A recent study of Dade County Public School (DCPS) graduates attending Miami-Dade Community College (M-DCC) revealed that 64% of those who graduated high school in 1989 had failed one or more of the basic skills sub-tests of the Florida Multiple Assessment Programs and Services test (FL-MAPS). Another study was conducted in 1989 to determine the percentage of recent high school graduates with basic skills deficiencies as measured FL-MAPS and all other placement tests, to compare the placement test performance of public and private school students over time, and to assess the performance of students who received the General Equivalency Diploma (GED). The 1989 study focused on students who enrolled at M-DCC in fall 1989 and had graduated from high school between September 1988 and August 1989. For 95% of the study population, test scores were available on at least one of the following: the Scholastic Aptitude Test; the American College Testing program test; the English Placement Test; and the FL-MAPS. Study highlights include the following: (1) DCPS graduates experienced a 58% failure rate as compared to 44% of Dade County private school graduates; (2) students who did not graduate from a Dade County public or private school, including GED recipients and foreign students, experienced a 70% failure rate; (3) pass rates were similar for out-of-state high school graduates and DCPS graduates; and (4) including scores from all available test instruments reduced the overall test failure rate of recent high school graduates attending M-DCC from 64% just using the F-MAPS to 58%. Data tables are included. (GFW)