The articles in this booklet offering innovative ideas for school improvement were selected from Prototype pieces published in the Phi Delta Kappan since the fall of 1981. Each of the projects has been successfully implemented in a school and is currently in operation. The first section, "Keeping Kids in School" presents programs involving parents of failing students, prevention of truancy and absenteeism, and dropout prevention. "Beyond the Classroom: Community Involvement," the second section, deals with prototypical community programs initiated to aid the school in improvement efforts. In section 3, "Staff Development with a Difference," suggestions are made for successful inservice teacher education programs. Section 4, "Something Special for Students," presents ideas for extracurricular school activities and programs designed to broaden students' experiences and learning beyond the classroom. The fifth section, "Fresh Curriculum and Teaching Strategies," outlines new approaches to enhance the curriculum and enliven teaching methods. The final section offers ideas on planning school improvement programs and substitute teaching. (JD)