The New Jersey Department of Education asked Research for Better Schools, Inc., to design and conduct a study of the Cognitive Pilot Program of the Broad Based Component of the state's Urban Initiative. The purpose was to provide descriptive information about the implementation of the program in all 21 pilot program sites and of promising practices in 8 sites. The Broad Based Component (BBC) of the Urban Initiative is a state-assistance program designed to help 53 of the state's urban districts address an array of educational issues through multi-year improvement efforts. The primary objective of the school-level Cognitive Pilot Program of the BBC is to help students in grades 7 through 9 who are developing the skills necessary to pass the state's high school proficiency test. The program provides training, materials, and support services for instruction that addresses the skills needed to pass this test. Interviews with 86 teachers and administrators indicated that participants were optimistic and believed in the value of the program and its positive effects. Final outcome data were expected in 1989. Four tables present study findings. Descriptions of selected programs/practices are described in a separate section. An appendix contains the interview form. (SLD)