tasks include (1) reviewing proficiency literature; (2) redefining the second language requirement by using the ACTFL proficiency guidelines; (3) developing testing techniques; and (4)…

Analyzes the case of a Vietnamese-speaking science student who has repeatedly failed an English competency examination that analyzes essay content, rhetorical organization, and preparation for writing. Raises questions regarding the purposes, development, and evaluation of writing competency tests. (RDS)