The trend toward competency-based education and competency testing is the work of legislators and politicians, not educators. Some of the latter express serious reservations about it. The minimum competency testing movement is a result of the effort to integrate minorities into the mainstream of society. (JOW)

Development of the mathematics functional literacy test (MFLT) is described, issues of predictive and content validity are discussed, and implications for educational policy are presented. Ten basic skill areas identified by the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics were used as the basis for the development of the MFLT. (RL)

At a series of three workshops, 25 principal competency statements were developed to define more clearly administrative roles in community education administration. A table organizes the 25 statements into eight essential task areas and then lists the minimal competencies needed in each area. (MLF)

Indicates that national statistics show declining numbers of unskilled jobs and large numbers of semiliterate and illiterate high school graduates; argues that minimum competency requirements can benefit both individuals and society. Observes that recent judicial decisions have usurped the right to set educational policy, which constitutionally…

Concludes that valid reading tests are needed for adults and should be designed differently than tests for academic or school-related reading. (AEA)

Self-assessment is one answer to the problems that arise when vocational placement tests are not used. Advantages of this system are (1) students obtain evaluation without the trauma of entrance examinations; (2) students are aware of needed competencies; and (3) students will seek courses to prepare them for success. (JOW)

Argues that educators and researchers should become more active in making the decisions that affect education, such as minimum competency testing. (FL)

Satirizes the teaching of basic skills in isolation and the placing of test results above true learning. (RL)

The author outlines current federal interest in the competency testing movement, explaining the federal role as supportive, with no plans for a national test, but with concern for equal educational opportunity. Federal activities are described, including the new NIE Office of Testing, Assessment, and Evaluation. (SJL)

The National Institute of Education's hearings on minimum competency testing sought to educate the public about both sides of the issue. This article summarizes the ground rules for the hearings and the five points of inquiry debated. (WD)

The fundamental Reading Competencies Test assesses proficiency with respect to well-defined functional reading skills of high school students. Validity and reliability data for the test are presented. (Author/JKS)

Reviews methods and materials for producing marketing and distributive education graduates who are employable. Discusses performance-based competencies and mastery learning. (JOW)

Applies components of visual literacy to language acquisition and the development of language skills. Lists visual language competencies, with examples and suggested learning activities. (RL)

The basics must be taught, but a school which teaches the basics alone would not educate every student to his or her fullest potential. Allowing the "basics-only" advocates to restrict school curriculum would mean shortchanging many children with diverse needs. (Author/SJL)

Describes a project designed to test the effectiveness of the traditional adult basic education curriculum and a competency based curriculum; develop an adult literacy and competency skills instructional program; and produce an exportable handbook which could be used by other agencies in developing such programs. (CT)