As part of Louisiana's minimum competency program, the Basic Skills Test (BST) was administered in grades 2 through 5. Student promotion rates in these grades between 1980 and 1985 were examined. Results showed that, in all four grades, the percentage of students retained to repeat the grade increased slightly. The BST was the main, but not the only criterion for retaining students. Student attendance in remedial summer programs did not appear to affect promotion decisions. In fact, among students who qualified for the compensatory program, promotion rates were higher among those who did not attend summer school than among those who did. It was also found that the BST was able to identify a small group of students who had continuing difficulties in meeting the minimum standards. The percentage of students who failed to meet the minimum standards and who had previously received remedial services increased each year. In grade 2 in 1985, it was 6 percent; in grade 3, 17 percent; and grade 4 or 5, 27 percent. Accordingly, it was suggested that alternative programs were needed to meet these students' needs. Detailed data tables are included in the text. (Author/GDC)