The Rhode Island Commissioner of Education was authorized to appoint and work with a State Standards Council to develop recommendations on the establishment of measurable statewide educational achievement standards at two levels: basic skills and minimum competency. The purpose of setting standards and measuring achievement is to define minimally acceptable performance in those skills that are generally seen as essential by the community at large, and to track the progress of the educational system towards insuring that all students reach an acceptable level. Two lists of objectives, basic skills and minimum competency, were developed by the council. Both include reading, language arts, mathematics, and cultural arts. Basic skills testing should be in grade 4 and grade 6. Minimum competency testing should be in grade 8 and grade 10. A random sample of students should be tested, plus students nominated by local educators or parents as possibly needing extra educational assistance. Norm-referenced tests are adequate for the basic skills testing; tests are being developed for the minimum competency testing. Standards of performance have not yet been set, but should be based on empirical data currently being collected. The state should assist school districts in providing assistance to those students having the greatest difficulty. (BW)