This study investigates primary teachers' and elementary principals' perspectives on alternatives to the traditional model of student progression in school and whether these options may improve the acquisition of skills needed for advancing into upper grades. Primary mastery of basic skills is essential to learning; however, with rigorous federal…

Examines reasons for social promotion of students. (IRT)

This monograph briefly describes state legislation and administrative rules concerning competency-based education. Defeated legislation is also included. In 1978-79 California, Nevada, and New York are requiring graduating seniors to pass a proficiency exam before receiving a diploma. In Nevada and New York similar exams are administered to…

Competency testing is only one component of competency-based education (CBE); the others are: educational objectives, instructional process, remedial instruction, and program evaluation/reconceptualization. To implement only competency testing may result in disillusionment with the entire concept of CBE, which seeks to improve programs, not fail…

Competency based education (CBE) programs can increase pupil motivation, provide the opportunity to individualized instruction, and enable the school to communicate better to the pupil and the public what pupils are learning in school, according to the author. But he lists eight traps that lie hidden in the CBE movement, including further…

Florida's Educational Accountability Act of 1976 requires that each school district in the state establish a comprehensive program for pupil progression. The Duval County plan establishes procedures to be followed in matters of promotion, retention or special assignment, and graduation. The plan also outlines promotion and placement within…

Project Advancement Based on Competency (ABC) was a 5-year study funded jointly by the Alberta Department of Education and the Calgary Board of Education for the sum of $999,950. The study extended from 1982 to 1987, exploring alternatives to the Carnegie Unit in three senior high schools in Calgary. The Unit was established in 1907 to regulate…

This article identifies as problems both social promotion and minimum competency decisions. The author analyzes the need for attention to individual differences and proposes that educational excellence within a compulsory system can be achieved only when standards are adjusted in accordance with individual differences. (MM)

Many teachers in Tennessee believe that the primary causes of low scores on state mandated competency tests are the lack of encouragement at home and social promotion; "too much TV, not enough supervision on the part of parents, poor study habits and lack of motivation and self-discipline" are also cited. (CM)

Ten annotations of literature in the ERIC system that discuss the pros and cons of grade retention for low-achieving students are presented in this booklet. (Author/MLF)

A school's promotion policy is an integral component of its overall educational policy. In conjunction with achievement goals, it defines the levels of performance that permit students to move through grade levels and to graduate. This digest reviews the various promotion policies and practices in current use by secondary schools, particularly…

The purpose of this document is to present to school personnel, parents, students, and other interested citizens the board rules and administrative procedures required to implement state legislative and local board pupil progression requirements. Sections of the document cover general procedures for promotions and assignments; promotion and…

Project ABC (Advancement Based on Competency) was a 5-year study funded jointly by the Alberta Department of Education and the Calgary Board of Education. Funded at $999,950, the program took place from 1982 to 1987. It explored alternatives to the Carnegie Unit in three senior high schools. Students, teachers, and administrators in the William…

This general review of the relative merits of social promotion and retention examines research on the benefits of each, describes current strategies for resolving the policy dilemma involved, and considers issues raised by abolishing social promotion and establishing remedial programs. A summary of the history of the widespread adoption of the…