In this paper, the Wisconsin State Superintendent of Public Instruction reviews issues surrounding competency testing and describes Wisconsin's response to a nationwide effort to enhance student learning through competency based education. Efforts of the past two decades to improve traditional educational practice in Wisconsin are outlined. Political, legal, education, technical, and financial parameters of competency testing are also assessed. Finally, the implementation of improved educational practices in the public secondary schools and the relationship of these to student competency evaluation are considered. (Author/APM)