This report reviews the current status, empirical findings, theoretical issues, and practical considerations related to state-level minimum competency testing programs. It finds that, although two-thirds of current testing programs now use direct writing prompts to assess writing achievement, essentially all programs rely on multiple choice tests…

Outlines recent court cases related to schools concerning such things as tax exempt status for private schools, minimum competency testing as a graduation requirement, religious groups meeting in schools, and racial discrimination when rehiring teachers who were laid off. (JM)

Much of the debate on testing over the last two decades has centered on issues of equity. In this review of testing and the minority child, the ways in which schools can test and use test results to help all children learn are explained. (Author)

The need for improved accountability has led to more competency-based testing. This provides test makers with the opportunity to have greater impact on the curriculum. Several strategies are suggested for measurement-based instructional improvement. (Author/PN)

Reports on an experiment designed to identify positive variables in the essay writing of Black college students and to use the variables in a new writing course. Suggests that instruction in concepts, skills, and relationships, when combined with consideration of students' diagnosed needs, can result in writing improvement. (AOS)

Research findings suggest that methods used to improve teaching are as important as the goals. Solutions sought should be those that professionalize the practice of teaching and make education sufficiently attractive to recruit and retain talented people as teachers. (MLF)

Reveals 16 findings of a study on whether high schools using Competency-Based Testing altered their curriculum differently than Non-Competency-Based-Testing Schools and, if so, what factors (e.g., school size, ethnic makeup, or community type) contributed to the differences. Makes seven recommendations based on study findings. (DMM)

Parents are interested in testing, but they need information about what types of tests are given to their children, what tests measure, and how tests can be used constructively. Standardized tests are the particular concern of parents because they believe testing is an integral part of education. (Author/CM)

Survey research establishes that beardedness correlates with many desired outcomes and supports that a minimal level of beardedness be set as a prerequisite for high school graduation. Research problems of concept clarification, domain-definition, instrument development, and standard setting methods are discussed. The political considerations of…

The degree to which it is possible to identify, from data in their cumulative folders, students likely to fail a high school competency test is investigated. Results indicated that some predictor variables could be used to identify those likely to fail Senior High Assessment of Reading Progress and the Test of Proficiency in Computational Skills.…

Minimum competencies are being imposed on the schools by state legislators frustrated by declining academic achievement. Teachers must not allow this movement to engender a "teaching for the test" mentality. They must work for a balanced curriculum, good remedial programs, and competency tests which provide real feedback for teaching. (SJL)

Discusses seven guidelines for programs to teach functional reading skills and meet minimum competency standards. (AEA)

Describes a successful after-school tutoring program that involves teachers, students, and parents, and has resulted in higher scores on both minimum-competency tests and achievement tests. Includes guidelines for starting such a program. (IRT)

The issues surrounding the age-old traditions of the English educational system and the new configurations of teaching and assessment that are emerging are described. A report ("A Language for Life"), prepared for the Department of Education and Science by a committee headed by Sir Alan Bullock, is summarized. (Author/MLW)

States that fail to increase assistance to students unable to pass competency exams may be doing so at their legal peril as both the Equal Protection Clause and Title VII seem to require such assistance. Available from Human Rights, 1155 E. 60th St., Chicago, IL 60637. (Author/IRT)