Parents are part of the teaching and learning equation, offering their talents and development new ones through their work in the school. Community sponsors invest time and resources to make the school a better place for children, and seven core virtues are taught and lived on a daily basis in the school 2. It addresses a sense of community which sets the tone for accomplishment in the school. It promotes an integrated, thematic curriculum with a literature base that connects the disciplines, is developed specifically for each school to meet district and state standards, and provides a framework for learning applicable to all children. The curriculum is aligned across a grade level and vertically from kindergarten through sixth grade.
Staff development is planned through the year to focus on implementation needs.
Electronic communication with grade-level practitioners in other Network schools and with a consultant are provided throughout the year. No two Basic Schools are alike, so goals and benchmarks are determined for each school according to its district and state performance standards. Curriculum is developed around these standards so that it is fully aligned with the measures by which schools are accountable. Many principals have introduced their schools to the concepts, but engagement with the ideas does not occur until there is a demonstrated level of support for the program. Many Basic Schools have a university partner that assist them with in-service, teaching strategies, modes of assessment, etc.