Reviews the standards for librarians and students involved in the library use education process and discusses the feasibility of producing lifelong, expert library researchers through this process. A model of simpler, more achievable goals is presented. (9 references and notes) (Author/CLB)

The study analyzed communication performance of tenth grade learning disabled (LD) students (N=1,098) on the Florida State Student Assessment Test-II (a minimum competency test). LD students demonstrated better literal communication skills and poorer interpretive and written communication skills. Employers (N=240) also supported the importance of…

The historical background, development, and selection of criteria for the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) in Britain are described, and provisions for candidates with special education needs are outlined. The desire to retain the integrity of examination standards while responding to the needs of handicapped candidates is…

Describes the steps in a systematic approach to: identification of most important competencies for industrial trainers for agency use in developing instructor competencies to select, train, and evaluate trainers: determining need for trainer competencies list; identifying competencies; establishing criteria to judge competencies; and testing…

Mainstreaming has resulted in the placement of large numbers of mildly mentally retarded students (amongst whom minorities are overrepresented) in regular classrooms, with little planned effort to meet their special needs. These students are now exposed to minimum competency testing, with its potential for reestablishing racially segregated…

Summarizes trends in competency testing for teachers in the United States. Points out the strong public support for this testing and the problems with predicting teaching success from test results. Concludes that teacher competency testing in Canada, currently less prevalent than in the United States, will increase dramatically. (JHZ)

Alternative approaches to education can work well if they are based on common sense and sound research. Recent research findings are reported for alternative approaches to three areas: curriculum, testing and measurement, and instruction. (TE)

On Nevada's minimum competency arithmetic test (Grade 11) 58% of Native American students passed compared to 84% of Whites. Surveys of Nevada educators indicated that performance of Indian students could be improved by remediation, individualized instruction, unbiased texts, occupational counseling, and cultural sensitivity on the part of all…

The seven citizenship competencies identified in the New York social studies program are acquiring and using information, assessing involvement, making decisions, making judgments, communicating, cooperating, and promoting interests. An elementary school that views the environment as a citizenship laboratory and gives students opportunities to…

Analysis of changes in the graduation requirements, credit requirements, and curriculum in high school English in California since the adoption of minimum competency testing by state law during the 1976-77 legislative session suggests that statewide legislative mandates can have significant impact on school district programs and priorities. (PGD)

Identifies topics discussed by educational technology professors in the curriculum group at the University Consortium for Instructional Development and Technology (UCIDT) Conference in April 1985: skills and knowledges taught in instructional technology programs; impact of new technology; job market influence; role of programs in teacher training;…

Test scores are being used for a variety of inappropriate purposes, often to the detriment of minorities. This article recounts recent evidence on misuse of testing, offers strategies for preventing abuse, and urges professionals to take on active roles in preventing misuse of their wares. (LMO)

Negative consequences of minimum competency testing for teacher candidates include the waste of human potential resulting from the disproportionately high failure rate of minority teacher candidates and the danger of lessening the pressure for needed curriculum reforms. This essay urges seeking alternative methods for improving the quality of…

The impact of school district resources and policy changes on basic skills performance is examined in this article. Data were collected to observe if specific policy changes, testing programs, or teacher training influence student test results. Student pretesting had the only significant positive effect on performance. (Author/DF)

This document is part of a series of materials meant to promote understanding of the knowledge and skills students must have and the kinds of work they must produce to be successful on the Graduation Exit Examination for the 21st Century (GEE 21). For GEE 21, student scores are reported at five achievement levels: advanced; mastery; basic;…