This is a report on a project established to develop a "common yardstick" to describe performance in one or more language skills. Descriptive scales for oral interaction were prepared as well as a general outline of scale characteristics for listening comprehension and reading. Experts in the field reviewed the project proposal and recommendations were made to devote the major effort to oral interaction. The major outcomes at this stage were the following: (1) a commitment to some form of the 0-5 government scale; (2) concentration on the relationship between linguistic ability and the larger area of inter-personal communication; and (3) concentration of efforts at the 0-2 range, the one most second language speakers can expect to attain after the ordinary academic course of study. The major outcomes of the study are summarized as follows: (1) consensus on the usefulness of the expanded definitions at Levels 0 and 1; (2) agreement on the usefulness of a bilevel system; and (3) the need for definitions at Levels 0 and 1; (2) agreement on the coordination of efforts among the various agencies concerned with language proficiency testing. Immediate and long-range development work stemming from the "Common Yardstick" project is described by way of conclusion. (AMH)