The first part of this report is a question-and-answer survey of minimum competency legislation, testing programs, and remedial programs. It includes the questions of both the educator and the lay person. Topics include: minimum competency tests, the debate over minimum competency programs, what happens after testing, and what citizens should look for in minimum competency programs. The second part presents selected readings covering a wide spectrum of political and professional opinions. The third part is an annotated list of references and resources. The information and points of view again represent a variety of perspectives and degrees of objectivity. The six-page appendix describes minimal competency testing activities in twenty-five states: action taken, how standards are set, grade levels assessed, skill areas assessed, and uses of standards and test results. (CTM)