A small pilot study involving eight parents tested an objective inventory, the Parenting Stress Index (PSI), for evaluating parental education classes. The classes, called The Parenting Skills Groups, were intended to provide a theoretical background of parenting concepts rather than a collection of specific techniques. The course was divided into ten topics taught in eight sessions: introduction; implications of parenthood; parenting myths; developmental stages; parental role; modeling; sexuality; nurturance; discipline; and conclusion. The PSI, a self-report instrument designed primarily for identifying parent/child relationships which are under stress or at risk, was handed out to parents at the first and last class sessions of the course. Results indicated changes between pretest and posttest scores: three out of the eight scores showed a drop in parental stress levels after the course, while five out of the eight scores showed a slight increase in parental stress. Interviews with these parents suggested that some changes, particularly in attitude, had occurred; but significant changes in parental actions and skills had not. Some parents suggested that their stress levels had slightly increased because they were dissatisfied with their old parenting habits, but had not yet been able to make or stabilize changes in parenting. The data seemed to indicate that the course might be more satisfactory if it included more detailed or specific information about problem solving or provided follow-up courses. Appendices explain how the PSI was scored, present a comparison of PSI scores, provide questionnaire results and transcripts of interviews with various clients. (DST)