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…

Preservice and inservice teacher education programs should incorporate the teaching of test wiseness in their curricula. (CMJ)

Designed for directors and staff members in bilingual vocational instructor training programs to be funded by the United States Department of Education, this monograph is a guide to competencies needed by bilingual vocational instructors. Chapter l discusses the project which developed the monograph. Chapter 2, Using the Monograph in Bilingual…

Intended for students preparing for the General Educational Development (GED) test, this workbook enables them to complete lessons in writing and spelling skills and to take the simulated writing skills tests. The first section contains worksheets on basic writing skills, such as sentence structure, capitalization, and punctuation and the use of…

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)

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)

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…

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)

A description of the program through which the state of Michigan has assessed the minimal competencies of its school pupils is given. (JT)

This teaching guide is based on Paulo Freire's "Pedagogy of the Oppressed" and is intended for use with Haitian migrant workers. The first chapter enunciates the general principles of foreign language teaching; chapters 2-5 illustrate actual use of the principles of control, sequence, reinforcement, and total physical response. Chapters…