The Program Assistance and Approval System (PAAS) is an attempt to fulfill the needs of the 1978 Louisiana Educational Accountability Act regarding improvements in schools and/or educational programs. The system is designed as an onsite review to (1) determine the degree of implementation of program standards, (2) assess areas of need, and (3) deliver technical assistance necessary for appropriate improvement. PAAS onsite reviews are conducted using a team of 15-20 personnel to review the mathematics, language arts, special education, and vocational education instructional programs; and the assistance and operations domains. The PAAS evaluation system is designed to be implemented either as a district self-review by school district personnel or as an accountability/compliance review by state department personnel. Its reports are in the form of a comprehensive profile of educational programs that facilitate coordination of instructional opportunities and programs across schools. An integral part of the system is the development of action plans that detail methods for change following the reviews. Technical assistance in developing action plans and implementing them is an essential component of this structured mechanism for improving educational programs. (Author/PN)