The National Education Association questions the effectiveness and presents the negative aspects of state programs to test the minimum competency of practicing teachers. Teacher competency should be ensured through high standards for entering teachers and annual evaluation and professional development opportunities at the district level for…

Out-of-date textbooks, inappropriate tests, and underprepared teachers have left mathematics in the classroom in disarray. The need for a permanent national capability to influence all agencies responsible for mathematics education is discussed. (MLW)

Describes the successful, low-cost program for infusion of computer competencies into the curriculum of the School of Education at the University of Alaska, Anchorage, where all students are required to become computer competent prior to graduation. Computer competency goals for students in school's certification programs are outlined. (MBR)

Comments on how language should be taught, language as an evolving medium, and the purpose of language to express meaning. Notes limitations of the Minimum Competency Test and mentions how adoption of Paideia Proposal suggestions might affect language study. (MH)

The arts statement in the College Board's book "Academic Preparation for College" is discussed. The book recognizes the arts as a necessary academic area of study and defines the necessary arts competencies both for general college success and for advanced artistic study. Its suggestions should be adopted. (RM)

Geographic literacy pre- and posttests administered to 19 community college students in an introductory regional geography course showed that many students, including education majors, are functionally illiterate in geographic concepts and skills. Ways that teachers can increase their geographic literacy are discussed. (RM)

Expresses some concerns about English teaching in Australia today and argues for an English curriculum that emphasizes the practical skills of language use. (HOD)

In 2003, the legislature and governor enacted House Bill 1909 to create a pilot project on competency-based transfer between two--and four--year colleges and universities. The legislation directed the Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB) to select institutions to define transfer requirements in several disciplines on the basis of students'…

Most validity studies of ISLLC standards and indicators rely heavily on focus groups and perceptual surveys. This study included self-report and observational data on principals' use of time. A content analysis tested ISLLC's descriptions of instructional leadership with a related set of Kentucky's Standards and Indicators for School Improvement…

In accordance with RSA (Revised Statutes Annotated) 193-C relative to the New Hampshire Educational Improvement and Assessment Program, the purpose of this framework is to serve: (1) as the basis for the development of assessment instruments to be administered, statewide, at the end-of-grades 3, 6, and 10; and (2) as a guide for making local…

Describes an interim program which stresses pre- and in-service teacher cooperation in constructing instructional modules according to university determined competency model prior to actual student teaching. Indicates acquisition of advantages by both experienced and prospective teachers through interactions with school students. (CC)

A sample of 1,731 North Carolina high school students who initially failed the state Competency Test registered improvements on subsequent reexaminations. The gains were apparently stable and related more to in-school factors than to individual background characteristics. (Author/PN)

This synopsis of the Committee on Ability Testing report (see ED 213 770 and ED 213 771) discusses recent controversy over testing limitations, test fairness, admissions testing, test disclosure, and test use in public schools to improve substandard performance. (CM)

Equality of educational opportunity within Minimum Competency Testing is analyzed in terms of the distribution of outcomes, availability of remediation, and effectiveness of remediation for Blacks and Whites. (Author)

Procedures are presented for state departments of education and the local educational agencies to share the responsibility of showing that a minimum competency test is a fair measure of what is taught. It is recommended that the state lead in technical assistance, provide models, and monitor and evaluate the entire process. (CM)