The 1986-87 Compensatory Language Experiences and Reading Program (CLEAR) of the Columbus, Ohio Public Schools was implemented to provide assistance to selected underachieving pupils in grades one through eight so that they might attain more fully their potential for and improvement in language and reading skills. The program featured individual and small group instruction arranged according to pupil needs. There were also pilot programs using microcomputers with fourth through eighth grade students at many of the schools. The program was evaluated through administration of the Comprehensive Tests of Basic Skills as pretest and posttest. Test results indicated that of 3,425 students with good attendance records who were native speakers of English, average test score gain was 5.9 Normal Curve Equivalent (NCE) points for the six months of instruction, which nearly met the goal of 1.0 NCE points per month of instruction. Analysis by grade revealed that the evaluation criterion was met in grades 3, 4, and 7. Average NCE gains for students using computer-assisted instruction were higher than those for the regular group at both the elementary and middle school levels. Classroom observation and teacher interviews revealed that teachers used a variety of approaches for diagnosis and instruction to build pupil self-esteem and positive attitudes toward learning, and that teachers were concerned about low parent involvement and lack of coordination between program and classroom instruction. (References and copies of the evaluation materials are appended.) (SKC)