Functional literacy for inmates is that critical threshold in learning which enables a person to become an autonomous individual capable of reflecting on his/her circumstances and transforming the self and behavior. Once on 'the outside,' the conditions which led to incarceration can hopefully be recognized and avoided. (Author)

Reviews five recent titles concerning minimum competency testing in the schools. (SJL)

Tests by themselves will not ensure teacher competency, but they can be a useful part of a teacher selection and induction program. (Author)

New teacher applicants in Dallas (Texas) are screened by a formally scored interview, an essay writing exercise, and a test of verbal and quantitative ability. (MLF)

All teacher applicants in Pinellas County (Florida) must pass a screening test. Self-instructional materials are provided on request. (Author/MLF)

Describes trends in the minimal competency movement in Florida and several other states and speculates about future trends in minimum-competency testing. (DD)

The article examines some of the implications of minimum competency standards and alternative policies for handicapped students. It is concluded that although the alternative of determining policies on an individual basis presents problems in terms of consistency and equity across handicapped students, it still seems to be the best approach. (SBH)

Interviews with a panel of six business and industry officials regarding what employers want encompassed the following topics: necessary skills of employees, the importance of "employability" skills, school-to-work transition, the national skill standards, and the need for a four-year college degree. (JOW)

Discusses a study of directors of nursing in six southern states to determine whether associate degree nurses (ADNs) meet the National League for Nursing competencies after six months of practice as a registered nurse. Responses indicated that the competencies were realistic and that newly practicing ADNs are barely meeting them. (JOW)

Successful accounting graduates will need to possess a broad range of relevant competencies; therefore, teachers must be sure that each graduate possesses the competencies business wants. Using alternative performance assessment techniques will help meet that goal. (Author)

Examines the attitudes of Finnish employers, employees, and the government over the last three centuries toward methods of acquiring vocational competencies needed in working life. Focuses on the apprenticeship/journeyman/master model and the vocational classroom model. (JOW)

Mastery learning can combine the strengths of direct instruction with the strengths of discovery learning. This paper describes how mastery learning is being used in Missouri schools to enhance the quality of instruction in science at all grade levels. In addition, the dramatic results in student science achievement that have occurred within the…

Developed as part of the Arkansas Minimum Performance Testing Program (MPT), these item specifications relate to the eighth grade language arts minimum performance test. There is one item specification for each instructional objective included in the MPT. Item specifications are intended to provide an overview of the general content and format of…

This paper considers three areas related to the testing of minimum knowledge and skills: public policy, the nature of higher-order thinking and selected aspects of educational measurement. The discussion of public policy issues centers around an apparent dichotomy of egalitarianism and elitism in public education, schooling and the public economy,…

The purpose of the practicum described in this report was to develop a competency-based vocational articulation pilot project between Mercer County Community College (MCCC) located in Trenton, New Jersey, and four secondary schools for three subjects: Typewriting I and II, Stenography I and II, and Office Procedures. Chapters I and II provide an…