The Ohio Sixth-grade Proficiency Tests are designed to measure a sixth-grade level of literacy and basic competence. Beginning in March 1996, Ohio sixth graders will take proficiency tests in writing, reading, mathematics, citizenship, and science. Both teachers and administrators have been involved in the test development process, establishing learning outcomes for each subject area using the state-adopted model courses of study. Test items are reviewed for bias and cultural sensitivity, as well as their alignment with the curriculum. Each multiple-choice item has four response choices. Students will be given 2.5 hours to complete each test, although it is expected that most students will be finished in 75 minutes. The writing test, which is defined by eight learning outcomes, will consist of a topic or stimulus that will direct two writing exercises. Writing exercises will be holistically scored on a four-point scale. The reading test, defined by 18 learning outcomes, will contain multiple-choice, short-answer, and extended response items that relate to reading passages based on fiction, poetry, and nonfiction. Twenty-four learning outcomes define the mathematics test, which will contain 34 multiple-choice, 10 short-answer, and 2 extended response items. The same item format is used in the citizenship test, based on 22 learning outcomes, and the science test, based on 17 learning outcomes. A description of test content is given for each of the tests. Five sources of further information on the proficiency test are listed. (Contains seven tables and two reading diagrams.) (SLD)