Describes the implementation of a minimum competency testing program in North Boone Senior High School in Poplar Grove (Illinois). Includes eight questions to be asked in planning for such a program. (Author/WD)

A school structure is proposed that includes automatic student promotion each school year and educates each student to his or her true potential. (MD)

Eligibility standards for participating in extracurricular activities are definitely needed. The question is whether minimal or more restrictive standards are most effective to meet academic requirements. This article presents arguments for both minimal and higher standards and suggests that chosen standards should be a positive motivating force.…

This article argues that present youth are inarticulate, that oral communication is a vital competency, and that programs in aural and oral skills should be implemented. (MJL)

Outlines results from a survey of assistant principalships in a six-state area. Presents a comprehensive listing of competencies resulting from the findings. Includes references. (MD)

Minimum competency testing programs may discriminate against handicapped students. Action must be taken, this article warns, to assure that such programs do not emerge as an exclusionary practice that will require years to overcome. (Author)

At a series of three workshops, 25 principal competency statements were developed to define more clearly administrative roles in community education administration. A table organizes the 25 statements into eight essential task areas and then lists the minimal competencies needed in each area. (MLF)

Reviews the principal's role in instructional accountability, management systems, communications, remedial programs, teacher inservice programs, teacher recruitment, and testing. (Author/WD)

Predicts that the availability of computers and demands for competency testing could drastically alter the character and uses of standardized testing by the end of the century. Warns administrators to begin preparing for the future in order to prevent misuse of the new computer capabilities. (PGD)

Examines some disturbing tendencies in curriculum content and descion-making. Argues that a rigorous, neoconservative back-to-basics program, coupled with use of corporate school management models, is not the answer. Excessive standardization could increase the dropout rate and cause the deskilling of teachers. Societal influences need to be…

Everything that educators have learned aabout individual differences and learning styles as they relate to pacing is negated by tests that disregard such evidence. Unless they are improved, competency tests are likely to seriously damage the educational process. (CJH)

This brief discussion of basic administrative postures may help principals direct their schools' efforts to cope with minimum competency regulations. (Author)

Many school districts have adopted minimum competency tests as part of the requirements for high school diplomas. It is important that the needs of special education students are included when planning and implementing competency testing. Included are three levels of options to consider for modified testing of special students. (MD)

A strong relationship is shown between students' state assessment test pass rates and students' socioeconomic status (SES). State sanctions based on assessment scores can affect graduation, student diplomas, school accreditation, school funding, teacher rewards and promotion, paperwork requirements, regulations, work expectations, improvement…

Competency-based education programs could raise three kinds of legal issues: claims under the due process clause, claims of discrimination under the equal protection clause, and claims of negligence. (Author/JM)