This study was designed to improve the academic achievement of 35 third- and fourth-grade underachievers through improved self-esteem. Specific goals included focusing on self-concept and learning skills reinforcement, with the ultimate goal of increasing academic performance and motivation. Large group sessions with students focused on self-esteem enhancement strategies, study skills, and time-management techniques. Small group tutorial sessions focused on the reinforcement of math and reading concepts, while individual interaction centered on the development of mentor relationships with the school staff. Results of the practicum show that despite having experienced a traumatic event in the form of Hurricane Andrew, students readjusted and worked to the best of their ability. All of the objectives of the practicum were achieved: students exhibited significant improvement in self-esteem, reading levels, math levels, and overall grade point average; and teachers rated students' academic performance and self-esteem as having improved. Six appendixes provide examples of a student attitudinal survey, a teacher response questionnaire, a survey of reading levels, a survey of math levels, a report card grade point average form, and an underachievement checklist. Contains 49 references. (MDM)