Parkrose (Oregon) School District 3 became involved in standards of competence in 1978 when the Oregon State Board of Education adopted standards requiring high school students to demonstrate competency skills to graduate. The California Achievement Test has been administered to Parkrose tenth graders each fall since 1974 when students scored slightly below the national average. A significant change registered after 3 years. Scores then jumped dramatically, with the median close to the 70th percentile for the past 4 years. These gains are attributed to a goal-based instructional program developed in response to the state's directive for a competency program. These competencies are an integral part of the regular curriculum of well-defined program and course goals. The most appropriate levels at which students should demonstrate competence are chosen. Students are certified as competent as soon as requirements are met. A competency testing program tests seventh, eighth, and ninth grades twice a term. All teachers have received inservice training on how to teach to an objective. These standards have resulted in improving curriculum, raising school standards, and improving preparation for college entrance. (Author/PN)