The Basic School is concerned with the ethical and moral dimensions of a child's life. Seven core virtues are emphasized, and are taught through the curriculum, through school climate, and through service.
After Benjamin Banneker Elementary School organized a public "values committee" of parent and community representatives, it defined its own list of values to emphasize in the curriculum and within the daily climate of the school. Meanwhile, at Etna Road, principal James Rodenmayer and his staff focus on various core virtues, one each week. Teachers integrate them into the curriculum. Other schools are embracing "service" as a means of improving character in schools.
Tiospa Zina Tribal School in Agency Village, South Dakota, is a Native American school, and focuses on character by meshing its traditional tribal and family values with the study of the eight commonalities. Students are taught to respect the earth, for example, while examining one commonality, Connections to Nature.
Willard Model School has a program that stresses excellence. The school now celebrates "E" days, which stand for "Excellent Days-no discipline referrals." Children themselves now take pride in their own behavior, stressing responsibility, respect, and honesty. Both teachers and students work to serve as role models for each other. Last year, 150 days out of 180 ended up "E" days. Willard also uses literature in its integrated thematic units, to stress character traits such as honesty and integrity.
The Basic School Network's progress can be measured by the impact it is beginning to make on programs and practices in schools. But by far its greatest achievement has been in how it is transforming, renewing, and energizing those within the school community. And Ernest Boyer's vision can be applied to virtually every elementary school in America.
Celia Buraer, principal of the Irving B. Weber Elementary School puts it this way: "Educators recognize the Basic School's comprehensive nature and depth, encompassing all aspects of the learning community. This recognition causes them to say, 'Yes, finally. It's like coming home, to have all the fragments or pieces pulled together into one model."'