Research over the last ten years provides overwhelming evidence that the most successful students have strong positive self-concepts. This booklet reviews literature on self-concept and describes many programs designed to improve student self-esteem. The paper begins by noting that although no one understands the order of the cause and effect relationship, there is a strong correlation between self-concept and achievement. Then ways to improve self-concept are discussed, with a warning that techniques for measuring self-concept have problems. Methods for improving self-concept include classroom techniques, counseling and discussion groups, and teacher inservice programs. One chapter is devoted to programs for dropouts, delinquents, and the disadvantaged. A final chapter documents the effects of teacher attitudes and beliefs and suggests ways to improve teacher self-concept. The overall conclusion is that one reason for the success of self-concept improvement programs may be that positive teacher attitudes about student abilities have strong effects on student self-concept and student academic achievement. (JM)