This article, (presented by the Board of Directors of the International Reading Association) discusses a position statement adopted in April 1979, which states, in part, that no single measure or method of assessment of minimum competencies should ever be the sole criterion for graduation or promotion of a student. (DD)

Argues that few librarians possess the needed competencies to fill the role of "chief knowledge officer" or "knowledge executive." Outlines executive competencies required: communications, leadership, experience, financial management, customer focus, entrepreneurial insight, and information technology grounding; examines gaps…

The National Association of Therapeutic Wilderness Camps released a draft list of competency requirements for counselor certification. Lists of skills and competencies related to camping, safety, wilderness travel, outdoor leadership, crisis management, and therapeutic counseling are presented at two levels: initial certification and master-level…

Examines relationship between higher course requirements for high school graduation and adult employability. Findings suggest positive correlation. But also finds reductions in educational attainment, especially among blacks. (PKP)

A competency exam can help determine whether a training program has been effective only if it can pass the test of content validity. Seven steps for ensuring validity are developing learning objectives, outlining content, establishing format, constructing test items, evaluating validity, administering the exam, and analyzing results. (JOW)

Computerized Clinical Simulation Testing is an uncued, dynamic, interactive test that permits examinees to simulate the clinical decision-making skills used in the nursing management of client needs. It has the potential for helping boards of nursing to make more valid assessments about who is competent to practice nursing. (JOW)

Responses from 21 teachers and 45 employers revealed differences in perception between electronics technology teachers and employers regarding competencies needed for entry-level employment. Information collected indicated that there was close agreement between the groups. (Author)

University Council for Vocational Education faculty (n=137) provided their perceptions of the importance of competencies for trainers and the extent to which they are included in their human-resource-development programs. Of 25 competencies, 23 were rated as important and 19 of those were perceived to be less than adequately covered. (Author/JOW)

Nurses' ability to think critically in clinical situations cannot be assessed by multiple-choice tests. Context-dependent test items that assess critical thinking are useful for orientation of new staff, competency testing, and clinical staff development. (SK)

Surveyed the use and composition of required procedure lists in U.S. family practice residency programs. Although a majority of respondents reported use of a required procedure list, programs differed greatly in terms of required procedures, and few defined how to evaluate the technical competency of their residents. (EV)

Capstone is defined in the dictionary as "putting the final stone in place." Business Policy or Strategic Management is typically the capstone class in a business management degree program. As such, there are prerequisite requirements in terms of courses and specific knowledge. We have implemented a competency test for the capstone class and…

This article presents a comprehensive taxonomy of essential competencies for program evaluators. First, the authors provide a rationale for developing evaluator competencies, along with a brief history of the initial development and validation of the taxonomy of essential evaluator competencies in King, Stevahn, Ghere, and Minnema (2001). Second,…

During the 1982-83 school year the Spencerport (New York) Central School District began a comprehensive project to study the effective schools research and its implications at all levels of a suburban school system. A leadership planning team (consisting of teachers, principals, and district personnel) participated in a series of workshops and…

Divided according to grade level, the objectives in this elementary school language arts curriculum guide cover such categories and strands as reading readiness, word analysis, obtaining information, studying, listening, written expression, speaking, literature, and linguistics. Each objective in the guide is coded for the narrower subskills…

Black educators and black teacher education are directly affected by the "back to basics" movement, the minimum competency testing program, and the use of standardized test scores as a criterion for teacher certification. Black educators have a high stake in the back to basics movement, and it is important for them to be involved in the…