This is a handbook designed for carrying out the goals and objectives of Preparation for Raising Educational Performance (PREP), a thematic, remedial program for ninth graders in New York City public schools. The lessons presented in the handbook model an approach to learning which follows the patterns of actual language development: listening, speaking, reading and, finally, writing. The information to be learned is organized in such a way as to explore students' prior knowledge and experience as a foundation for the new concepts to be learned. Section 1 of the handbook outlines the program's objectives, which include thematic organization and minimum learning essentials; cross-curriculum skills; vocabulary development; reading comprehension; writing; and the development of study skills in English/literature, mathematics, science, and social studies. The use of newspapers, assessment and selection of texts, semantic mapping as an assessment tool, and homework are also discussed here. Section 2 provides a base for brainstorming in different content areas, in order to facilitate PREP's thematic approach. Following the brainstorming samples are charts for each of the major content areas showing examples of how one theme (foods) may be related to "Minimum Learning Essentials" in each area. Section 3 provides sample lessons related to the themes of sports/health, business, food, and theatre arts/media. Section 4 illustrates the development of a thematic module using sports, Finally, section 5 explains supportive approaches to the development of reading and writing skills while teaching the content areas of social studies, science, and mathematics. (GC)