Cooperative learning (CL) is reviewed as a tool for helping educationally disadvantaged or limited-English-speaking students. A review of meta analyses and literature on CL indicates its effectiveness when both group goals and individual accountability are incorporated into learning methods. The achievement gap between traditional majority students and the "new majority" (minority group students whose numbers equal or exceed the old majority) is widening, and the schools have not adopted effective practices to create positive ethnic and race relations. Basic elements of CL are positive interdependence, individual accountability, group processing, interpersonal and small group skills, and face-to-face promotive interaction. CL can help eliminate ethnocentrism and racism; and it is also valuable in socializing students, many of whom lack the social skills needed for school or work. The changing nature of society requires a shift in teaching approaches, with the emphasis on content balanced with an emphasis on process. CL will facilitate this shift even as it enhances achievement gains. Teachers will also benefit from implementation of CL approaches to interaction. A nine item list of references is included. (SLD)