The need for improved accountability has led to more competency-based testing. This provides test makers with the opportunity to have greater impact on the curriculum. Several strategies are suggested for measurement-based instructional improvement. (Author/PN)

Graduates of a master's degree program for training reading specialists responded to a questionnaire concerning need for and competence in 40 teaching skills. Self-report data differentiated the competency training group (CTG) graduates (1973) from the conventionally trained group (1970), with the CTG clearly superior in their self-estimates of…

Reports on an experiment designed to identify positive variables in the essay writing of Black college students and to use the variables in a new writing course. Suggests that instruction in concepts, skills, and relationships, when combined with consideration of students' diagnosed needs, can result in writing improvement. (AOS)

Research findings suggest that methods used to improve teaching are as important as the goals. Solutions sought should be those that professionalize the practice of teaching and make education sufficiently attractive to recruit and retain talented people as teachers. (MLF)

Reveals 16 findings of a study on whether high schools using Competency-Based Testing altered their curriculum differently than Non-Competency-Based-Testing Schools and, if so, what factors (e.g., school size, ethnic makeup, or community type) contributed to the differences. Makes seven recommendations based on study findings. (DMM)

Parents are interested in testing, but they need information about what types of tests are given to their children, what tests measure, and how tests can be used constructively. Standardized tests are the particular concern of parents because they believe testing is an integral part of education. (Author/CM)

The effects of the Performance Based Teacher Education (PBTE) movement are categorized into six areas: (1) conscience-pricker; (2) clarifier of educational purpose; (3) bridge between theory and practice; (4) humanizer of educational process; (5) stimulator of research and development; and (6) change catalyst. (CJ)

Survey research establishes that beardedness correlates with many desired outcomes and supports that a minimal level of beardedness be set as a prerequisite for high school graduation. Research problems of concept clarification, domain-definition, instrument development, and standard setting methods are discussed. The political considerations of…

The degree to which it is possible to identify, from data in their cumulative folders, students likely to fail a high school competency test is investigated. Results indicated that some predictor variables could be used to identify those likely to fail Senior High Assessment of Reading Progress and the Test of Proficiency in Computational Skills.…

Many teacher education programs are moving toward some type of selective admissions procedures ranging from tests of competence in oral and written communication to committee assessments using multiple criteria. The screening technique proposed in this study is a reading proficiency test, measuring teacher candidates' ability to read textbook…

The promotion of basic skills need not conflict with present elective systems which seek to create interest and to address student concerns. The solution is not to narrow subject offerings to a "no-frills" level, but to design learning systems which ensure that current offerings cover the basic skills. (SJL)

Discusses seven guidelines for programs to teach functional reading skills and meet minimum competency standards. (AEA)

Project INSPIRE (Indiana Special Population Institutes for Recreation Educators), assisted by a team of 61 experts, identified 16 minimum competencies necessary for entry-level professionals in the field of recreation to serve special populations in community recreation. (JN)

Describes a successful after-school tutoring program that involves teachers, students, and parents, and has resulted in higher scores on both minimum-competency tests and achievement tests. Includes guidelines for starting such a program. (IRT)

The issues surrounding the age-old traditions of the English educational system and the new configurations of teaching and assessment that are emerging are described. A report ("A Language for Life"), prepared for the Department of Education and Science by a committee headed by Sir Alan Bullock, is summarized. (Author/MLW)