This description of the Erie Basic Educational Skills (BES) Program provides examples of the achievements made by the Erie Public Schools and Head Start toward BES and Responsive Educational Program goals. Staff positions, staff responsibilities, the curriculum, and programs initiated and carried out in the Erie Public Schools are described. The following programs have been initiated: (1) publication of a Basic Skills Curriculum Guide (BSCG) for use by teachers of reading, English, and mathematics; (2) participation of school teachers in a project designed to identify and incorporate into the curriculum basic life skills that today's students would need to live successfully in tomorrow's world; (3) provision of a workshop for teachers at feeder elementary schools focusing on how teachers could help students develop positive learning attitudes outlined in the BES guidelines; (4) development by teachers and principals of a "School Action Plan" intended to encourage school staff to identify areas of focus or emphasis for school activities; and (5) involvement of parents and community leaders in drafting recommendations for development of the BSCG. Additional topics covered in the program description include textbooks, organization and behavior regarding use of the BSCG, and needs assessment of parent involvement and teacher training. (Author/SS)