In 1979, the state of Massachusetts identified 11 listening and 14 speaking skills as part of a basic skills program in elementary/secondary schools. The authors were asked to recommend methods of assessing these skills. The article summarizes their decision process and includes the recommendations. (PD)

Reports on the development of an assessment instrument to test basic communication skills necessary for students' success in college. Covers the instrument's conceptual foundation, administration procedures, development, and analysis. (PD)

Presents a study which measured secondary school mathematics and science teachers' (N=3576) opinions on what students should know about computers. (DS)

Proposes a two-level decision model to evaluate educational programs by types of learners they generate as well as the utility and cost of the program. Decision rules based on the underlying requirement that each learner reach self-sufficiency are described. (Author/BK)

Investigates (1) the impact on business and education of demographic, economic, political, and technical developments; (2) strengths and weaknesses of competency based education; and (3) future implications for business education in terms of job prospects and educational preparation. (SK)

Citing experience with declining ability in Navy personnel, Admiral Rickover calls for a redirection of the schools toward intellectual development, with improved academic standards and objective measures of student performance. He advocates a federal panel to establish model standards and tests in the basic skills. (SJL)

The author, Assistant HEW Secretary for Education, reviews some of the evidence and recommendations on declining achievement in American schools, especially the National Academy of Education report, "Improving Educational Achievement." She examines point-by-point the current proposal for a national standards panel and a national…

Nearly all high school students in the Choctaw School System (Mississippi), which operates without a curriculum or a comprehensive evaluation program, function below grade level. Minimum competency evaluation revealed that as many as 50 percent of those entering high school need remedial instruction. There are implications for educational change.…

Describes the work of the Speech Communication Association Task Force on Minimal Speaking and Listening Competencies for High School Graduates and provides recommended minimal speaking and listening competencies and implications for further curriculum development and research. (JMF)

Educational researchers must rely on their informed judgments and assume responsibility in setting minimum competency standards to meet the public demand for quality education. There are both advantages and disadvantages of implementing, as well as not implementing, a minimum competency program. (MH)

The system of competency tests used by the University of Georgia System is examined. Arguments for and against the tests developed by the state board of regents are presented, and the issue of racial discrimination is also addressed. (JMF)

Argues that effective writing skills are essential for future community college leaders. Describes writing skills that should be expected of graduates of higher education programs, including the ability to anticipate audience's needs and employ appropriate grammar and syntax. Argues that professors of higher education should set and enforce clear…

Examines characteristics of the high-performance workplace and the growing needs for qualified workers. Discusses the role of high schools in changing students' attitudes toward work and presents basic skills criteria for high school students. Reviews the school-to-work initiative and describes components of tech prep programs. (AJL)

Presents the assessment and grading practices of 19 mathematics classes in five high schools in three states. In each class the most frequently used assessment tools were tests and quizzes, with these determining approximately 77% of students' grades. In 12 classes other forms of assessment such as written projects or interviews were also used.…

This article identifies several reasons for demands for teacher and student accountability. Minimum competency testing of students and teachers is discussed within the context of the accountability movement, and the implications of such testing as an evaluation tool are considered. (IAH)