Graduate Program
Educational Administration
Degree Name
Education Specialist (EdS)
Semester of Degree Completion
1984
Thesis Director
Harry Merigis
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the competency testing program in Community Unit # 2 in Mattoon, Illinois, and in particular the English Competency Tests at grades 9 and 11. Although this field study studied techniques and methods from the Mattoon school district, the researcher believes that these procedures could be adapted to serve as a reference for any school district contemplating competency testing.
The study was divided into five chapters. Chapter One gives background information on the rising interest in competency testing and a definition of terms associated with competency testing.
Chapter Two is a review of the current literature on competency testing. For organizational purposes, the literature was divided into three sections: the legality of competency testing, the arguments for competency testing, and the arguments against competency testing.
Chapter Three is a study of the techniques used to arrive at the goals,objectives, and philosophy for the competency tests in the Mattoon district. Procedures, guidelines, and competency test content at the ninth and eleventh grade level are also discussed.
Chapter Four is the results of an analysis of what Community Unit # 2 has done with respect to implementing competency testing. The chapter presents the results from the competency tests in Community Unit # 2 in comparison to a pre-determined set of twenty-seven issues devised by Bartz.
Chapter Five includes the summary, conclusions, and recommendations for the competency tests (with specific attention to the English Competency Tests at grades 9 and 11) as they now exist in Community Unit District # 2. Recommendations concerning scheduling of the test, teachers, students, and classrooms are addressed. Grading the test and planning a remedial program for those who fail the initial tests are also aspects addressed.
Recommended Citation
Sullivan, Lila E., "Minimal Competency Testing in Community Unit # 2 in Mattoon, Illinois" (1984). Masters Theses. 2819.
https://thekeep.eiu.edu/theses/2819
