Teacher education will probably continue to receive specific attention in the competency testing area. Professional educators need to apply the best knowledge and practice available if testing is to become a valuable and valid part of the teacher certification process. (CJB)

Summarizes trends in competency testing for teachers in the United States. Points out the strong public support for this testing and the problems with predicting teaching success from test results. Concludes that teacher competency testing in Canada, currently less prevalent than in the United States, will increase dramatically. (JHZ)

Currently used standardized measures for testing competency do not predict classroom performance. Unique qualities that ethnic minorities bring to classrooms, such as language and cultural knowledge, should be viewed as assets. More realistic criteria are necessary in order to solve the shortage of minority teachers. (Author/GC)