This paper describes a qualitative case study that explores how twenty-three field advisors, representing three human service professions including education, nursing, and social work, experience the process of assessment with students who are struggling to meet minimum competencies in field placements. Five themes emerged from the analysis of…

This conference paper examines issues regarding minimum competency testing, including: (1) the history and current status of minimum competency testing programs, in the U.S. and especially in the Midwest; (2) technical characteristics of minimum competency tests; (3) the relationship of minimum competency tests to the regular curriculum and…

Reports on Matthew Arnold's attack on nineteenth century England's proposed proficiency testing program. Discusses the lessons to be learned today from Arnold's objections to proficiency testing. (RL)

The potential of minimum competency testing cannot be realized unless school districts engage in the complex processes of competency-based program development. (Author/MLF)

Explores materials in the ERIC system that discuss all sides of the minimum competency issue. (RL)

Examination of results of several cases in which students failed minimum competency tests evokes criticism of the way the testing program is carried out by the state. (JD)

The text of a conversation with a Florida special education administrator explores such aspects as the skills that are being tested, how standards were derived, the effects of testing on curricula, special diplomas, and the improvement in scores noted in the second year of the testing. (DLS)

Minimum competency testing is not so much an educational movement as it is a power struggle. State legislatures will be the winners; teachers and poor students the losers. (Author)

Presents excerpts from presentations at the Wingspread Center. These presentations argue numerous issues in the minimum competency movement. (IRT)

Due to an increased awareness of the need for accountability in vocational education, much attention is being focused upon competency-based vocational education. The U.S. Office of Education is supporting work for the development of competency measures for vocational skill areas. Two occupational competency tests in each of seven areas will be…

The minimum competency movement is a national response to concern about a supposed decline in standards in the nation's schools. This article addresses some vital questions about the movement that have been left unanswered. (Author/RK)

Minimum competency testing programs present educational decision makers with a new opportunity to reconsider some fundamental issues in American public education. First, what is the goal of our elementary and secondary educational system? In particular, one must consider the role that minimum competency testing plays in the struggle for equality…

Proficiency, or competency, testing is a recent attempt to meet the public demand for accountability. But instead of placing the responsibility on the educational organization, competency testing appears to be a sophisticated approach to holding students and teachers accountable. Although some form of student assessment is needed, it is not yet…

Educational accountability is central to the reputation of the nation's community colleges. Some community colleges are adopting mastery learning, competency-based education, curriculum tracking, and/or minimum competency-testing as a means of remaining educationally accountable. Mastery learning programs, under which students are required to…

This paper describes Missouri's minimum competency testing program. The administration, funding, organization, goals and evaluation procedures of the testing program, which evaluates all eighth graders in the State, are outlined. Also discussed are the relationship between the State board of education and the local districts and how State policy…