Outlines results from a survey of assistant principalships in a six-state area. Presents a comprehensive listing of competencies resulting from the findings. Includes references. (MD)

A test of skill in reading electrocardiographs (ECGs) was developed as a physician competence (PC) test. The criterion-referenced test ranked 1,825 persons taking the 1983 Certifying Examination in Cardiovascular Diseases (CECD) as expected on the basis of prior education and examination scores on the CECD. The ECG test modestly correlated with…

Multiple matrix sampling is applied to a variation of Angoff's standard setting method. Thirty-six experts (internists) and 190 items were divided into five groups, and borderline examinee performance was estimated. There was some variability in the cutting scores produced by the individual groups, but various components were well estimated. (SLD)

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff has designed and developed programs to enhance the status of minority students, maximize the performance of Black students and teachers on standardized tests, increase the number of Black teachers in Arkansas, and revitalize the image of teacher education at UAPB. (MT)

Presents a statement about vocational and career counseling competencies approved by the 1981-82 National Career Development Association. (Author/BL)

The Texas legislation requiring testing of teachers holding "life" credentials is reviewed. The reactions of teachers groups to the Texas Examination of Current Administrators and Teachers (TECAT) and to the Governor's support for testing are described. (Author/MT)

Computer literacy is now considered a basic skill as important as the Three R's in Florida, where instructors have been given a legislative mandate to ensure it. A leader in this movement shares the written standards that support this mandate and explains how they were developed. (JN)

Discusses problems faced by college athletes, particularly those with inadequate academic preparation. In addition to physical, emotional, and financial stresses, travel requirements may cause athletes to miss about 26 percent of their classes. Universities should provide developmental programs for student athletes with remedial problems. (JAC)

Questionnaires returned by 285 graduates were used to survey perceptions of the Florida Teacher Certification Examination in terms of adequacy to measure competence, difficulty level, need for more rigor, and usefulness in upgrading standards. The results suggest that education graduates do not necessarily dismiss the value of a certification…

Analysis of a 10th grade competency test administered to 2,257 learning disabled students as part of Florida's minimum competency testing program indicated that large numbers of students performed poorly on many items involving basic communication and mathematics. (CL)

The concept of overlap between instruction and assessment is defined. The influence of tests on teaching and the teacher as curricular content decision maker is described. A model of how awareness of this overlap can move curriculum practice into alignment with an assessment system is presented. (Author/MT)

Discusses the experience of a committee at the University of Southern California that was formed to implement the university's requirement that foreign languages become a "Skill Level" requirement. This means that the student must meet the requirement by performing at a certain level on a proficiency examination. (SED)

Reviews state requirements for minimum competency testing and discusses past and potential future challenges to such testing. Offers possible solutions. (MD)

The Paraeducator Portfolio Assessment process is a method for paraeducators to meet the Title I requirements of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001. The Portfolio Assessment allows paraeducators to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in reading, writing, mathematics, and their ability to assist with instruction in the same areas,…

This analysis defends the proposition that fewer competencies should be used in the organizing structure for teacher education programs. An objectives-oriented teacher education approach is described and three minimal competencies for such a strategy isolated, along with alternative assessment tactics for each. (Author/JA)