State Minimum Competency Testing Programs: Review and Resources. Federal Efforts in Minimum Competency Testing. Final Report

Abstract

The Education Amendments of 1978, Part B of the Elementary Secondary Education Act Title IX were implemented because of the growing concern about illiteracy, test score decline, and educational accountability. They establish funds and technical assistance to state and local education agencies for program implementation and test development. Both House and Senate Reports stressed that the federal government is not to specify minimum standards, nor require certain tests; nor is the receipt of aid to be conditional on adopting minimum standards. A bill introduced by Representative Robert Mottl, requiring states to establish minimum standards was defeated. (The House and Senate committee reports, the Mottl bills, Federal Register regulations, and excerpts from regional hearings are appended.) (CP)