This paper considers three areas related to the testing of minimum knowledge and skills: public policy, the nature of higher-order thinking and selected aspects of educational measurement. The discussion of public policy issues centers around an apparent dichotomy of egalitarianism and elitism in public education, schooling and the public economy,…

This document acquaints teachers and curriculum directors with the reading, mathematics, and problem solving indicators assessed by the Georgia Basic Skills Tests, initially given in grade 10. Students who fail initially in grade 10 have at least five other opportunities to take the test and must pass it in order to graduate. In reading, skill…

This status report discusses the issues and concerns of assessing, at a national level, the ability of college graduates to think critically, solve problems, and communicate effectively (National Education Goal 5). Two workshops have been held on the issue and participants indicated that assessment requires a working consensus on the specific…