The logical and psychological bases for setting cutting scores for criterion-referenced tests are examined; they are found to be intrinsically arbitrary and are often examples of misdirected precision and axiomatization. The term, criterion referenced, originally referred to a technique for making test scores meaningful by controlling the test…

On March 4, 1977, the Center for Advanced Study in Education (CASE) of the Graduate School and University Center of the City University of New York (CUNY) and the Board of Education of the City of New York co-sponsored a National Conference on Minimum Competencies: Trends and Issues. Six papers were presented: "An Overview Regarding Minimal…

The fourth annual report to the Florida Legislature reviews the reasons for time-shortened education, methods for student acceleration, and financial implications of acceleration. This progress report contains information on year-round matriculation, credit by verified proficiency (including equivalency tests and advanced placement), credit for…

While granting college credit by examination seems to be on the increase in popularity, few educational researchers seem to be assessing the effect of proficiency credit on student educational variables. For this purpose, the transcripts of 349 students who had graduated from the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign campus) during the academic…

The document reports on a model, performance-based, interdisciplinary program to prepare vocational directors in Illinois. Five objectives in the Occupational Education Administration Model's third year were: (1) field-test the model; (2) develop implementation strategies for a transportable program; (3) provide experiences that would assure the…

The purpose of the annual leadership conferences is to establish a continuing forum to stimulate dialogue among special education leadership personnel from the public schools, university training programs, and state education agencies. A critical factor in the selection of topics was the recognition that leaders in the field must design their…

Materials produced under this project, undertaken for the Child Development Associate (CDA) Consortium, reflect two purposes: (1) to identify specific skills and behaviors needed by teachers working with preschool Mexican-American children and (2) to develop an assessment process to evaluate the identified competencies, skills, and behaviors.…

A distributive education program of simulation occupational experiences was established in four rural pilot schools where the normal cooperative education program was not feasible. The plan provided for competency-based instruction by a distributive education teacher-coordinator (in management, merchandising, salespromotion, and control) in the…

A procedural guide for developing personnel training programs, the document presents a model system which is an integration of a training process outline by the Kentucky Department of Child Welfare and the HumRRO systems approach training model. The first chapter, The Systems Approach to Training, provides background information. Chapter 2,…

Traditional educational methods can no longer effectively meet the various needs and demands of the many diverse groups and individuals found in large metropolitan multicampus districts. Existing urban community colleges do not provide alternative services because they are limited in flexibility by state statutes and by the traditions of academia.…

The project examined the effects of learned leadership/membership skills on performance in task-oriented groups, developed competence-based instructional materials to teach such skills, and examined the effects of such skills on individual and group knowledge, skills, attitudes, and performance. Following a literature review, materials review, and…

This document reports efforts to address some of the problems of competency-based assessment by developing and utilizing unique measures of competence. Seven conceptual guidelines are identified for test development and utilization: (1) new competencies must be identified and operationally defined; (2) new competencies should have general…

The Competency-Based Degree Program (CBDP) at Oklahoma City University is an effort by a traditional university to serve a new and expanded group of students while maintaining a high level of quality in the services it provides. The CBDP is unique in that it is truly a nontraditional program operating within a traditional university with well…

Describes the Training Modules for Trainers (TMT) Project. Discusses the creation of competency-based materials, observing trainers at work and choosing a feasible model. Lists the titles and descriptions of TMT modules. Describes the purpose of the project as promoting the creative and productive use of computers as instructional tools. (CW)

Educational frameworks to accommodate rural America are designed around the concept of smallness and incorporate basic skill development through programed instruction, individual projects, use of volunteers, cross-age tutoring, and computer study. Other areas of focus include community involvement, practical skills, familiarization with the…