Most of the arguments lodged against minimum competency testing are really observations about the abuses of testing. Blacks and other minority groups are understandably mistrustful of recent developments in minimum competency testing--possible grounds for legal challenges include the adequacy of the phase-in periods; the match between tests and instruction; past and subsequent discriminatory practices; and the rationale for setting standards. Problems have been evident in New York City, Virginia, Florida, and North Carolina. Despite these reservations, Americans of all races who were polled about their educational attitudes favored minimum competency testing; 90% favored standards for grade promotion and high school graduation, and 80% favored prompt remedial instruction for students failing competency tests. The American public, and particularly blacks, indicated low levels of confidence in the quality of public school education. There is evidence, however, that testing programs have shown gains in student achievement in Anacostia (District of Columbia); Greensville County, Virginia; Denver, Colorado; Gary, Indiana; and Detroit, Michigan. Minimum competency standards constitute a guarantee never before asked of public schools--that no child will leave school as a functional illiterate. This is why minorities can, and do, support the competency testing movement. (GDC)