This article discusses the range of validation studies conducted in Kansas in examining the validity of the National Teachers' Examination as a certification test for that state. It is argued that the validation of certification tests calls for a wider range of studies than typically are undertaken. (JAZ)

Much of the responsibility for measuring teacher competency rests with teacher educators. Instead of developing new observation inventories, educators should use available ones. This article describes instruments used at the University of Toledo's competency-based teacher education program since 1979 and suggests they are broad enough to be used…

Reviews the principal's role in instructional accountability, management systems, communications, remedial programs, teacher inservice programs, teacher recruitment, and testing. (Author/WD)

Describes a group education plan for school districts and an individual education plan for the disadvantaged learner, as developed in New Jersey. Elements discussed include formulation of the group education plan and implementation of the individual education plan. (CT)

This article attempts to provide British educators, who face a similar trend, with a synthesis of some major developments in the Accountability in Education movement in the United States. (Author/SJL)

The results of a school district's move to proficiency testing in mathematics are described and discussed. (MK)

This article describes Virginia's Beginning Teacher Assistance Program (BTAP), implemented to test teacher competence, and to help teachers acquire missing competencies. The effect of BTAP and similar programs on the teaching profession is discussed. Included is an appendix which lists the BTAP competencies and indicators. (IAH)

This paper examines the major issues to be faced and the decisions to be made in the development and administration of basic competency tests used for the certification of teachers. The focus is on the use of competency tests as criteria in determining the initial certification of teachers, as differentiated from the ongoing observation and…

The purpose of this paper was to ascertain in some measure the direction teacher testing may take in the Pacific Area states other than Guam and Hawaii. Guam and Hawaii have installed teacher testing programs and have clearly established certification requirements that make it mandatory for teacher applicants to have baccalaureates. The other…

Since 1984, passing scores on the Preprofessional Skills Tests (PPST) have been required for entry into teacher education programs at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). College of education faculty, concerned because the majority of their population has traditionally been older, Hispanic students, developed a pre-PPST screening and…

The following papers that reflect on problems facing teacher education are included in this monograph: (1) "Toward a New Model of Teacher Education" (Henry J. Hermanowicz); (2) "Recent Research on the Beliefs of Teachers and its Importance for Teacher Education" (Robert H. Mayer); (3) "The Dialogue of Democracy: Its Form, Content, and Implications…

All New Jersey students in grades 3, 6, 9, and 11 are tested annually in basic reading and computation skills using the New Jersey Minimum Basic Skills (MBS) Tests. The MBS testing program was initiated in 1976. The former Educational Assessment Program tests were used during the tramsition, and test development activities were begun in 1977.…

The history of teacher certification is summarized. Deregulation of teacher certification has brought many changes, making it difficult to identify who or what agency is in charge of selecting and preparing new recruits for teaching. Different ways of certifying teachers are discussed. (MT)

To discuss teacher certification and its relationship to competency testing and teacher preparation, it is important to understand what it is and what its purpose is. This article focuses on the impact of competency testing on the teacher education curriculum and the relationship of tests to certification and program approval processes. (MT)

Increasingly, competency tests are being developed and used by state departments of education for teacher certification. Professional educators should participate in the development and revision of the content of these examinations. A description of the development of Georgia's competency tests is given. (CJB)