Results of the second administration of the New Jersey Minimum Basic Skills (MBS) Tests in reading and mathematics are reported for students in grades 3, 6, 9, and 11. The reading tests are organized according to clusters of items: (1) word recognition; (2) comprehension; and (3) study skills. The mathematics tests are also organized into clusters: (1) computation; (2) number concepts; (3) measurement/geometry; and (4) problem solving. Student performance on the tests is reported at the district, county, and state levels. The percentage of students correctly answering each item is examined to determine the adequacy of mastery attainment for the skills assessed. An item-by-item comparison between the 1978-79 performance and the 1977-78 performance is made. In addition, a statistical analysis determines the relative degree of difficulty of each item on the 1978-79 test and compares it to the corresponding items on the 1977-78 test. Cautions are given in interpreting the MBS test results, particularly in comparison with commercial norm-referenced achievement tests, in comparison between students, schools, districts, and/or reference groups, in comparison with tests which are not equated and in comparison across grades. (RL)