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.…

Teacher education will probably continue to receive specific attention in the competency testing area. Professional educators need to apply the best knowledge and practice available if testing is to become a valuable and valid part of the teacher certification process. (CJB)

A positive effect of the competency testing movement is that it will reveal the nation's greatest educational failure--understanding minority achievement and developing successful instructional delivery systems for minority youth. Collaborative leadership from teachers, professional educators, and the public must challenge the development of new…

The Houston (Texas) Independent School District's plan requires that teachers demonstrate competence in four areas: (1) functional academic skills; (2) content area knowledge; (3) methodology; and (4) new technology. Proficiency-based techniques used in teacher selection and in diagnosing needs of inservice teachers are described. (PP)

Traces the political history and the future political role of teacher competency testing nationwide. Focuses on the role of testing in the allocation of educational and employment opportunity. (GC)

A series of five papers is presented. Sherry Rubinstein, and others, characterize the changes of teacher certification programs and reflect on the factors propelling and influencing the direction of those changes such as increased emphasis on the description and testing of the skills and knowledge of prospective teachers, and the adoption of…