The study reported indicates that despite the fact that undergraduate majors in elementary education could demonstrate attainment of a minimum standard on science content knowledge at one time, many were not able to demonstrate competence at the minimum standard at graduation time. (MK)

Summarizes the basic skills testing programs of Pennsylvania State University, City University of New York, University System of Georgia, and the state of New Jersey. Discusses the use of test results, remedial courses offered, administration of the programs, and program evaluation. (JM)

One problem raised by minimum competency testing is the search for effective means of remediating the learning problems of students failing the competency exams. Local school districts must rely on currently existing programs, particularly ESEA Title I programs, which have been shown to have had a limited impact on student progress in the past.…

The National Association of Therapeutic Wilderness Camps (NATWC) established a counselor certification program, but it has not been affiliated with a college program awarding academic degree credit. East Tennessee State University developed a curriculum that can be matched with the NATWC competencies. Students can be certified through coursework…

Procedures based on latent trait models and the Rasch model are described for computation and asymptotic statistical inference for two decision consistency indexes often used in mastery or competence testing. Simulations were conducted for typical mastery testing situations to illustrate the procedures. (SLD)

A project combined precision teaching techniques and a flashcard approach known as SAFMEDS, with 4 students with learning disabilities or behavior disorders, age 14-18. Project results determined that the techniques provided students with necessary skills to pass the school district's minimum competency test in the area of local, state, and…

Offers the Southern Examining Group chief examiner's personal assessment of the successes and problems encountered during the first year of the British General Certification of Secondary Education (GCSE) examination. Discusses both coursework and the examination itself. Concludes that if administrative problems can be overcome, the GCSE will…

Discusses issues involved in the construction, validity, and use of tests that evaluate educational progress, especially those that assess higher-order cognitive functioning. Reviews the four articles in this special issue. (FMW)

Describes Australia's program of educational assistance to developing countries, indicating that over three-quarters of the assistance is for higher education. Suggests that the program's bias is driven by commercial considerations. Advocates increased assistance to basic education programs because of their greater relevance to developing…

A survey of 106 educators rated the importance of knowledge statements and skill statements in the area of assessment of children in special education. Highly ranked items concerned referral, screening, prereferral, classification, state and federal guidelines, multidisciplinary team roles, monitoring student progress, and evaluating the results…

Reports on a survey of community college faculty chairs and administrators to identify institutional initiatives to enhance student performance on the College Level Academic Skills Test (CLAST), assess faculty acceptance of and support for the CLAST mandate, and determine uses of aggregate CLAST scores in formative and summative evaluations. (DMM)

Universities can play a role in resolving the problems of functionally illiterate adults, which have reduced human capital and economic production. One university's adult competency initiative provided classes and tutoring for its employees and community members, supporting its mission to apply knowledge in the real world. (SK)

Discusses the use of computerized placement testing at Santa Fe Community College to enable students needing only a short review of reading skills to exit early from a College Preparatory Reading Class (CPRC). Describes CPRC placement, structure, curriculum, and exit criteria; the Early Exit Reading Project; and project results. (DMM)

Describes a model for addressing prerequisite mathematics needs. A small set of prerequisite skills for the content course is identified and assessed, and students needing extra help are assisted. Targeted students include those with only marginal deficits rather than those needing full course remediation. Presents results from empirical testing…