The National Institute of Education's (NIE) process of studying minimum competency testing (MCT) includes: (1) a clarification hearing to provide a public forum to discuss divergent views on salient issues related to MCT programs; (2) two investigative teams to explore the different perspectives on the issues, build comprehensive cases which…

Due to an increased awareness of the need for accountability in vocational education, much attention is being focused upon competency-based vocational education. The U.S. Office of Education is supporting work for the development of competency measures for vocational skill areas. Two occupational competency tests in each of seven areas will be…

This paper describes the response of the Chicago school district to an Illinois State board of education directive that local school districts have an ongoing program of assessing student achievement and educational programs. The minimum competency testing program in place before the directive is discussed. The testing program and the nongraded…

The differences between Elementary Secondary Education Act Title I program evaluation and minimum competency testing (MCT) are compared. Title I programs are characterized as follows: the objective is to supplement school experiences for economically educational programs emphasize reading and mathematics; supplementary instruction is provided by…

Recognizing the lack of public confidence in the schools, public officials and educators should discuss the proper use and limitations of competency testing and the implementation of national tests. Competency tests should be used for diagnosis, for certifying that students possess basic skills, and for public awareness. They should not be the…