This publication outlines recommended minimum competencies for training and development personnel, as developed by the Professional Development Committee of the Ontario Society for Training and Development. It is intended to provide basic checklists of necessary skills, knowledge, and behaviors for each of four categories of training and…

The merit of minimum competency testing in a competency-based physical education course is examined by a physical education consultant. (JD)

The responses to an informal survey of the states indicate that most states are either giving competency tests, developing them, or making plans to do so. Many aspects of the current practices and trends need study and discussion. (Author/IRT)

Three questions are explored: (1) what are the minimal mathematical skills; (2) what determines minimal competency; (3) how should competence be measured. Seven recommendations relating to these questions are given. (MP)

This discussion of the mathematics portion of the examination includes topics covered, test development, and sample questions. (MP)

The author briefly surveys the movement towards minimum competencies for secondary-education graduates and points out the danger of confusing the term "minimum competency" with "minimum requirements." (MJB)

Offers arguments opposing the minimal competency testing movement. (MKM)

Examines the Oregon program in which each school district establishes and measures its own set of competency standards. (Author/IRT)

A process for identifying mathematical skills is describe. Skills representing the minimum a student should know in order to function in the United States today are listed. (JT)

Encouraged by public concern for universal competence in the basic computational skills, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics, the Missouri and Michigan Councils of Teachers of Mathematics state their positions on the meaning of basic skills. (JT)

The mathematics performance of 1,098 learning disabled (LD) Florida tenth graders on the Florida State Assessment Test-II was evaluated. LD students tended to perform better on skills requiring literal use of numbers and worse on skills requiring application of mathematical knowledge. Employers' ratings supported the importance of skills tested.…

The study reviewed the performance of 300 educable mentally retarded 10th graders on the Florida State Student Assessment Test which evaluates specified minimum performance standards in basic academic skills. Retarded students scored lower and were less likely than other students to attain the required level of mastery prior to graduation.…

Outlines knowledge, subject areas, and competencies in the areas of administration, audiovisuals, cataloging, reference, literature, and selection required by individual states in certifying library media specialists. Practicum requirements are also listed. (MES)

Issues raised by teacher competency testing are addressed. How competency can be defined and measured and whether competency assessment makes a positive contribution to teaching are discussed along with legal and ethical concerns. (Author/MT)

A brief report on status of state mandates for teacher testing considers: (1) the number of states that have or are establishing testing programs; (2) the type of competency testing being conducted by each state; (3) whether currently employed teachers should be tested; (4) whether such tests discriminate against minority group members; and (5)…