{"id":354826,"date":"2016-04-04T11:01:41","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:01:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/education\/curriculum-standards-school-funding\/competency-testing-in-education-state-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-06-24T00:02:21","modified_gmt":"2024-06-24T05:02:21","slug":"competency-testing-in-education-state-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/curriculum-standards-school-funding\/competency-testing-in-education-state-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Competency Testing in Education: State Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Competency Testing in Education: State Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Jade Yeban, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Susan Mills Richmond, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Competency testing plays a crucial role in assessing student achievement. It helps ensure that learners meet the necessary standards for progress and graduation. These tests help schools measure how well students understand and can apply the knowledge required at their grade level. Across the United States, state laws vary regarding these tests.Testing affects students in public education from enrollment to their high school graduation.<\/p>\n

This article explores state laws on competency testing across America.<\/p>\n

A Brief Background to Competency Testing in Education<\/h2>\n

Competency testing in education has its roots in the early 20th century. This is when educational reformers began advocating for standards-based assessments. These tests help measure student knowledge and skills. <\/p>\n

These tests were initially designed to ensure that students were learning essential content. They also helped identify areas where schools needed to improve their teaching methods. Over the decades, the educational landscape has evolved. With it, so did the purposes of competency testing.<\/p>\n

By the late 20th century, these assessments became integral to educational accountability systems. They help ensure all school students receive a quality education. This is regardless of their background.<\/p>\n

The multifaceted motivation behind competency testing aims to uphold educational standards. At the same time, it guides teacher instruction. Testing provides feedback on student learning. It also helps prepare students for further education and career readiness. This form of testing supports educational policy decisions and initiatives. Examples of these include accreditation, funding, and curriculum development.<\/p>\n

Schools administer these tests during the school day. They cover various subjects taught throughout the school year. They help gauge student learning and performance. The goal is to prepare students for higher education or professional careers. Testing does this by ensuring students achieve learning outcomes. These outcomes then qualify students for a high school diploma.<\/p>\n

Competency Testing in Education State Laws<\/h2>\n

Most states mandate some form of competency testing for students. Below is a state-by-state directory highlighting competency testing standards. These standards tend to change quite often because certain policies expire. These testing requirements often involve graduation requirements as well. See FindLaw’s Competency Testing<\/a> section for more information. Take a look at your state’s competency testing laws and explore other states’ laws below.<\/p>\n