Project STAR (Social Thinking and Reasoning Program) is a classroom-based social skills program for students in grades 5-8. To assess the long-term effectiveness of this program, students participated in the project (N=331) were compared with control students (N=191) during 1980-83. The hypothesis that there are significant differences in current achievement level, self-concept, and behavior of students who received STAR training in grades 6-8 between 1980 and 1983 compared to the original group of students who did not receive STAR training was tested. The evaluation was based on students' self report measures of health, self-concept, and social skills. Student record data was also collected on current attendance, academic performance, and behavior. The results of the first year of research show that students trained in STAR had significantly better grades and attendance, fewer health problems, and were more assertive and resistant to peer pressure to use drugs than were control subjects. These findings suggest that students do retain social skills training and put it to positive use in their lives. (ABB)