The California Assessment Program (CAP) is meant to be an efficient testing program limited to furnishing program-diagnostic information to state-level policymakers. During 1981-82 all 3rd-, 6th-, and 12th-grade students in the state's public schools were tested in reading, written language, and mathematics basic skills. Summary findings were that grades 3 and 6 test scores improved. Grade 12 scores improved in written language and spelling and decreased slightly in reading and mathematics. Elementary grade scores are reported in scaled units from 100 to 400, with a statewide average of 250 in base-year 1980. Grade 12 scores continue to represent the percentage of test questions answered correctly. Test results are comparable on a common scale to those of previous years; they show how the performance of California students compares with national scores. Scholastic Aptitude Test scores for college-bound seniors; third grade students' attitudes toward the basic skills; the issue of time for learning in different learning areas in elementary and secondary schools; and the availability and use of computers in state elementary schools are examined. An appendix lists the assessment advisory committees. (CM)