{"id":354827,"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.html"},"modified":"2023-10-11T14:27:54","modified_gmt":"2023-10-11T19:27:54","slug":"competency-testing","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/curriculum-standards-school-funding\/competency-testing.html","title":{"rendered":"Competency Testing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

Competency Testing<\/h1>\n
\n
\n

Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

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

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

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

Since the 1980s, education reform has focused on "performance-based standards." These standards require a minimum level of academic achievement before students may graduate. Each state has its own laws and educational regulations, including competency testing rules. There are also legal challenges to competency tests for setting educational standards.<\/p>\r\n

This section provides information and resources on various competency-related matters. It includes background information on competency testing and state laws. It also discusses legal authorities, challenges, and more.<\/p>\r\n

Competency Testing Background Information<\/h2>\r\n

Student testing to track academic achievement began in the 1970s. Some states began making passage of an "exit examination" a prerequisite for high school graduation. These exams were designed to enhance teacher quality in public schools and improve student achievement. States began developing strategies to address the issues perceived in their communities.<\/p>\r\n

The national No Child Left Behind Act<\/a> (NCLB) sought to focus federal funding on certain school districts. Those that demonstrated the most improvement in student performance year after year were considered.<\/p>\r\n

No Child Left Behind required districts to test students at least once in high school. Many schools used their existing high school exit exams. Because the results were a condition for funding, the law put more pressure on students and teachers. Parents complained that programs seemed to "teach to the test." Opponents argued that the law kept students from a well-rounded education.<\/p>\r\n

Adding to the problems were inconsistent standards among states. School districts could waive the NCLB requirements, but that also meant waiving their federal funding. Amid a lack of public support<\/a> for No Child Left Behind, Congress replaced the act in 2015. The Every Student Succeeds Act<\/a> (ESSA) \u2014 which, like NCLB, reauthorized the Elementary and Secondary Education Act<\/a> (ESEA) of 1965 \u2014 became the nation’s education law.<\/p>\r\n

Here’s a look at common questions about competency testing in American public education.<\/p>\r\n

What Is Competency Testing?<\/h2>\r\n

Competency testing is a key part of the U.S. education system. It evaluates students’ understanding of specific content areas. These subjects may include English language arts, math, science, and social studies. In a competency-based system, learners must prove they know the material. They cannot move on to the next grade level without a certain score.<\/p>\r\n

What Is Common Core?<\/h2>\r\n

The Common Core Standards Initiative was developed in 2009. Its goal was to ensure that graduates have the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed.<\/p>\r\n

The federal government was not involved in developing Common Core State Standards<\/a>. Rather, statewide officials from both sides of the aisle \u2014 the National Governors Association<\/a> and the Council of Chief State School Officers<\/a> \u2014 and other groups worked together<\/a> on the collaborative standards. However, the federal government has encouraged states to adopt and take part in the project.<\/p>\r\n

Almost every state signed onto the standards, though some have begun to pull their support. As of 2023, 41 states still used the full standards<\/a>, along with the District of Columbia and four U.S. territories.<\/p>\r\n

The standards for classroom material, according to Common Core, require that material be:<\/p>\r\n