This response to a previous article concerning the use of the CBEST considers the importance of periodic review of testing and scoring procedures, the uses and improvement of these procedures, and the search for alternatives which better suit the intended purposes. (CB)

Eligibility standards for participating in extracurricular activities are definitely needed. The question is whether minimal or more restrictive standards are most effective to meet academic requirements. This article presents arguments for both minimal and higher standards and suggests that chosen standards should be a positive motivating force.…

Benefits of and class procedures for competency-based volleyball instruction are discussed. Specific competencies required for grades of A, B, C, or D are listed. (MT)

This article describes the teacher testing requirements that have been mandated by the Texas legislature. Teacher tests which are already in effect or will be required are: a basic skills tests; an initial certification test; an incumbent educators test; a master teacher test; and an alternative certification test. (MT)

This study correlated scores on the NTE Test of Professional Knowledge (PK) with the Rating Scale of Student Teacher Competence (RSSTC) and between each of these with overall grade-point average (GPA). The lack of relationship between PK and RSSTC scores indicates that the PK may measure a different domain. (MT)

The Debra P. versus Turlington case marked the first major inquiry into content validity of a student competency testing program. The Florida federal district court determined material assessed on the test had been taught in Florida's classrooms. Schools may deny regular diplomas to students who fail the test. (DWH)

Discusses the political and legal issues in minimum competency testing. Indicates that local educational policymakers and administrators must resist further centralization and take action to devise their own programs. (JOW)

The article emphasizes the application of minimum testing programs to deaf students and provides background information regarding the nature of minimum competency testing programs and on major issues regarding implementation and use of testing procedures. Information regarding the development of minimum competency testing programs for deaf…

Describes how fourteen principles of adult education provide the conceptual framework for performance competencies to guide the daily practice of instructors in the centralized inservice department of a large acute-care hospital. (JOW)

The National Teacher Evaluation Program has developed a competency test for teachers that is the result of extensive consultation with the profession, pretesting, and review. Plans for the future of the test are detailed. (MLF)

Reports the findings of a study which was designed to develop a profile of continuing education program coordinators/ specialists and to assess their perceived professional competencies. (LRA)

The author asserts that coverage of educational measurement issues in the popular press and in nontechnical education journals rarely reflects the concerns of measurement specialists. He presents the measurement issues surrounding minimum-competency testing and suggests that specialists work to make these known to the public. (SJL)

Examines the ineffectiveness of common law action in negligence suits and the effectiveness of state legislation to eliminate educational malpractice and functional illiteracy. Suggests alternative ways to prove educational malpractice. Available from New England Law Review, 126 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116. (IRT)

In this paper the author shares his concerns about minimal competency testing, fearing that the minimum may become the maximum. He discusses this fear based on examples from the English curriculum--Language, Writing, and Literature. (KC)

Stresses the need for examining the minimum competency testing movement in terms of: (1) the relationship between the goals of the curriculum and the content of such tests; (2) the concept of remediation; (3) the issue of discrimination; (4) open v secure (secret) testing: (5) the impact of standardized testing practices on early education. (GC)