Criterion-referenced tests were used to measure basic skills and competencies in mathematics, reading, and writing in Texas. Results reported on 433,520 students in grades 5 and 9 who took the Texas Assessment of Basic Skills (TABS) in 1980. Ninth graders were tested on competencies and proficiency levels expected to be mastered by students in grade 12. All students were asked to write an actual composition on an assigned topic. Fifth graders wrote a descriptive composition, while ninth graders wrote a composition recommending a course of action and offering persuasive reasons to support that recommendation. Results were reported as percent of students mastering the TABS objectives and indicated: (1) performance was generally high in addition and subtraction of whole numbers, interpretation of graphs and charts, following written directions, use of indexes and reference skills, handwriting, capitalization, spelling, use of commonly used forms, and sentence structure and (2) performance was generally low in solving certain types of word problems involving application to the real world, distinguishing between fact and non-fact, drawing conclusions from material read, identifying the main idea of a passage, arranging events in sequence, punctuation, and correct English usage. (RL)