Intended to help secondary school students prepare for the New York Board of Regents competency tests in writing, this manual will enable students to use writing for effective communication of their needs and enjoyment of the pleasure of permanent self-expression. The first portion of the manual provides several introductory lessons and writing…

These five papers describe the methods, results, and implications of a multimethod approach to the establishment of standards for the three subject areas of the Alabama High School Graduation Examination (AHSGE). James E. McLean introduces the problems and methods involved by identifying three general approaches to scoring procedures found in the…

Due to the current legislative trend toward competency-based education, and the accompanying minimal competency testing, a variety of local school districts and state education agencies are concurrently developing programs to meet the standards set by their state's legislation. This selective bibliography was compiled in order to aid those…

Competency in the three skills areas of reading, writing, and mathematics is a requirement for high school graduation in the state of New York. The writing competency requirement consists of two tests: the Preliminary Competency Test in Writing, given to students in the eighth or ninth grade, and the Regents Competency Test in Writing, given to…

Minimum competency testing programs, which assess the basic skills deemed necessary for assimilation into society, have been mandated in several states. Some competency assessment devices, however, do not take handicapping conditions into account. Furthermore, disageement over what constitutes minimum competency prevails among the various state…

This article discusses the fairness and legality of competency testing programs for the handicapped. The following concerns are addressed: (1) exemptions for handicapped students; (2) individual determinations; (3) differential diplomas and standards; and (4) differential assessment procedures. A discussion of the legal implications indicates…

Minimum competency testing has been mandated in one form or another by local school boards or by legislatures in 36 states. Court consideration of such testing has focused on the intent and the consequences of the testing. Where racial segregation in education has existed, courts have argued that even several years after desegregation, testing can…

The development and implementation of the Dallas Independent School District's Basic Objectives Assessment Test (BOAT) are described. Beginning in 1979, this minimum competency test was administered system-wide to all students in grades 8-12 (except for those enrolled as special education students), and beginning in 1983 it will be used in…

A study of the relation between the reading competencies for high school graduation and the reading demands of auto mechanics began with determining job reading tasks of auto mechanics. Fifty auto mechanics, the majority of them bilinguals, were interviewed. From this data about the kinds of information mechanics get from reading and with copies…

This publication focuses on California Assembly Bill 3408, legislation mandating secondary schools to develop performance standards and performance tests for students. The paper analyzes progress made in implementing the legislation in California and outlines some of the barriers to successful implementation. The author explains several testing…

Increases in competency testing as a basis for student promotion and graduation are described. Examines the complexities and implementation of minimal competency testing and argues for consideration of unresolved issues: (1) definition of "minimal competency," (2) determination of appropriate measures, and (3) use of minimal competency concept in…

The items of the Florida minimal competency test have never been validated as measures of "survival skills," and the pass/fail standards were set mindlessly and capriciously. (Author/IRT)

Explores such myths as competency-based graduation requirements are a repudiation of humanistic concerns, the public won't accept subjective measures of competence, and requiring students to pass proficiency tests before graduation will increase public support for education. Offers suggestions for developing new kinds of graduation requirements.…

State standards for minimum competencies deal mainly with reading, writing, and mathematics. Testing is primarily a state function. Many programs include identification of students who need remedial assistance. (Author/AV)

A high school district employed multiple matrix sampling to establish cutting scores on reading and mathematics competency tests. Entry-level job holders in the working community were tested with subtests of the intact test. Generalizations were made from the results; performances of the high school and the community groups were compared.…