This case study is the result of observations of the Responsive Education Project, undertaken at the University Center for Responsive Education, a resource center used by teachers, parents, and children, and at several New York City elementary schools in which the Project operates its Learning Community Program. This open education project was one of nine at demonstration sites selected by the Documentation and Technical Assistance (DTA) Project as exemplifying strategies toward problem solving in urban schools. The report describes participating schools and the local school district; discusses structures, roles, and relationships within the open education program; details staff development, parental involvement, and the role of the school principal; considers various philosophical concepts and their relationships to project efforts at school improvement; and analyzes the possibilities for implementing component strategies in other schools. (GC)