Concerned about the quality of its mathematics and language programs, an elementary school district worked with a college committed to in-school research to create an instructional leadership training program for district principals and teachers. Completing onehalf of its 4-year-project, the Basic Skills Program devoted its first year to writing and its second to reading development. Each summer, a 2-week institute presenting current research and modeling effective strategies was held for principals and selected teachers. During the school year principals and teachers were encouraged in regular meetings and workshops to implement discussed improvements. Evaluations at the end of the second year indicated the project was a success. Tests revealed significant increases in participants' knowledge of writing and reading. Teachers in four of five project schools reported considerable growth in their principals' effectiveness. Interviews, questionnaires, and direct observation all showed high use of project ideas and strategies in the classroom. While student achievement was difficult to measure, educators' enthusiasm was indicated in the project's expansion into additional school districts. (MM)