The imposition of minimum competency testing in high schools must be seen in a social and political context. Since many minority students have received an inferior education, minimum competency tests may be seen as a means of preventing these students from receiving their high school diplomas. (Author/RLV)

The project "Threshold Level," initiated by the Council of Europe in 1976, is compared with "Francais fondamental," comparing their aims and their differences. Offered as an interim statement, the article leaves open the question of whether Francais fondamental should be replaced by the the Threshold Level. (IFS/WGA)

Presents three case studies illustrating how many applicants for positions in academic libraries fail to meet the advertised minimum requirements. Recommends applying for positions listing minimum requirements matching one's qualifications and seeking advice from librarians who serve on search committees or faculty members in ALA-accredited MLS…

A survey of 300 family and consumer sciences (FCS) professionals in North Carolina received 140 responses that rated the importance of teacher competencies in textiles and clothing instruction. Clothing construction ranked highest. Results informed the work of a committee revising FCS curriculum. (JOW)

This article discusses the creation of Rehabilitation Teaching Assistant (RTA) paraprofessional positions as a solution to the shortage of certified rehabilitation teachers for individuals with visual impairments. It discusses the potential negative ramifications of this approach and urges requiring a 2-year associate's degree as the education…

Describes an inventory of the minimum technical competencies faculty members believe students should possess to be successful in Web-based instruction based on faculty surveys. Results of student surveys indicated that faculty concerns were justified that students did not posses the required technical skills needed for successful achievement in…

Explored the overall performance of 36 learning disabled (LD) and 40 educable mentally handicapped (EMH) students both before and after modifying the minimum competency test (MCT). Administered the Instructional Objectives Exchange Basic Skill Test: Reading, secondary level to secondary school special education students. Results indicated that LD…

Points out the need for improving the nation's higher education curricula. Offers reasons for supporting a core curriculum and describes difficulties in developing such a program. Provides a summary of the National Endowment for the Humanities' report "50 Hours: A Core Curriculum for College Students." (KO)

Traces the different historical senses of the term literacy to see why it was chosen for generalization. Examines the semantic aspects of the term as currently used in three cases--scientific literacy, visual literacy, and cultural literacy. Discusses evaluative and analytic conceptions of literacy. (KEH)

A survey of 1,021 human resource managers found that 35.5 percent test job applicants, promotion candidates, and/or current employees; 22 percent of applicants and 15 percent of employees tested deficient in basic skills; and only 5 respondents spent more than $10,000 on remedial training. (SK)

The study compared three word recognition abilities (analysis, phonics, and context analysis skills) with 75 elementary and 75 high school reading disabled students. The two groups had significant differences in their ability to use the three skills. Results have implications for minimum competency testing in reading. (Author/DB)

Conceptual issues arising from the use of minimum competency tests with mildly handicapped and at-risk students are examined, especially in regard to states with a policy of local option. Considered are possible bias in modifying testing procedures, reciprocity among districts, and the unknown consequences of specific modifications. (Author/DB)

This article examines the evolution of teacher training and certification practices in the United States, considers the definition of competency when applied to teachers, and discusses concerns associated with the testing of new and veteran teachers. (IAH)

This article describes Virginia's Beginning Teacher Assistance Program (BTAP), implemented to test teacher competence, and to help teachers acquire missing competencies. The effect of BTAP and similar programs on the teaching profession is discussed. Included is an appendix which lists the BTAP competencies and indicators. (IAH)

Discusses where outcome-based education (OBE) went wrong and the enormous backlash it created. It is argued that OBE's state mandated outcomes are aimed at creating a new social order which can cause a backlash with parents who do not agree with the direction being taken. A strategy is proposed for escaping the OBE problem. (GR)