(Thursday 2/26 M.E.) A new era in statewide testing begins today at schools throughout Minnesota. Three weeks ago, all 8th grade students in public schools took the state's basic skills tests in reading and math. Now state officials are conducting first-time tests to see how well third and fifth grade students are doing. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports... State education officials say the new tests for third and fifth grade students, called the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments, should not be confused with the 8th grade basic skills tests. The 8th grade tests measure literacy and whether students have yet learned the min