Observations of innovative compensatory intervention programs in three Greek elementary schools were conducted in 1986. Implemented in 50 schools and offering help to 1,176 students, the innovation offered assistance through compensatory teaching to children, mainly second grade students, who were experiencing learning difficulties. This report provides descriptions of: (1) the schools; (2) ways in which teachers operated; (3) children's background; (4) parents' attitudes; and (5) initial results of the intervention; the objectives of the innovation project are outlined as well. Of the 1,176 children provided compensatory instruction, 54 percent were able to follow the lessons in their regular classes without additional extra coaching. All the prerequisites for the continued success of the program have been identified by those involved in the project. Concluding remarks offer recommendations for maintaining the quality of the programs. (RH)