The second of two task forces formed to consider the graduation requirements of Hawaii's public education system came to several conclusions and made several recommendations regarding improving the existing program. Among the task force's concerns were making sure graduation requirements were linked to the state department of education's…

This document includes a 3-page brochure describing the main report and the main report. The report explores competency-based models in postsecondary institutions and other learning environments. It is intended primarily as a guide for postsecondary educators who are interested in establishing such efforts at their institutions. The following…

Competency testing in composition fixes goals that convey to students, teachers, parents, and the general public inaccurate notions about the nature of composition and what competency in writing comprises. The trend toward competency testing comes from the public's realization that many high school and college graduates are functionally…

The Illinois Learning Standards are required learning targets for Illinois students and schools. This guidebook includes the Illinois State Goals for Learning in seven learning areas (as updated from the 1985 Learning Goals), Learning Standards for each of the State Goals, and Learning Benchmarks that define progress at five developmental levels…

Examines the purposes of student evaluation and how they influence the daily life of the classroom. Discusses feedback to students and parents, minimum competencies, classroom observations, formal tests, and self-evaluation. (SS)

Minimal competency testing of students can be an effective tool for improving educational quality if applied appropriately with adequate safeguards. The failure of academic standards through grade inflation, a policy of social promotion rather than academic promotion, and weak curricula has reduced public confidence in education and encouraged…

Needs assessment, identification of objectives, training and evaluation procedures of a Competency Based Education (CBE) system and minimum competencies are discussed. These are applied to second language instruction utilizing the Council of Europe's "Threshold Level" core from which statements may be developed and applied in a CBE learning…

The Minnesota Department of Children, Families, and Learning plans to implement the "profile of learning" plan in 3 phases over 3 years beginning in the 1996-97 school year. This information brief contains a chart that depicts the profile of learning and highlights each of its elements. The profile of learning is composed of 10 broadly…

The Minnesota Legislature directed the Minnesota State Board of Education to set in rule the content and performance standards that public high school students must achieve in order to graduate. This information brief describes the history and current status of the High School Graduation Rule for public school students in Minnesota. The state's…

This manual identifies the minimum competencies in reading, writing, and mathematics expected of students in grades 3, 5, 8, and 11 who are not impaired by a mental or physical handicap. One hundred twenty-one standards and 358 corresponding basic skills are listed in chart form, and 30 of the basic skills are set aside as functional…

Guidelines for setting performance standards for minimum competency testing are suggested. Because qualitative judgments are involved, certain options should be considered, such as periodic reviews and necessary revisions of standards; use of experience-based rather than arbitrary standards; and thorough consideration of standards, even if the…

A brief overview of trends in assessment in psychology degrees is presented. Both natural evolutionary changes in education and external, professionally-based forces have exerted considerable influence upon both the psychology curriculum and the methods of assessment to which psychology students have been subjected. (MLW)

Aspects of proposed higher education reforms that involve assessment of students learning are clarified by the president of the Educational Testing Service. Governors and state legislators are advised not to adopt state minimum competency standards for higher education. It is claimed that the responsibility for setting instructional standards and…

During the academic year 1977-78 a national survey was conducted to identify those competencies which various segments of the population consider important for functioning adults, and to ascertain which competencies should be taught in the schools. Data presented in this study are based on 2,908 questionnaire returns from 2,284 students (mostly in…

This booklet is intended to serve as a mechanism whereby special educators and vocational instructors can work cooperatively in developing an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) for special needs students. The planner identifies appropriate occupational areas (horticulture, apparel assembly, carpentry, food service, and plumbing) and then…