The development procedures, test administration, data analysis, and future implications of a statewide needs assessment effort in the state of Ohio are described. A 114-item test) administered to 152 schools in Ohio in April 1979, was used to determine the statewide needs in science at the grade 8 level. Four content domains were included: (1) physical science; (2) life science; (3) earth science; and (4) integrated topics. Areas of strength and weakness were determined based upon detailed analyses and comparisons of the actual scores to predetermined minimal and optimal expectancy levels. Results pointed out that students' performance was best in the domain of integrated topics, which included items on science processes. Earth science concepts were best understood. The remaining two areas, physical science and life science, were definitely weaker areas in terms of student achievement. Only five out of fourteen objectives in these two areas met or exceeded the minimal expectancy levels. (Authors/JN)