This review critiques the highly-praised and influential 2001 study, "Getting Tough? The Impact of High School Graduation Exams," which concluded that "minimum competency," or high school "graduation exams," had no effect on student achievement. The review compares the test classifications of "Getting…

At a time when governments face the challenges of maintaining competitiveness in a global economy, it is necessary to have high-quality comparative information regarding the fundamental skills of the adult population. Such information can help governments to evaluate policies and design more effective interventions. This article describes a…

In this article, the data from a sociological survey serve as the basis for an analysis of the levels of professional training of the graduates of higher educational institutions in the Kuzbass region. The object of this survey consisted of upper-division students in daytime enrollment of colleges and universities in Novokuznetsk, which is not…

Competency testing programs in Detroit, Illinois, and in the states of Maryland, Texas, and South Carolina have positively influenced student learning. In all four programs, measurement was perceived as a catalyst to improve instruction. (MLF)

Indicates that the movement toward minimal competency testing is widespread and growing but that its educational and social implications have yet to be evaluated. (TJ)

Colorado now requires applicants for teaching certificates to pass a basic skills test in spelling, English language usage, and mathematics and to demonstrate acceptable speaking ability. Student teachers must also complete this screening. Applicants have four chances to complete the test. (MLF)

This response to a previous article concerning the use of the CBEST considers the importance of periodic review of testing and scoring procedures, the uses and improvement of these procedures, and the search for alternatives which better suit the intended purposes. (CB)

Minimum competency testing in Louisiana emphasizes individual needs (as delineated in the indiviualized education program) regardless of special education classification. Nine format/procedural modifications are allowed on the Basic Skills Test, including braille editions and extended time. Test administration and score reporting may also be…

The problems inherent to standardized minimum competency testing are discussed. (HTH)

Contends that New Jersey's Minimum Basic Skills (MBS) tests in reading and mathematics waste time and money and should not be used by the state as the criteria to measure school and district performance. Low scores are the result of social conditions schools cannot correct by themselves. (Author/MLF)

The New Jersey Commissioner of Education replies that the Minimum Basic Skills (MBS) tests are not the sole criterion used to measure school and district performance and that some schools manage to teach well despite their students' low socioeconomic level. (Author/MLF)

The merit of minimum competency testing in a competency-based physical education course is examined by a physical education consultant. (JD)

The mathematics performance of 1,098 learning disabled (LD) Florida tenth graders on the Florida State Assessment Test-II was evaluated. LD students tended to perform better on skills requiring literal use of numbers and worse on skills requiring application of mathematical knowledge. Employers' ratings supported the importance of skills tested.…

The study reviewed the performance of 300 educable mentally retarded 10th graders on the Florida State Student Assessment Test which evaluates specified minimum performance standards in basic academic skills. Retarded students scored lower and were less likely than other students to attain the required level of mastery prior to graduation.…

Written by the Australian Education Council, this article outlines the purpose and the procedures for the Australian Studies in Student Performance program, a project to gather information on achievement in literacy and numeracy of a sample of 10 and 14 year olds. (HTH)