Describes the implementation of a minimum competency testing program in North Boone Senior High School in Poplar Grove (Illinois). Includes eight questions to be asked in planning for such a program. (Author/WD)

Minimum competency testing programs may discriminate against handicapped students. Action must be taken, this article warns, to assure that such programs do not emerge as an exclusionary practice that will require years to overcome. (Author)

The potential of minimum competency testing cannot be realized unless school districts engage in the complex processes of competency-based program development. (Author/MLF)

Reviews the principal's role in instructional accountability, management systems, communications, remedial programs, teacher inservice programs, teacher recruitment, and testing. (Author/WD)

Competency-based graduation requirements provide students with a meaningful diploma, reduce illiteracy, and provide a system of quality control for schools. (Author)

Predicts that the availability of computers and demands for competency testing could drastically alter the character and uses of standardized testing by the end of the century. Warns administrators to begin preparing for the future in order to prevent misuse of the new computer capabilities. (PGD)

Examines some disturbing tendencies in curriculum content and descion-making. Argues that a rigorous, neoconservative back-to-basics program, coupled with use of corporate school management models, is not the answer. Excessive standardization could increase the dropout rate and cause the deskilling of teachers. Societal influences need to be…

Everything that educators have learned aabout individual differences and learning styles as they relate to pacing is negated by tests that disregard such evidence. Unless they are improved, competency tests are likely to seriously damage the educational process. (CJH)

Many school districts have adopted minimum competency tests as part of the requirements for high school diplomas. It is important that the needs of special education students are included when planning and implementing competency testing. Included are three levels of options to consider for modified testing of special students. (MD)

A strong relationship is shown between students' state assessment test pass rates and students' socioeconomic status (SES). State sanctions based on assessment scores can affect graduation, student diplomas, school accreditation, school funding, teacher rewards and promotion, paperwork requirements, regulations, work expectations, improvement…

Competency-based education programs could raise three kinds of legal issues: claims under the due process clause, claims of discrimination under the equal protection clause, and claims of negligence. (Author/JM)

The use of competency-based transcripts is favored over differentiated diplomas to designate differences in student performance. Issues discussed surrounding the use of differentiated diplomas for high school graduation include the actual importance of functional literacy level for job success, the failure of prospective employers to verify…