False premises upon which many legislated programs for minimal competency testing are based are identified and discussed. (JT)

The enthusiasm for competency testing poses a contradiction, for it comes at a time when questions and criticisms are being increasingly raised about tests and their use. In three sections, this paper explores the competency testing movement: 1) main features and basic issues in the competency testing movements; 2) observations on the politics of…

The 52 citations listed were compiled to assist educators in the task of designing and implementing minimum competency testing programs. The documents cited were chosen to represent the best and most current literature on minimum competency testing. Entries are arranged alphabetically by author/corporate author, followed by title, imprint, date,…

A program that is used to assist students in overcoming the deficiencies in basic skills in mathematics without making major changes in existing mathematics programs is described. (JT)

Minimum competency testing in Louisiana emphasizes individual needs (as delineated in the indiviualized education program) regardless of special education classification. Nine format/procedural modifications are allowed on the Basic Skills Test, including braille editions and extended time. Test administration and score reporting may also be…

A program for regular testing of mathematical skills that provides information and counseling to students as well as necessary study programs for students in need of improvement is described. (JT)

Satirizes the teaching of basic skills in isolation and the placing of test results above true learning. (RL)

The implementation of a program for testing and teaching minimum mathematical skills in a California school district is described. (JT)

A critical analysis of reports and empirical literature on the quality of candidates in teacher education programs is presented and the results of a nation-wide survey of basic skills competencies required of such candidates are described. While standardized test scores for education majors have been declining, many states in the survey did not…

Competency testing for either graduation from high school, or as a method for assessing whether a student should advance to a higher grade level, is the focus of this annotated bibliography. Included are annotations that relate to accountability, competency testing, program descriptions where competency testing is utilized, general testing…

A mathematical competencies test was given to adult college students. Mean test scores on the mathematical competencies test were compared for the categories of age, sex, occupation, mathematical background and number of years since a mathematics course was taken. Findings indicated that age, sex and mathematical course background of the adult…

A distinction is made between the terms basic skills and minimum competence. The impact of minimum competency requirements is discussed through its affect on the scope and structure of current mathematics curricula, and the assessment instruments needed for valid measures of mathematical competence. (JT)

Pragmatic questions and critical issues related to tests of minimal competence in mathematics are raised. (JT)

This report on the Pennsylvania statewide assessment program answers two questions: (1) what are minimum competencies?; and (2) for whom are competencies really minimal? (Author/MP)

Data from tests of basic mathematical competencies given in 1950, 1965, and 1975 are discussed. Courses successful in providing a foundation of basic skills are noted. (JT)