The language arts program presented in this volume evolved from work with at-risk students at an inner-city high school in Tucson (Arizona). The original computerized literacy program sponsored by International Business Machines, the Principle of the Alphabet Literacy System (PALS), was expanded into a comprehensive 3-year program designed to meet the needs of these students. The program operates in an innovative learning environment, which is set up as a professional office, rather than a classroom, setting. The environment is designed to be responsive to the at-risk student's need to belong and to help develop self-esteem and personal and social responsibility. The student is in the role of office worker, and the teacher becomes the manager. Chapters describe the learning environment and emphasize the importance of self-esteem. Cooperative learning is discussed; and approaches are outlined for improving reading comprehension, writing, and vocabulary. Career research and exploration are reviewed. A chapter is devoted to encouraging parent involvement, and another is devoted to public relations. Four figures illustrate the discussion. Contains 45 references. (SLD)