This document was developed to provide action steps that can be taken by teachers, parents, administrators, and students themselves to develop the personal, cognitive, and social dimensions of students. These advocates are identified in "The Holistic Learner Framework: A Culturally Responsive Approach to Accelerating the Achievement of Low…

This paper examines the use of development centre methodology to measure the gap in performance for fieldwork staff in a social welfare organisation. The process follows the construction of a capability framework, a set of work-based simulations for participants and the use of a 360-degree instrument. These processes are combined to measure and…

In an effort to establish a baseline of technology competency among our entering education students, our College of Education began implementing the Assessment of Technology Competencies (ATC) in Fall 2003. This performance-based assessment evaluates word-processing, presentation, spreadsheet, graphic/drawing, and Internet skills. Although…

The rapid growth of minimum competency testing (by 1981, 36 states in the United States had mandated some form of minimum competency testing) has led to increased legal challenges of the existing testing programs. Three issues have been raised and are summarized in this brief overview: (1) constitutional claims under the due process clause; (2)…

Intended to help the laity find their way through the confusion and controversy surrounding minimum competency testing (MCT), this paper explains what MCT is, acknowledges its limitations, weighs the criticisms, and shows how MCT may be used constructively for the benefit of students and for the improvement of schools. Highlights from the paper…

This paper contains descriptions of mandated minimum competency programs in 13 states: Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Vermont. Each description provides the skills assessed in the state, the assessment instruments used, and the overall purposes of…

This paper contains descriptions of mandated minimum competency documents from seven states: Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Michigan, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas. Each description provides a picture of the general nature of the state requirements and a discussion of the specific writing skills requirements. The procedures used to compile a…

This document presents the graduation requirements of the Bloomfield Hills public schools. It includes the credits that must be earned in grades 10-12 and the minimum competencies that must be achieved in each of 14 areas, including measurement skills, speaking skills, communication skills, employment and career skills, and physical fitness.…

Examines the issue of minimum competency testing. Advantages and disadvantages are listed and differences in approaches to implementation are discussed. Problems which arise for teachers are listed along with suggestions for how to handle them. (JMB)

However feasible or easy it is to do minimum competency testing, the difficult task will be to defend doing it. (Author)

Discusses the use of the computer in teaching accounting. (JOW)

This paper describes the California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST), the educator response to it, and its effect at the district and individual levels. Questions are raised regarding the implications that implementation of present policy have for future students and teachers in California. (MT)

A school structure is proposed that includes automatic student promotion each school year and educates each student to his or her true potential. (MD)

Discusses the minimum competency testing movement and the unresolved issues concerning it. Indicates that until the issues are settled, there will continue to be controversy and legal activity. (JOW)

This paper describes a project of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Project Definition and Selection of Competencies: Theoretical and Conceptual Foundations (Project DeSeCo). DeSeCo was designed to complement past and current international comparative assessments by providing theoretical and conceptual foundations…