Minimum Competency Testing Historically Considered

Review of Related Literature

“…In 1894, J. M. Rice demonstrated that tests of performance could be important for assessing instruction, curriculum, and student learning. He administered spelling tests in different school systems, looking to see if added instructional time improved student performance (Resnick, 1980;Gerberich, 1963).…”

“…The Industrial Revolution brought social efficiency and scientific measurement to education (Shepard, 2000b;Resnick, 1980). Schools played a critical role in response to the changing job market brought on by the Industrial Revolution.…”

“…The achievement tests were not completely used to diagnose student learning problems. Their main purpose was to permit comparisons of class and student performance in an effort to study education in a more scientific manner (Resnick, 1980;Shepard, 2000b). For instance, the need to remedy inconsistencies in teachers' grading practices became important because it was thought to be highly inefficient.…”

“…The goal of this testing activity was to improve decision making about career choices and college entrance (Resnick, 1980). The tests quickly became national measures of school accountability, too.…”

“…These tests were designed to measure general educational development rather than knowledge of a specific content subject (Gerberich, 1963). After World War II, the administration of standardized test batteries on a regular basis throughout the student's school career was a common educational practice (Resnick, 1980). The launch of the Russian satellite, Sputnik, was the catalyst for President Dwight D.…”