One of the original premises of the Documentation and Technical Assistance Project (DTA) was that the ideal school organization manifests self renewal and adaptability. This conception of organization has been sharpened through the years by the Oakland, California, branch of the DTA. In this paper, the aspects of self renewal and adaptability which facilitate the problem solving capacity of urban schools are explored. Experiences of the Oakland project are described. Concepts held and activities initiated by DTA in Oakland are described as they helped these public schools to help themselves. Some of the methods employed include linkage (with relevant information and resources), and consciousness raising of parents, teachers and administrators. Attached to this document are copies of handouts that were distributed in one school. These are entitled "How to Develop an Effective School Board" and "How to Help Parents Become Tutors of Students". A questionnaire aimed at diagnosing the DTA team's effectiveness is also reproduced. (GC)