This introduction to the Reading Instruction and Pupil Personnel Services (RIPPS) reading program briefly describes the program, which treats reading difficulties as a possible causal factor in a child's lack of progress in school, or as a symptom of other social, emotional, or physical problems that adversely affect the child. The introduction points out that the program, which was introduced in the Portsmouth, Rhode Island, school system, combines a multidisciplinary guidance approach with a corrective reading program, and is staffed by psychologists, psychiatrists, guidance counselors, social workers, a school nurse, and reading specialists. (HTH)