Detailed program descriptions and discussion of research methodology are included in this independent evaluation of the Basic Skills Learning Centers (BSLC) Projects implemented by Southwest Educational Development Laboratory (SEDL) and Southwest Regional Laboratory (SWRL) and designed to improve basic reading and math instruction in nonurban elementary schools. Following an introductory statement of the scope and purpose of the evaluation, Chapter II describes the SEDL and SWRL-BSLC programs including materials, staff training and technical assistance components, and target populations (monolingual English-speaking students for SEDL, Spanish-speaking students for SWRL). Chapter III covers initial planning and development of the evaluation format, rationales for design decisions, and explanations of the methodological approach. Chapter IV contains extensive tabular and narrative analyses of test and survey data gathered during the evaluation. Program implementation and student test performance are discussed separately for SEDL and SWRL programs. Significant academic gains are shown for students in both programs. Chapter V discusses implications of the BSLC Project for future educational efforts, emphasizing the special features of bilingual programs. The appendices (RC 011 793) contain a wide array of supporting materials. (JH)