Competency testing in New York State began in the nineteenth century, first with a local testing mandate and later with the "preliminary Regents examinations," which were administered at the end of the eighth grade. Optional competency tests were introduced in 1962, and in 1976 the Board of Regents mandated the passing of a series of basic competency tests as a requirement for local high school diplomas beginning in June 1979. However, the basic competency tests were criticized as "too easy," and the competency testing program was completely restructured in 1978. The new Regents competency testing program consists of tests in reading, writing, and mathematics that establish more rigorous diploma standards for students graduating in June 1981 and thereafter. The program also mandates early identification and remediation, and provides for alternative means of demonstrating competency in the basic skills. (Author/BW)