This handbook contains suggestions for the use of results from the New Mexico High School Proficiencies Examination (NMHSPE) and describes procedures for developing programs and planning intervention strategies. The information and guidelines will facilitate administrative action for program improvement through integration of the NMHSPE results and other evaluation data. The examination is part of the New Mexico Basic Skills Plan for statewide assessment of student proficiency for diploma endorsement. The examination is administered to all 10th grade students and, subsequently, to 11th and 12th grade students or new residents. Test items assess the skill areas of computation, identification of facts and terms, problem solving, reading and writing; and the content areas of community resources, consumer economics, government and law, and health. To insure the acquisition of basic skills, all goals, objectives, competencies, and skills are established at appropriate points in the curriculum; remediation is provided to students not meeting local criteria at the 10th grade checkpoint; all eligible students are included; writing skills appraisal is related to functional competence and equitable criteria; and consistent procedures are used in scoring. The suggested procedures following the examination are cyclic with the results providing major input on program and student outcomes. (CM)