The New Jersey department of education has implemented a minimum standards program to assure that all students have the individual opportunities they require for mastering the basic skills. The 1976-77 program is transitional and is used to build toward full implementation in the 1977-78 school year. In full operation, the state tests will be administered in May of each year in grades 3, 6, 9, and 11. Students who are below mastery will be provided individualized remedial or supplemental instruction. Study efforts in graduation requirements, communication and life skills, and anchoring procedures have also been initiated. The program also will implement program guidelines in order to assist local districts in providing the highest quality of basic skills programs. (Author)