The Innovative Approaches Research Project (IARP) develops instructional models for language minority students. The project focuses on dropout prevention, instruction of exceptional students, math and science instruction, and literacy. IARP implemented four model programs: (1) Partners for Valued Youth: Dropout Prevention Strategies for At-Risk Language Minority Students, in which at-risk, limited English proficient 7th grade students tutored kindergarten and elementary students; (2) AIM for the BESt: Assessment and Intervention Model for Bilingual Exceptional Students, which initiated problem-solving techniques to enable classroom teachers to deal with individual language minority students before referral to special education programs; (3) Community Knowledge and Classroom Practice: Combining Resources for Literacy Instruction in which teachers collaborated in an after-school study group to change the structure of classroom instruction and to develop units of study using home community resources and incorporating content areas relevant to the experiences of the students; and (4) Cheche Konnen: Collaborative Scientific Inquiry in Language and Minority Classrooms which placed students in the role of scientists who posed questions, formulated hypotheses, and built theories and collaborated with teachers and other students to collect, analyze, and interpret data to present in reports. The models are generalizable to other settings and groups. These themes are emphasized: (1) restructuring schooling to open up communication within the school community; (2) using participatory and cooperative teaching and learning approaches; and (3) providing challenging instructional content that is culturally and personally relevant to students. This document includes a 36-item bibliography. (ALL)