Final answer:
Competency is not a legal determination and can vary across states due to different standards and criteria set by each state. This can lead to discrepancies and disparities in education quality and outcomes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Competency is a term used to measure a student's knowledge and skills in a particular subject or area. It is not a legal determination and can vary across states. Each state has its own set of standards and criteria for determining competency levels. These standards may differ, making it difficult to have a consistent definition of competency across states.
For example, some states may set low proficiency standards, while others may set higher ones. This means that students in different states may be considered competent or proficient at different levels of knowledge and skills. As a result, students who perform well on tests in one state may struggle on more rigorous exams in another state.
In some cases, states with high standards may be penalized if a large number of schools fail to meet those standards. On the other hand, states with low standards and poor performance may not face any consequences. This discrepancy can create disparities in education quality and outcomes across different states.