Project Basic is a program developed by the Maryland State Department of Education to assure that students attain basic skills in a variety of areas. Two levels of tests are given in grade 7 to monitor progress, and in grades 9 to 12 to determine whether each student has met the state minimum competency level. Students must pass the higher level…

A discussion focusing on whether American Sign Language (ASL) should be accepted in fulfillment of university foreign language requirements attempts to dispel misconceptions about the language; and to show that ASL can provide the same benefits as the study of more traditional foreign languages, including the opportunity to communicate in another…

The appearance of a graduation requirement in the arts has focused attention on public school systems to provide comprehensive music education coursework. As a result, this report discusses trends in secondary music education course requirements, suggests strategies for implementing a meaningful music curriculum, cites obstacles to expanding music…

This brief overview of minimum competency testing and disabled high school students discusses: the inclusion or exclusion of handicapped students in minimum competency testing programs; approaches to accommodating the individual needs of handicapped students; and legal issues. Surveys of states that have mandated minimum competency tests indicate…

The implicit definition of competence and the inferential chain that links the standard-setting process to the decision outcomes of the method are considered for two classes of standard-setting procedures: those involving data-free judgments of items and those involving data-based judgment of items. The major underlying assumptions of competence…

Intended for use by school administrators, guidance counselors, teachers, and proctors, this manual contains general information on Regents examinations and competency tests. Specifically, the regulations and procedures for ordering, administering, rating, and reporting results of these examinations are described. Information is also included…

Discusses the problems of foreign language requirements and foreign language student dropouts from an anthropological viewpoint. Proposes solutions which stress both the intrinsic and extrinsic values of learning a foreign language. (PM)

Biulleten' Ministerstva vysshego i srednego spetsial'nogo obrazovaniia SSSR, 1968. No. 9.

Designed to be both process and product oriented, the workshop was held to study secondary educational opportunities for migrant students to develop working policies to complement existing school programs. Objectives were to: create an awareness of the unique characteristics, education needs, and barriers preventing full access to quality…

This paper explains competency-based education and its positive and negative aspects. The author cites accountability, better instructional plans, and increased opportunity for student success as positive aspects. Problems mentioned include adjusting to new terminology and more record-keeping. Typical components of competency-based instructional…

The issue of minimal competency testing for high school graduation and grade to grade promotion as a method of emphasizing the teaching of basic skills and guaranteeing that the high school diploma will "mean something" has received widespread legislative attention in recent years. In this report, data pertaining to the enforcement of minimal…

This publication reports the results of an extensive study of the characteristics and needs of secondary education in Western Australia. In its investigation, the committee was instructed to examine educational developments outside Western Australia, to assess the educational needs of Western Australia, and to recommend changes in the future…

This publication provides information about the education program requirements of the state board of education and the state statutes, together with suggested school district guidelines. Its three major purposes are to present the revised Minimum Standards for Public Schools adopted by the board in December of 1974, to specify criteria used to…

The 1971 school year was the first year of full operation of the Lackawanna State University College Undergraduate Urban Teacher Education Program (UUTEP). Instead of thrusting college students into full responsibility, it provides for a sequential development of expertise under the guidance and direction of experienced teachers. This UUTEP…

Competency-based instructional programs are being discussed in many, and enacted in some, educational districts. Reports of this process from Oregon, California, and Ohio are included among the 12 entries in an annotated bibliography. All entries are from the ERIC system. (MLF)