A project was developed in Dorchester County, South Carolina's fastest-growing county, to help parents who lack basic skills become full partners in the education of their children, and to assist children in reaching their full potential as learners, by providing basic skills training for the parents. The program, called Parents as Instructional Support (PAIS), is the first in the state to involve both parents and children in acquiring basic reading skills. PAIS is designed to provide parents with the information and skills to help their children with homework and to prepare them for teacher-made and standardized tests. PAIS also provides training for a cadre of teachers to serve as instructors of the parents. Twenty-four teachers participating in PAIS enrolled in a 3-hour graduate/undergraduate course in teaching literacy skills to adults. Parents of disadvantaged students enrolled in a 2-day per week course for 6 weeks, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. Dinner, child care, and transportation were provided. Instruction in reading skills was given using traditional instruction and computer-assisted instruction. Children also participated in activities to strengthen their reading skills while their parents took classes. Parents, students, and teachers all reported positive outcomes of the program. (Includes 9 references and an appendix of program forms.) (KC)