The aim of Goal 1.4, an objective of the Albuquerque (New Mexico) Public Schools for 1986-87, is to make literacy a major focus for students identified as needing special assistance. It was planned to increase the scores on standardized tests for identified students. Those scoring below the 32nd percentile (40th NCE) on the reading vocabulary, reading comprehension, language mechanics, or language expression areas of the Comprehensive Tests of Basic Skills in grades 5 and 8 became the focus of skills reinforcement instruction. A total of 1,360 students in grade 8 and 1,519 in grade 5 were identified in the fall of 1986. Gains by spring of 1987 for these students were computed and displayed in four tables. The average gains ranged from 5.2 to 11.6. That the average gain exceeded the target of Goal 1.4 and was statistically significant can be attributed to teachers targeting those students with lower scores and providing instruction in deficit areas. (SLD)