Observing that an undesirable byproduct of competency testing for teacher certification has been a nationwide decrease in the number of Blacks entering teaching, this article analyzes Louisiana data on race of National Teacher Examinations takers and declining percentages of Blacks entering the profession. (MJL)

Examines the discrepancy between mathematics skills demanded of job applicants and actual need for these skills in carrying out the job. Cites the plight of those who leave school who are being denied graduation and an opportunity for employment for which they might be suited because they failed basic math competency tests. (EAO)

To validate the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute examinations to be used to select vocational instructors in Georgia, a random sample of teachers by occupation and race was tested. Test results were compared to national norms; local norms and a method for determining cut-off scores were developed. (SK)

Describes educational developments and changes in health sciences librarianship, and discusses issues presented at the Allerton Conference on Education for Health Sciences Librarianship in April 1979. Conference objectives and proceedings are described, as well as the activities of discussion groups. Ten references are provided. (Author/BK)

Reports that the procedures for scholastic achievement in West Germany are established by the state administration, including judicial review of student evaluation. This judicial review is largely formal and not specific to schooling. Advocates the insertion of pedagogical criteria into the legal review of student assessment. (Author/LS)

Key components of American educational reformers' results-oriented strategies include creation of world-class standards, curriculum frameworks, and "voluntary" national tests. Similar reforms already exist in England under the 1988 Education Reform Act's mandated national curriculum and assessment system. This article describes the…

This paper comments that problems with Great Britain's Key Stage 1 standard assessment tasks (SATs) for pupils with special educational needs involve the SATs design and use. Issues discussed include activity-based assessments, adaptations, time demands, step size, future development of SATs, and disapplications of the National Curriculum. (JDD)

It is proposed that the dental profession eliminate entry-level clinical state board examinations in favor of licensure based on successful completion of an accredited curriculum and successful completion of Parts I and II of the National Board Examination. A 10-point strategy for accomplishing this goal is outlined. (MSE)

National testing does not produce better education in other countries or spur students to do better work, and it creates barriers for poor and minority students. The paper recommends creating programs to help states and districts develop new ways to evaluate student learning as part of overhauling education. (SM)

This survey of 34 primary schools and 5 local education authorities in Great Britain examined reactions to the pilot test of Key Stage 1 standard assessment tasks (SATs), as they related to special needs students. Teachers' criticisms focused on the overwhelming workload, questionable SAT reliability, and resulting decline in the quality of…

Historically, such testing programs as intelligence tests and Chapter I minimum competency testing have inadvertently perpetuated inequalities. An equitable national testing program must look beyond the mystique of testing technologies, clearly define purposes of assessment, recruit minorities into the testing field, and establish an independent…

Survey of 43 British secondary teachers showed that the National Curriculum positively influenced teaching methods, encouraging greater variety in delivery and more active learning. Concern was expressed that these practices may be hindered if national assessment tests are narrow in nature and content. (SK)

Today's school tests and surveys collect a wide variety of personality and opinion data on student proclivities, social attitudes, and parent-inculcated world views. Personality testing poses a threat to family privacy and students' future employability. Nearly anyone can access personal and sensitive student information and use it to target…

Describes the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) 1998 Civics Assessment. Includes average scores and achievement-level results for the United States, for demographic subgroups, and for students in a variety of contexts. Also examines the framework and content of the assessment. (Author/SLD)

Describes the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) 1998 writing assessment, Includes average scores and achievement-level results for the United States and the states, for demographic subgroups, and for students in a variety of contexts. Also examines the framework and content of the assessment. (Author/SLD)