Underscores the problems of misunderstanding and misrepresentation in competency-based education (CBE). Proposes a definition of CBE, acknowledging that it must be adapted to individual colleges. Offers a rationale for adopting a CBE framework and provides an inventory model to facilitate the assessment of the quality of a CBE program. (CAM)

Presents arguments by Robert Lowe and Matthew Arnold on the 19th century British "Payment by Results" Plan, whereby schools received funds for students who passed minimal competency tests. Emphasizes that the Victorian experience produced acrimonious teachers with low morale and encourages contemporary minimal testing advocates not to…

The major issues addressed include the extent to which handicapped students should participate in or be exempt from the testing program, whether tests and scoring criteria should be adapted for individual handicapped students or categories of students, and whether differential diplomas should be awarded to handicapped students on the basis of test…

The Board of Education of the School District of the City of Saginaw requested the Department of Evaluation Services to review the literature relative to competency testing, especially for the elementary grades. This review on competency testing programs and competency based education (CBE) covers several areas. The emphasis on educational…

Intended to assist those working in the field of occupational competency testing, this report summarizes major milestones in the history of competency measurement in vocational education and overviews the current state of the art. To provide an orientation to the environment that stimulated the current interest in occupational competency testing,…

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…

This chart prepared by the Maryland State Department of Education describes reading goals for children in each school grade. It prescribes general goals for each grade level and includes specific activities at which students are expected to be competent. The general goals for each grade are: the ability to utilize a variety of reading materials,…

Discusses and presents a summary outline of state activity in minimum competency testing as of March 15, 1978. (IRT)

An annotated bibliography concerning proficiency development in schools identifies sources which focus on the identification and development of basic skills. Topics explored include: (1) issues and definition in proficiency development; (2) assessing the state of proficiency development; and (3) instructional techniques and programs. (JN)

The status of competence-based education (CBE) in Illinois secondary schools is examined in this article. The authors cite some strengths and weaknesses of those programs in existence. They surmise from their findings that CBE is not widely planned or implemented in Illinois secondary schools. (Editor/SJL)

In December, 1977, the Kalamazoo Public Schools surveyed students (grades 10-12) to ascertain their opinions of a proposed competency-based diploma. Most supported the concept, had opinions about the form of such a program, and thought they could pass the test. Differences between Black and White respondents are noted. (Author/SJL)

Some of the major concerns regarding competency-based education (CBE) and ways of dealing with them are discussed. CBE is viewed as an opportunity for educators to work for real improvement in the teaching and learning process. (MP)

A project combined precision teaching techniques and a flashcard approach known as SAFMEDS, with 4 students with learning disabilities or behavior disorders, age 14-18. Project results determined that the techniques provided students with necessary skills to pass the school district's minimum competency test in the area of local, state, and…

Every developmental education teacher would probably agree that motivation to complete assignments is one of the biggest obstacles to getting students to practice necessary skills. Short stories and other types of recreational reading might help motivate students, but they need to learn specific skills to help them cope with college textbook…