By 1985, nearly half of the nation's public school students will be required to pass a minimum competency test (MCT) for high school graduation. Supporters of objectives underlying the MCTs suggest that the tests will force school systems to take their responsibilities to all children more seriously. Critics argue that students who fail will…

This guide, an update of two previous versions, is designed to provide information about what is currently taking place at the college level in relation to foreign language entrance requirements, degree requirements, and other trends. The introductory material provides information on: (1) statistics on foreign language entrance and degree…

Guidelines are provided to assist New Jersey local school districts in improving and strengthening their graduation policies in accordance with the new law and regulations. Basic skills proficiency requirements have been enacted in Chapter 241, Laws of 1979. This law requires that students successfully pass tests in reading, writing and…

AS A RESULT OF CRITICISM BY AN ACCREDITATION TEAM, EL CAMINO COLLEGE DISCONTINUED ITS PRACTICE OF ALLOWING DEGREE CREDIT FOR ENGLISH A (A MAKE-UP COURSE) AND REQUIRED THAT ALL EXCEPT BUSINESS MAJORS HAVE ENGLISH 1A PROFICIENCY. PLANS WERE THEN BEGUN TO DEVELOP AN INTERMEDIATE, NON-TRANSFER COURSE THAT WOULD SATISFY THE AA DEGREE REQUIREMENTS BUT…

This report was prepared by a special task force of the National Association of Secondary School Principals to aid professional educators and community groups who may wish to consider possible changes in high school graduation requirements. The report discusses a number of issues surrounding graduation and offers some specific recommendations…

The directory is intended to provide a comprehensive collection of information regarding those programs offering job training below the baccalaureate degree throughout Tennessee. The information was gathered during the months of December 1973 through April 1974 using questionnaires designed by the U.S. Office of Education for the survey of post…

This document presents a listing of competencies taken from the Master of Arts in Teaching list. The listing is presented in the form of a questionnaire giving the respondent the opportunity to indicate the degree of importance of each competence on the Bachelor of Arts level. Competencies are listed according to planning, interacting with…

This conference paper includes two major sections. A summary of a report made by Mr. John Dusel to the National Council of State Supervisors of Foreign Languages on December 1-2, 1969 focuses on results of a survey of college foreign language requirements in some 40 states and on general implications suggested by a general abandonment of such…

An overview of Adult Education Programs in the State of Illinois is provided. Discussions are then presented on various facets of General Adult Education, as follows: Section 10-22.20 of The School Code of Illinois; Adult Basic Education Program; Adult High School Credit and Americanization Program; General Educational Development Program;…

Describes the present program of the German Department at Brown University. The language requirement was abolished at the university in 1969; consequently the program had to be redesigned with special attention given to student motivation. (TL)

While minimum competency testing may cause education to become less pluralistic, its effect will weigh most heavily upon those who fail to pass the tests. Because such testing does nothing to improve teaching or learning, one result will be to hold the student responsible for the educational system's failure. (Author/GC)

Suggests sources of information on minimum competencies and minimal competency testing, including publications and conference proceedings, policy statements from professional organizations, and resource lists available from various organizations. (MKM)

The purpose of this proficiency legislation is to create a public dialogue regarding high school graduation standards, restore meaning to the high school diploma, and ensure that students who have difficulty with basic skills receive appropriate instruction. (Author/IRT)

The test, multiple choice in form, has no place for oral expression. Other criticisms are given, e.g., that the test seems to rest on a faulty teaching plan, specifically in the sequencing of grammatical problems to be mastered. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

Proposes, for the oral portion of the final (graduation) examination, the text as basic object, from which a section should be read aloud. A 15-point grading scale is described. Regarding content, performance in "informing,""interpreting and extrapolating," and "evaluating and discussion" are to be graded. (Text is in…