A Study of Minimum Competency Testing Programs. Final Summary and Analysis Report.

To portray the status of minimum competency testing programs nationwide; as of June 30, 1979, on-site visits were conducted with directors of all 31 state programs and 20 local district programs. Most programs were developed since 1976; 14 state and 13 local programs are fully implemented. The state board of education mandated 16 state programs; state legislatures mandated 15 state programs. Seven local programs were state mandated. Court litigation has occurred only in Florida, Delaware, Maryland, and North Carolina. Four goals were most frequently cited: remediation, curriculum, improvement, accountability, and certification of basic skills prior to graduation. All programs tested reading and mathematics skills; 27 state and 15 local programs tested language skills, and a few programs tested other skills. Most programs included elementary and high school students, and recognized special education and bilingual populations. Type of test varied (in-house, commercial or tailored), as did responsibility for setting standards and selecting tests (state, local, or shared). All programs were locally administered. Most reported results to students, teachers, parents, administrators, and boards. Most programs were locally funded and staffed by in-house curriculum or assessment specialists, not consultants. Seven states and four districts conducted evaluations. (CP)