The author addresses the concern that many learning handicapped students are being denied diplomas because of minimum competency testing (MCT). The beginnings of the MCT trend are traced, faults with MCT are pointed out, and legal aspects of MCT are considered. (SW)

The article addresses issues in minimal competency testing for physically handicapped and learning disabled students. Adapting the competency test to the needs of the handicapped students, relating minimal standards to the individualized education program (IEP), and adopting different criteria for graduation are three options considered. (CL)

Barbara Jordan served as the hearing officer for three-day adversary evaluation hearings about the pros and cons of minimum competency testing (MCT). This report is the complete transcript of the third day of proceedings. The pro team testimony, led by James Popham, began with William Raspberry, who presented his view of the likely impact of MCT.…

The controversy over minimum competency assessment has special implications for the handicapped, since federal law requires that handicapped students must be afforded equal educational opportunities. Problems will arise in establishing criteria of competence and in administering minimum competency programs for students with learning disabilities.…

Policy-making problems being faced in Louisiana regarding the testing of handicapped students within a state mandated minimum competency testing program are dealt with. The decision-making process is complicated by the fact that two groups (staff administering the test and staff administering programs for the handicapped) with differing…

This article addresses issues concerned with British adolescents at Key Stage 4 of the National Curriculum who have learning difficulties and do not achieve a "G" grade for the General Certificate of Special Education. Types of alternative accreditation are discussed, and implementation in three mainstream schools is recounted. (DB)