Summaries are presented of the problems and issues of minimum competency testing which were discussed at four regional conferences for political and educational practitioners. The Education Commission of the States sponsored the conferences, but took no official position of support or opposition. Section 1 compares the legislative, practitioner, and community perspectives concerning the pressures for educational standards. Section 2 summarizes discussions concerned with selecting and defining the competencies to be measured, setting the standards, applying the results, assigning accountability, administering the testing program, and financing the program. Section 3 discusses the issues involved in implementing minimum competency testing programs. Section 4 presents abstracts of eleven background papers. The appendices include: (1) a copy of Henry M. Brickell's keynote speech which identifies seven questions for discussion and includes a checklist for policy formation; (2) information about the existing programs in Oregon, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Colorado; (3) an outline of the activities of 31 states; and (4) a list of the programs and participants of the four regional conferences. (CTM)