This study investigated the feasibility of using the three-parameter model in Florida's minimum competency testing program. LOGIST 4 was used to analyze 1984 Statewide Student Assessment Tests (SSAT)-II data, exploring possibilities that easiness of the test would cause problems in the estimation of the a and c parameters. These problems and…

Provided as a framework for use in curriculum development are Arkansas' course content guides for the intermediate elementary grades four, five, and six. At each grade level, language arts, mathematics, reading, social studies, and science skills have been identified at three instructional levels: basic, developmental, and extensional. Basic…

Based on an extensive literature search, this paper reviews recent research and theoretical studies and discusses their applicability to Lansing Community College's (LCC's) Mathematics Laboratory. After noting the steps taken in data collection, part I describes LCC and its Math Lab, which offers developmental courses in a self-paced, mastery…

The legislation mandating Louisiana's Basic Skills Test was consistent with federal legislation in specifically including special education students. The development of policy alternatives for the testing of these students, however, was a complex process. Related issues include: (1) inclusion/exclusion of special education students, (2)…

A formative evaluation minimum competency test model is examined. The model systematically uses assessment information to support and facilitate program improvement. In terms of the model, four inter-related qualities are essential for a sound testing program. The content validity perspective looks at how well the district has defined competency…

The Florida Statewide Assessment Program, a result of the Educational Accountability Act of 1971, collects and reports information annually concerning student achievement in the basic skills areas of reading, writing, and mathematics. This publication was prepared for counselors and other school personnel as a resource manual with the following…

This new publication, which replaces A Primer for Mississippi School Librarians published in 1967, is designed for use in planning, implementing, and evaluating school library media programs. For the administrator, there are competencies which must be met to develop the library media program as an integral part of the total instructional program.…

This bulletin contains the current specifications from which the questions on the professional education subtest of the Florida Teacher Certification Examination were developed. Information is provided on: (1) competencies and subskills tested by the subtest; (2) generic competencies evaluation strategies; (3) the content base for the professional…

This report presents results of the first Poll of the Public's Attitudes toward the Public Schools in Maryland. Based upon the 16th Annual Gallup Poll of the Public's Attitudes toward Public Schools, this statewide poll provides: (1) benchmark data on the attitudes toward public education of Maryland communities; (2) a vehicle for obtaining…

This survey, which measures the attitudes of Americans toward their public schools, is the 13th annual survey in this series. New as well as trend questions are included in this and every survey. Personal, in-home interviews of 1519 adults were conducted in all areas of the nation and in all types of communities. The survey questions addressed:…

One of a series of publications on selected aspects of reading curriculum development, this monograph contains eight papers that deal with expectations in the teaching of reading. Topics covered include (1) the relationship between reading and writing, (2) changing expectations in education, (3) skills programs for remedial readers, (4) ways to…

Arguing that educational testing has not grown with the theory and knowledge base of the reading field, this paper cites the current configuration of testing as a major contributor to the instructional stagnation, methodological back-to-basics movement, and general lack of excitement and true innovation found in classrooms and schools today. The…

This manual was developed to serve as an aid to administrators and instructors involved with postsecondary air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration programs. The first of six chapters contains general information on program implementation, the curriculum design, facilities and equipment requirements, and textbooks and references. Chapter 2…

A project identified and validated minimal competencies that describe what K-8 classroom teachers actually do in community education. A total of 27 participants from four Phoenix elementary schools, each of which had an active community education program, identified tasks in five areas related to community education. These were program planning,…

The problem of a perceived decline in secondary school students' reading comprehension and the efforts of one high school English department head to address that problem are described in this paper. The first section of the paper presents an extensive documentation of the decline in reading comprehension and of reactions by state and local…