Suggests sources of information on minimum competencies and minimal competency testing, including publications and conference proceedings, policy statements from professional organizations, and resource lists available from various organizations. (MKM)

The purpose of this proficiency legislation is to create a public dialogue regarding high school graduation standards, restore meaning to the high school diploma, and ensure that students who have difficulty with basic skills receive appropriate instruction. (Author/IRT)

The test, multiple choice in form, has no place for oral expression. Other criticisms are given, e.g., that the test seems to rest on a faulty teaching plan, specifically in the sequencing of grammatical problems to be mastered. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

Proposes, for the oral portion of the final (graduation) examination, the text as basic object, from which a section should be read aloud. A 15-point grading scale is described. Regarding content, performance in "informing,""interpreting and extrapolating," and "evaluating and discussion" are to be graded. (Text is in…

So much effort has been expended in identifying competencies needed for entry-level jobs, developing career ladders, and conducting task analyses that distributive educators, as other educators, have addressed consumer skills only slightly. Educators must help students develop those consumer survival skills, knowledges, and attitudes that will…

Describes Oregon's experience with developing and implementing new requirements for high school graduation, based on minimum competency standards defined by local school districts. (JG)

Enrollment and graduation data may help to understand the development and vitality of graduate programs in higher education. Graduation statistics from higher education programs are analyzed. (Author/MLW)

The historical background, development, and selection of criteria for the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) in Britain are described, and provisions for candidates with special education needs are outlined. The desire to retain the integrity of examination standards while responding to the needs of handicapped candidates is…

To address staffing problems caused by tougher graduation requirements, Winfield High School (Kansas) recommends a rotating seven-period schedule to complement the normal six-period day. The schedule requires the same teaching load and choice of electives, reduces the pupil-teacher ratio, and increases facilities use and student contact. (MLH)

Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of high school students to calculate the actual improvement in freshman grade point average, college completion, and total years of schooling from colleges' use of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), Crouse compares predictions based on high school rank to argue that the SAT's costs do not justify…

Analysis of changes in the graduation requirements, credit requirements, and curriculum in high school English in California since the adoption of minimum competency testing by state law during the 1976-77 legislative session suggests that statewide legislative mandates can have significant impact on school district programs and priorities. (PGD)

Critiques educational reform movement. Believes that unless the human dimension is improved, all reform proposals will fail. If American public education is to be saved, a better job of teaching the link between public education and a free society is needed. (MD)

To determine to what extent competencies to be measured by the Alabama High School Graduation Examination were being taught in the Alabama public schools, a survey was conducted of teachers of grades 7, 8, 9, and 10. Competencies that were not being taught are identified and possible explanations are outlined. (Author/EGS)

Surveys the present state of and newest trends in British education. Examines grammar and comprehensive schools, the new extension of compulsory attendance to the 16th year, the "liberalizing" of the new Certificate of Secondary Education (as against the traditional GCE), and Open University adult education. (IFS/WGA)