The Pennsylvania School Improvement Program (PSIP) was created to assist local schools and school districts in the development of curriculum improvement strategies. The process involves the use of "linkers," curriculum specialists who work with teams from the local level to ascertain needs, then connect the local teams with the research and development agencies that can provide information and resources to help meet those needs. This document describes one rural middle school's experience using PSIP in an effort to improve its reading and language arts program. During the period from late 1978 to spring of 1979, this school went through the program orientation and needs assessment phases of PSIP and began the program selection phase. Materials used in these activities are included in appendixes. (Author/PGD)