Colorado now requires applicants for teaching certificates to pass a basic skills test in spelling, English language usage, and mathematics and to demonstrate acceptable speaking ability. Student teachers must also complete this screening. Applicants have four chances to complete the test. (MLF)

Contends that New Jersey's Minimum Basic Skills (MBS) tests in reading and mathematics waste time and money and should not be used by the state as the criteria to measure school and district performance. Low scores are the result of social conditions schools cannot correct by themselves. (Author/MLF)

The New Jersey Commissioner of Education replies that the Minimum Basic Skills (MBS) tests are not the sole criterion used to measure school and district performance and that some schools manage to teach well despite their students' low socioeconomic level. (Author/MLF)

Radical, but nevertheless serious, suggestions are made to change ineffective schools. (MLF)

Discusses seven important issues that should be considered by educators in developing a minimal competency testing policy. (JG)

Classroom instruction is aligned with grade level basic objectives and a yearly survey of these skills. Methods and resources that elementary school principals and teachers can use to teach essential skills are being developed. (Author/MLF)