Designed to encourage debate, discussion, and, eventually, evaluation of the minimum competency testing movement, this book examines academic, physical, social, aesthetic, and vocational competencies that are basic to the development of the early adolescent. The first of six chapters, Early Adolescent Competencies, raises issues facing schools for early adolescents. Chapter 2, Academic Competency and the Early Adolescent, was prepared by teachers or consultants who work in junior high/middle schools and presents specific competencies to be required of students in language arts, social science, and mathematics. The third chapter, Cultural Competencies for the Early Adolescent, discusses three basic areas of cultural competencies to be developed within the early adolescent: awareness, participation, and appreciation. A brief resume of physical competencies a student should reach by the end of the eighth grade or prior to entering high school is presented in chapter 4. Focusing on social competencies, chapter 5 lists social skills needed by the young adolescent to participate as a responsible and contributing member in a free democratic society. The final chapter reviews (1) the career education curriculum requirements for Illinois, (2) the evolution of career education, (3) vocational development needs of junior high/middle school students, and (4) career development competencies. (LRA)