During the 1974-75 school year, all second and third grade pupils in California were tested in reading achievement, and all pupils in grades 6 and 12 were tested in the basic skills of reading, written expression, and mathematics. The Reading Test: Second and Third Grades was the instrument used to assess reading achievement; it was developed specifically for use in California. Reading achievement in the primary grades continued to surpass publishers' norms by a small margin. Pupils in grade 6 were administered a new test constructed as part of the revised California Assessment Program: the Survey of Basic Skills: Grade 6. All areas tested showed increases, however scores were still slightly below national averages. The Survey of Basic Skills: Grade 12 was also used for the first time. Scores continued on a downward trend and are not well below publisher's norms. Since both sixth and twelfth grade tests lacked norms, a special study determined how students would have done on the tests previously used. Test results are described in terms of the average percentage of questions answered correctly for the areas of reading, written expression, and mathematics and for separate skill areas within each area. Illustrative test questions are given. Authorities reviewed the results and commented on the meaning of the results for California instructional programs. Conclusions and recommendations are given for each grade level and content area. (RC)