The work performed by New Jersey's Minimum Basic Skills Advisory Committee in studying the state's remedial programs is described. The committee's findings are summarized, as are its recommendations for enhancing program effectiveness. Descriptions of data collection activities involve interviews with representative school districts, major education associations, and state department of education staff; and literature reviews. Four areas of concern were studied: design, development, and organization of remedial programs; program staffing; local-level organization of programs and personnel; and state responsibility. Twenty-nine observations and findings are noted, and several questionnaires used to collect data are appended. A total of 17 recommendations are presented, including: (1) the responsibility for remediation of basic skills rests with the local district, while the state department of education provides financial, technical, and evaluative services; (2) information is needed concerning the most effective program strategies; (3) funding guidelines should be reviewed; and (4) state efforts should be coordinated with federal funds and programs. (GDC)