The degree to which it is possible to identify, from data in their cumulative folders, students likely to fail a high school competency test is investigated. Results indicated that some predictor variables could be used to identify those likely to fail Senior High Assessment of Reading Progress and the Test of Proficiency in Computational Skills.…

Many teacher education programs are moving toward some type of selective admissions procedures ranging from tests of competence in oral and written communication to committee assessments using multiple criteria. The screening technique proposed in this study is a reading proficiency test, measuring teacher candidates' ability to read textbook…

The promotion of basic skills need not conflict with present elective systems which seek to create interest and to address student concerns. The solution is not to narrow subject offerings to a "no-frills" level, but to design learning systems which ensure that current offerings cover the basic skills. (SJL)

Discusses seven guidelines for programs to teach functional reading skills and meet minimum competency standards. (AEA)

Project INSPIRE (Indiana Special Population Institutes for Recreation Educators), assisted by a team of 61 experts, identified 16 minimum competencies necessary for entry-level professionals in the field of recreation to serve special populations in community recreation. (JN)

Describes a successful after-school tutoring program that involves teachers, students, and parents, and has resulted in higher scores on both minimum-competency tests and achievement tests. Includes guidelines for starting such a program. (IRT)

The issues surrounding the age-old traditions of the English educational system and the new configurations of teaching and assessment that are emerging are described. A report ("A Language for Life"), prepared for the Department of Education and Science by a committee headed by Sir Alan Bullock, is summarized. (Author/MLW)

States that fail to increase assistance to students unable to pass competency exams may be doing so at their legal peril as both the Equal Protection Clause and Title VII seem to require such assistance. Available from Human Rights, 1155 E. 60th St., Chicago, IL 60637. (Author/IRT)

Relates the methodology and findings of a study of the mathematics competencies of two- and four-year college students in Nebraska, revealing that both groups had neutral attitudes toward mathematics and similar mathematical competencies. (AYC)

Once a year every student in Hazelwood (Missouri) high schools is required to write a composition. This Total School Writing Assessment is a major step in an effort to emphasize writing skills and to make writing competence a requirement for graduation. (SK)

Based on a manual produced by the Florida Department of Education, this article presents competency statements which provide guidelines for determining the basic skills needed to collect and apply placement and follow-up data. (LRA)

Describes the test, The Degrees of Reading Power, developed by the New York State Education Department for use as a formalized "informal reading inventory." (MKM)

The President of Miami University of Ohio explains why he has proposed a test of basic reading and writing skills as a graduation requirement at his institution. (SJL)

Reviewing the current justifications for minimum competency testing (MCT) programs, the author finds them inadequate. He asks whether reading, writing, and computation skills can be proven necessary for a successful life and whether MCT programs can be demonstrated to be the best means of promoting students' living skills. (SJL)

Examines the purposes of student evaluation and how they influence the daily life of the classroom. Discusses feedback to students and parents, minimum competencies, classroom observations, formal tests, and self-evaluation. (SS)