At one high school, only 28 percent of the students passed this year's state basic skills tests.

However, cognitive skills tests did not improve after six months of both.

These same skills tests will now be used for admission rather than placement.

School officials blamed the weak foundation in English for poor performance on academic skills tests.

Anyone who cannot pass the basic skills tests after extensive remedial work should not be allowed to stay in college.

Applicants must pass a practical skill test and a written exam of 100 questions.

Across the nation, school districts are trying to replace minimum skills tests with more demanding ones.

They also go through a series of skill tests, and take home a T-shirt and picture.

Traditionally, the system's scores on minimum basic skills tests were until last year among the poorest in the state.

Most writing skills tests require students to draft essays on assigned topics within a specific period of time.