The Basic School: A Community for Learning

by Ernest L. Boyer

A micro-community approach to education with vision and values The U.S. education system has remained somewhat static as the world changes furiously around it. The Basic School: A Community for Learning offers a model for the future. The classroom ― and by extension, the school ― is positioned as a little community focused on learning. Teachers are empowered with real leadership, parents are partners, resources are rich, and the curriculum is coherent and centralized. This book describes how to bring this dream-school into reality through a series of small steps forward that, over time, become a journey through progress.

Genres: Education, Nonfiction

288 pages, Paperback

Published November 27, 1995

Reviews

[Stuart Macalpine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back to 'Basics' normally means right wing politicians with a lack of imagination... but in this case the Basic School is a simple but compelling vision of education. A focus on how students experience the world in rich contexts of 'human commonalities'; the importance of human literacy (linguistic, artistic, mathematical); and addressing community and identity, makes this a timely reminder about educational core values. Kevin Bartlett mentioned this book as helping frame the Common Ground Curriculum. Points that made me think a bit more deeply were: the challenging of finding the right 'inter-disciplinary' contexts for learning; the importance of flexible grouping and time management (hard in big schools, but important;, and the importance of knowing your impact.

[summmerrrrrr · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way I read this in 2 days to prep for an essay question. It's due in half an hour
This book is packed to the brim with wonderful ideas that can make a difference in the lives of students. I want educational administration to read this. Think of what a difference all these ideas could make in the lives of children. Read nice and was simple to follow along.

[Jennifer Niemeyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suggested reading for parents at our school. Reads like a college textbook but has anecdotes from stakeholders to keep the book moving.