A class council can collectively decide what components will make up the instructional system in an elementary school class. A class council is a friendly assembly made up of the students and the teacher; it meets to discuss and make decisions about all aspects of the instructional system, including objectives, grading, and materials. Each student may act as discussion leader or secretary, has the right to vote on any issue, and has the duty to do what the class has agreed to do. With varying degrees of help from the classroom teacher, students can choose objectives based on needs, establish sequential examinations, gather and select materials, and share individual learning strategies. Problems may be caused by the time required to plan and organize the council; a shy or unconvinced teacher; shy, rebellious, or slow students; overcrowded classrooms; authoritarian or permissive parents; and an interfering administration. There are intelligent ways to deal with each problem. A student opinion questionnaire is included. (RH)