This paper examines some of the negative consequences that have occurred in school districts attempting to comply with state legislation in regard to competency testing. It analyzes four definitions of competency assessments for elementary schools and then lists several possible results of a hasty response to competency testing mandates. The paper…

In a speech on minimum competency testing, the author discusses four issues which are still unresolved. The first is the need to recognize the political overtones which gave impetus to the competency movement as a reaction against the perceived failures of the schools and teacher education institutions, rather than as a concern for student…

After a brief review of recent research concerning teacher testing, this paper presents concrete examples of multiple-choice test items that assess more than teachers' minimal, basic knowledge. Specifically, multiple-choice test items used for the assessment of pedagogical content knowledge (C-P items) are contrasted with items used for the…