The Writing Skills Committee of the New Jersey Department of Education determined that the Eleventh-Grade High School Proficiency Test (HSPT) writing test should be based on contemporary discourse theory that is process oriented and is firmly rooted in real world application of students' skill and knowledge as writers. The committee identified two skill clusters that require students to demonstrate competency as writers: (1) constructing meaning by writing an essay; and (2) reconstructing meaning by revising and editing the written text of another writer. During the 1989-90 school year, reading, mathematics, and writing committees will develop sample test items and specifications. Three years of "due notice" testing will begin in 1990-91, and the first test required for graduation will be administered in December 1993. (Thirty-four references and appendixes containing lists of the members of the writing skills committee and of reviewers of the proposed writing skills are attached.) (RS)