Twenty-two percent of high school juniors who completed an extra "college-readiness" section on their California Standards Tests were found to be ready for college English, it was announced Wednesday.

Nearly 40 percent of 11th-graders this year participated in the Early Assessment Program, a joint effort between The California State University system and the California Department of Education.

"Given that students have another year of high school remaining, there is time for those who are not ready to develop the skills they need," said Charles B. Reed, the system's chancellor.

This spring was the first year the test was made available to all public school juniors. More than 150,000 students took the extended test in English and 115,000 in math.

The assessment combines high school and state university standards.

"The public schools and the California State University are thrilled by the response," said system trustee Roberta Achtenberg.

"Students should interpret their test results as a signal. Those doing well on the tests should be mentored to continue on to college, and those not performing yet at college-readiness level should be encouraged to work harder in their senior year to improve their English or math skills."

In math, 55 percent of those tested scored high enough to take college- level classes at state university campuses and exempt from taking the math placement test.

The 22 percent who scored well on the English test also may skip the English placement test after admission to a state university campuses.

Statistics were not available for specific counties or school districts, but will be released next week, according to Clara Potes-Fellow of The California State University system.

Education officials anticipate that English and math proficiency for state university freshmen will rise as a result of early intervention in high school. University and high school officials are collaborating on ways to assist students who need help in English or math.

The system's goal is to reduce to 10 percent the proportion of freshmen needing to take remedial courses. More than half are currently required to take remedial classes, according to a system official.