States that fail to increase assistance to students unable to pass competency exams may be doing so at their legal peril as both the Equal Protection Clause and Title VII seem to require such assistance. Available from Human Rights, 1155 E. 60th St., Chicago, IL 60637. (Author/IRT)

Relates the methodology and findings of a study of the mathematics competencies of two- and four-year college students in Nebraska, revealing that both groups had neutral attitudes toward mathematics and similar mathematical competencies. (AYC)

Once a year every student in Hazelwood (Missouri) high schools is required to write a composition. This Total School Writing Assessment is a major step in an effort to emphasize writing skills and to make writing competence a requirement for graduation. (SK)

Based on a manual produced by the Florida Department of Education, this article presents competency statements which provide guidelines for determining the basic skills needed to collect and apply placement and follow-up data. (LRA)

Describes the test, The Degrees of Reading Power, developed by the New York State Education Department for use as a formalized "informal reading inventory." (MKM)

The President of Miami University of Ohio explains why he has proposed a test of basic reading and writing skills as a graduation requirement at his institution. (SJL)

Reviewing the current justifications for minimum competency testing (MCT) programs, the author finds them inadequate. He asks whether reading, writing, and computation skills can be proven necessary for a successful life and whether MCT programs can be demonstrated to be the best means of promoting students' living skills. (SJL)

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)

The author examines concerns about whether or not, and by what criteria, handicapped students should be included in or excluded from comprehensive competency testing programs, as well as the implications of minimum competency testing for the handicapped. Pertinent legislation from several states is discussed. (Author/SJL)

The process of setting performance standards must be examined within the particular context in which specific approaches have been used to construct or select the criterion performance measures being utilized. (Author/RLV)

Defends the master's degree in library science from a program accredited by the American Library Association as a valid minimum educational requirement for library practice at the professional level. Issues that undermine this requirement are discussed and actions that the profession can take to strengthen this position are identified. (nine…

A test that for a decade has been required of Florida college students before they can become juniors will, in 1996, become only one of four ways for students to demonstrate academic readiness. While some expect the change to reduce remedial enrollments, move students through college faster, and improve collaboration between public schools and…

Describes Assessment of Basic Competencies (ABC), a methodology for measuring writing, arithmetic, and selected life skills that is simple, inexpensive, and easy to reproduce. Provides results of a pilot implementation of ABC among 2,100 children in Bangladesh between the ages of 11 and 12. (35 citations) (MAB)

Describes a study of 57 vocational program faculty at Odessa College (Texas) to determine their perceptions of crucial competencies for students to master. Presents a core of 38 mathematical competencies identified as necessary for student success, grouped in the areas of whole numbers, fractions, decimals, mixed operations, and measurement. (26…