This article examines the evolution of teacher training and certification practices in the United States, considers the definition of competency when applied to teachers, and discusses concerns associated with the testing of new and veteran teachers. (IAH)

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…

This bulletin contains the specifications for the Professional Education subtest of the Florida Teacher Certification Examination. The specifications presented are being used for the 1980-81 examinations. General information on the test includes an outline of the content base, a content base/competency matrix, and a blueprint of the test by…

Information regarding tests and requirements at entrance into teacher education programs, at initial certification, and as a teacher are presented on a state-by-state basis. (Author/MT)

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)

Performance tests should be required for certification of all public and private school teachers. Tests that are validated against actual job performance--which evaluate actual knowledge, skills, and professional ethics that produce educational and social benefits--should be used. (CJB)

The high failure rate of Black prospective teachers in the southern states raises the challenge to change the quality of education for all Americans. (MLF)

A pilot test of 29 (78 percent) first-year trade and industrial (T&I) teachers who took the Connecticut Competency Examination for Prospective Teachers compared their scores with those of general education majors. Only 21 percent of the T&I teachers passed, suggesting the need for better basic skills preparation in T&I teacher…

Teacher certification issues are considered from the perspective of blacks in the profession. It is argued that teacher certification tests mandated by states threaten to reduce significantly the number of new minority teachers and seriously harm the historically black institutions of higher education that train teachers. The development of…

A survey of state directors of teacher certification was conducted in 1986 to obtain opinions on national standards for teacher certification, teacher testing, teacher career ladders, and other current issues. Findings are summarized. (MT)

The legal issue of teacher competency testing is not the testing itself, but the type, manner, application, and purpose of the testing. Legal concepts pertinent to the issue of competency testing are explored. (MT)