The school offers a counseling service to provide emotional and social support for children. It also has a collaborative relationship with both public and private health and social service agencies in the community, and makes referrals as needed for students and families. The school may also offer an optional Saturday school and summer enrichment program. Measuring for Success Finally, the Basic School maintains high academic standards by carefully and continuously evaluating each student's progress. Reading, math, and the arts are assessed separately to ensure that all students become proficient in the basic tools of learning.
Teachers assess general knowledge through a program embedded in the curriculum.
The school rejects early standardized evaluation, and state or national assessment is done only in the fourth grade. The focus of assessment in the Basic School is not only on the students, but on the school itself. The good news is that this model for elementary school renewal and leadership is not an elusive dream. Each building block comes directly from the best programs found in schools across the country, all of them led by distinguished principals and outstanding teachers. What's needed is to bring these best practices together and apply them to all schools.