The study sought to define the Ethos of a classroom and its operating assumptions. The basic components of the Ethos variable are Authenticity (for individual students), Legitimacy (in terms of knowledge and societal disciplines), and Productivity (effectiveness of activities). This variable is referred to by its acronym, ALP. An international study and a Chicago-based study using the ALP instrument have been begun. Forty-nine classrooms in the Chicago area have been analyzed and findings reported to the teachers. A series of variables related to ALP-Ethos in these schools is now being investigated. (Author)