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

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

This overview of competency based education (CBE) explores some of the important policies and dimensions of CBE that go beyond the popularized notion that simple tests can be devised to make student promotion and graduation decisions or to demonstrate possession of required or desired competencies. Examined are such areas as the reasons CBE has…

This paper focuses on the teacher competency testing movement that is sweeping the nation. The first section provides an overview of teacher testing programs nationally, including the rationale for such programs, the types of tests used across the states, concerns about current testing programs, test validity studies, and fiscal and legal issues.…

Discusses the arguments for and against minimum competency testing, noting that the same issues are used to support both positions. (FL)

The problems inherent to standardized minimum competency testing are discussed. (HTH)

The concept of overlap between instruction and assessment is defined. The influence of tests on teaching and the teacher as curricular content decision maker is described. A model of how awareness of this overlap can move curriculum practice into alignment with an assessment system is presented. (Author/MT)

Examines three forces affecting the minimum competency testing movement: the reluctance of professionals to accept it, court cases, and the question of how it should be applied to the handicapped student. (FL)

In the current educational reform movement, the most sobering issue is the relationship between achievement and race. None of the recent major educational reform reports face up to the reality that raising minimum standards and imposing minimum requirements simply increase the failure rate among Blacks. (CMG)

Written by the Australian Education Council, this article outlines the purpose and the procedures for the Australian Studies in Student Performance program, a project to gather information on achievement in literacy and numeracy of a sample of 10 and 14 year olds. (HTH)

Development of survey test materials for the Australian national testing program in literacy and math skills is discussed. (HTH)

The author presents an overview of the Competency-Based Education (CBE) movement, including the impetus for it and its advantages and disadvantages. (SJL)

Designed for policymakers and programs planners involved with the topic of teacher testing, this publication outlines issues involved in teacher testing and describes state-level activities in this area. A question-and-answer section provides general information on major types of teacher tests, prevalence of teacher tests, problems addressed by…

Traces the history of minimum competency testing in the United States from 1890 to the present. (FL)

This overview of the problem of linking testing and instruction describes two general policy areas which have focused attention on these links: studies of school effectiveness and minimum competency testing. Techniques used to investigate links between tests and instruction and policy issues that must be addressed are also discussed. (Author/CM)