Presents an economic model of the relationship among educational effort, ability, employment qualifications, and productivity. Suggests that occupational competency requirements may encourage applicants to restrict their investments in education to the minimum necessary to obtain certification, rather than striving for competency levels that would…

Discusses the minimum competency model of staff qualifications. Classifies the ideal characteristics and qualifications for experiential leaders. Discusses interconnection of hiring, training, and supervision of experiential education staff and the relationship of these activities to program quality. Presents an integrated staff development model…

The impact of "exit-gate" and the new "entrance-gate" tests on Black prospective teachers and historically Black colleges is described. Three strategies for dealing with teacher testing without compromising teacher competency are outlined. A broader vision of competence is needed to counterbalance the narrow view provided by…

The author states that throughout the past century or more, especially during the twentieth century, the continuing conflict between proponents of the minimum essentials approach to curriculum excellence and those of the individual development approach has been an obstacle to the achievement of excellence. (CT)

This joint research and development project of two state departments of education used the DACUM (Developing a Curriculum) process to identify microcomputer competencies for vocational instructors. Brainstorming techniques were used to identify five categories of microcomputer applications and to determine which competencies belonged in each…

An outcome of the excellence movement has been an increase in state control of education, especially through state-mandated testing, as testing has become the preferred means of trying to effect change in education following the popularity of accountability and minimum competency testing. Suggestions for using tests prudently are listed. (DCS)

The crisis in American education as revealed in the decay in the college course of study and in the role of college faculties in creating and nurturing that decay is discussed. The text of the report of the AAC Project on Redefining the Meaning and Purpose of Baccalaureate Degrees is presented. (MLW)

Explores the many meanings of the minimal competency testing movement and the more recent mobilization for educational excellence in the schools. Argues that increasing the value of the diploma by setting performance standards on minimal competency tests and by elevating academic graduation standards may strongly conflict with policies encouraging…

A positive effect of the competency testing movement is that it will reveal the nation's greatest educational failure--understanding minority achievement and developing successful instructional delivery systems for minority youth. Collaborative leadership from teachers, professional educators, and the public must challenge the development of new…

A decision upholding the constitutionality of Florida's competency exam is reviewed and school boards advised of measures for ensuring fairness and legality in competency testing: a curriculum that teaches the skills tested, adequate remedial instruction, and several chances to take the test. (MJL)

One of the most prevalent and controversial accommodations for students with disabilities is an audio presentation of written test material, the "read-aloud" accommodation. This study used test administration data from the Missouri Assessment Program to examine effects of using the read-aloud accommodation on the characteristics of…

This evaluation studied the role PLATO Learning played within a basic competency remediation program and in a peer tutor program at Western Harnett High School (WHHS) in Lillington, North Carolina in the spring 1998 semester. To graduate from North Carolina high schools, students must pass a basic competency examination. Those WHHS students…

Assessment and accountability have played prominent roles in many reform efforts during the past 50 years. This digest reviews features of assessment and accountability that influence the trustworthiness of information provided and impacts educational practices and student learning. It discusses reform based on assessment and accountability,…

This technical assistance manual contains guidelines for paraeducator roles, supervision, and skill and knowledge competency standards on which policymakers and implementers can build to improve the effectiveness of teacher/provider-paraeducator teams. The guidelines and standards were developed by a project of national significance funded by the…

Describes a series of projects conducted in the Dallas County Community College District at various stages of a major curriculum review process. Discusses guiding principles that emerged from the process, relating to institutional autonomy, faculty and staff commitment, community support, and high institutional priority for the effort. (AYC)