A program for increasing the social skills development of fourth grade students is described. The targeted population consisted of fourth grade students in a growing, low socio-economic status, urban community including a public housing development. The problems of poor social skills and disruptive behavior were documented through observations, behavior checklists, and behavior documentation sheets. Analysis of probable cause data indicated that the problems were related to: (1) a lack of positive social skills; (2) unfavorable living conditions; (3) poor home situations; (4) poor school attendance; and (5) a high mobility rate. Solution strategies consisted of implementing cooperative learning groups to teach conflict resolution skills and character education. Post intervention data indicated an increase in student interpersonal relationships. Data also showed that: (1) student collaboration improved; (2) increased empathy toward others was evident; (3) students learned to solve their problems without using violence; and (4) the number of incidents of inappropriate behavior decreased significantly. The appendices include a sample of the evaluation forms, cooperative learning lessons, character education lessons, and conflict resolution lessons. Contains 38 references. (Author/AA)