As more states adopt minimum competency testing (MCT) programs, MCT is becoming the subject of much debate among educators and in the courts. MCT has been attacked by those who claim it discriminates against Blacks and non-English-speaking minorities. Also raised in the MCT debate is the question of educational malpractice. (RLV)

In this article, both the psychology behind minimum competency testing (MCT) and the statistics employed to determine the line between competence and incompetence are attacked. MCT is viewed as a crisis created to discredit teachers and schools and as a means of invasion of public education by state level bureaucrats and politicians. (RLV)

Three definitions of "back-to-the-basics" are given and discussed. The idea that science provides opportunities to practice the most "skill-thinking" is also discussed. (MK)

Teaching mathematics as one would teach a science course (that is, as a field of intellectual inquiry) is advocated. Four illustrative activities, most appropriate for grades 5-8, are suggested. (MK)

The process skills discussed include: observation; estimation; communication; mensuration; and graph construction and interpretation. Two activities for grade 6 and beyond are suggested. (MK)

Discusses the back-to-basics issue and how parents and biology educators respond to it. The reason for the back-to-basics issue and the determination of the basics in biology are also discussed. (HM)

Achievements of 9, 13, and 17-year-old students are assessed in ten learning areas. Categories include basic skills (reading, writing, and mathematics), general subject matter (social studies, citizenship, science, and career development), and humanities and fine arts (literature, art, and music). (Author/DB)

Describes computer assisted instruction (CAI) by ASSIST (Authoring System Supplementing Instruction Selected by Teachers), part of a project to develop and evaluate CAI programs for mentally handicapped children. (CMV)

Successful performance in mathematics rests not only on general skills but also on general attitudes and traits such as perseverance, self-confidence, willingness to try out a hunch, and appreciation for exactness. (MM)

Reports on the recent White House conference on arts education, where a major theme was educating the public--convincing it that the arts "are" basic education. (Editor/RK)

The program for remedial instruction in mathematics developed at Southern Illinois University is described. The program involves coordination of counselling, classroom lectures, and workshop sessions. Students with specific deficiencies are assigned to self-learning modules. (SD)

Discusses the implementation of the "T & E" legislation (Thorough and Efficient) in New Jersey that would provide a minimum level of educational opportunity for every student. (RK)

Nine principals write about the problems they face and what they see as the most critical issues confronting the principalship today. (Author/IRT)

Discusses research findings that indicate that while basic reading skills are improving noticeably at the lower grade levels, there is cause for concern about the decline in more advanced levels of reading comprehension at the higher grade levels. (Author/JG)

This study evaluated a treatment package to improve on-task academic skills by three children with autism. Program components included delayed reinforcement for on-task and on-schedule responding, fading of instructional prompts and instructor's presence, unpredictable supervision, and response cost for off-task responding. On-task and on-schedule…