Parents of former Basis students - where did you go, and why

Anonymous
Good grief. I'm the poster who posted about test anxiety - because the poster I was responding to specifically mentioned angst and frustration around tests in two separate instances in her post. I happen to know that even a 4.0 kid can have test anxiety - because I used to, even though I excelled academically and was likewise in Honor Society, et cetera. My kid was very anxious around tests as well - and he's consistently 90s club/honor roll. And that's why I made the suggestion of finding strategies to relieve the stress, because it's worked for us - I never said anything about the PP's 4.0 child struggling academically.

But instead of acknowledging that as a possibility, in fact ruling it out immediately and instead of letting someone simply make a positive suggestion, the PP found it necessary to launch into another unfounded nasty tirade and another round of accusations and attacks.

That is some seriously toxic behavior. The PP makes it crystal clear with every post that she hates everything about Basis. Fine, if you hate Basis so much, perhaps you should leave and take your venom with you, just be done with it. It would certainly make the remaining 99.9% of us a lot happier at this point.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:So there are activities at BASIS though our DC never really participated in much. Academics have never been an issue for this one, grades were excellent, was in the Junior National Honor Society at BASIS. 4.0 the whole time.

Last year Mr. Aiken impressed upon parents that kids at a new BASIS school are free to start clubs and activties, which is great. We just don't have that kind of kid. And Walls is just larger and there more opportunities like Model UN and crew and even a cheese club. Of course your kid can start a cheese club at Basis too. Our kid wants nothing to do with cheese club anywhere btw.

Regarding math, the BASIS kids had to take additional tests the first week of school which was pretty irritating since some kids were rusty after the summer. So they ended up in different classes. Two out of the 13 basis kids are in pre calc which is where they would be had they stayed.

Our kid excelled in history at BASIS but chose not to take the AP test. So having to retake it is annoying. I think one BASIS child scored well enough on the AP exam to test out of history at Walls. Not everyone took it last year.

So it is not a perfect solution but so far it is a good fit.
Best of luck.





Not to put words in your mouth but it sounds like maybe tests were part of the issue. DC was also anxious about it, but it's gotten much better. We found a lot of good freebie resources on the web that can help with test taking strategy and preparing / relaxing / focus / other general test-taking issues. DC's a lot less worried about tests this year as compared to last year.


Res Ipsa Loquitor
Anonymous
From your other thread,

"feel free to step immediately away from mindless Booster deny/attack/repeat strategy"

How about:

"feel free to step immediately away from mindless BASIS basher deny/attack/repeat strategy"

Because that's all you've been doing, lady....

Seriously, since you hate BASIS so much, why don't you just leave?

Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:So there are activities at BASIS though our DC never really participated in much. Academics have never been an issue for this one, grades were excellent, was in the Junior National Honor Society at BASIS. 4.0 the whole time.

Last year Mr. Aiken impressed upon parents that kids at a new BASIS school are free to start clubs and activties, which is great. We just don't have that kind of kid. And Walls is just larger and there more opportunities like Model UN and crew and even a cheese club. Of course your kid can start a cheese club at Basis too. Our kid wants nothing to do with cheese club anywhere btw.

Regarding math, the BASIS kids had to take additional tests the first week of school which was pretty irritating since some kids were rusty after the summer. So they ended up in different classes. Two out of the 13 basis kids are in pre calc which is where they would be had they stayed.

Our kid excelled in history at BASIS but chose not to take the AP test. So having to retake it is annoying. I think one BASIS child scored well enough on the AP exam to test out of history at Walls. Not everyone took it last year.

So it is not a perfect solution but so far it is a good fit.
Best of luck.





Not to put words in your mouth but it sounds like maybe tests were part of the issue. DC was also anxious about it, but it's gotten much better. We found a lot of good freebie resources on the web that can help with test taking strategy and preparing / relaxing / focus / other general test-taking issues. DC's a lot less worried about tests this year as compared to last year.


Res Ipsa Loquitor


Reading comprehension. TEST FRUSTRATION MENTIONED NOT ONCE BUT TWICE BY THE PP
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:So there are activities at BASIS though our DC never really participated in much. Academics have never been an issue for this one, grades were excellent, was in the Junior National Honor Society at BASIS. 4.0 the whole time.

Last year Mr. Aiken impressed upon parents that kids at a new BASIS school are free to start clubs and activties, which is great. We just don't have that kind of kid. And Walls is just larger and there more opportunities like Model UN and crew and even a cheese club. Of course your kid can start a cheese club at Basis too. Our kid wants nothing to do with cheese club anywhere btw.

Regarding math, the BASIS kids had to take additional tests the first week of school which was pretty irritating since some kids were rusty after the summer. So they ended up in different classes. Two out of the 13 basis kids are in pre calc which is where they would be had they stayed.

Our kid excelled in history at BASIS but chose not to take the AP test. So having to retake it is annoying. I think one BASIS child scored well enough on the AP exam to test out of history at Walls. Not everyone took it last year.

So it is not a perfect solution but so far it is a good fit.
Best of luck.





Not to put words in your mouth but it sounds like maybe tests were part of the issue. DC was also anxious about it, but it's gotten much better. We found a lot of good freebie resources on the web that can help with test taking strategy and preparing / relaxing / focus / other general test-taking issues. DC's a lot less worried about tests this year as compared to last year.


Res Ipsa Loquitor


Yes, it does speak for itself. For the deranged poster to INSIST tests had absolutely nothing to do with it is thoroughly bizarre.
Anonymous
[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]

[b]In the other BASIS thread about SWW, the poster states that only 2 of 13 students are in precallc at SWW, which they would have automatically been in had they stayed at BASIS. Saxon math is the reason why. If these 9th graders had been able to start BASIS at 5th grade, they may have already taken precalc in 8th grade, and would have definitely gotten to proofs. Will be interesting to see how BASIS students, if they jump ship, place in SWW math in the future.[/b][/quote]

I find it unbelievable that you know all the details about how 13 students actually performed at BASIS in math seeing as that is info protected by law. Also, are you aware that BASIS offers Pre-calculus as a one or two year option so it is possible that if these 13 students exist as you say that they may not have finished Pre-calculus.

Frankly, you seem very unhappy with BASIS and truly it might be better for you and your kid to find another school. I know I would not hesitate to move my kid to another school if I was mostly unhappy with it as you seem to be. in fact, I have moved my kid in the past from schools that I was unhappy with. Thankfully, we are happy with BASIS and plan on staying all the way through. I also know plenty of other parents who feel the same way.[/quote]



Exactly! Why can't people remember that if they're unhappy with BASIS, it's all their own fault? That, or of course the fact that their child is an incompetent failure? Obviously it has nothing to do with BASIS itself! Why it's an organization that the PCSB found so clean, it denied them the request to expand. Probably just protecting their pristine reputation, of course.

BASIS: if you don't love us? It's because you suck.
Anonymous
[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]

I find it unbelievable that you know all the details about how 13 students actually performed at BASIS in math seeing as that is info protected by law. Also, are you aware that BASIS offers Pre-calculus as a one or two year option so it is possible that if these 13 students exist as you say that they may not have finished Pre-calculus.

Frankly, you seem very unhappy with BASIS and truly it might be better for you and your kid to find another school. I know I would not hesitate to move my kid to another school if I was mostly unhappy with it as you seem to be. in fact, I have moved my kid in the past from schools that I was unhappy with. Thankfully, we are happy with BASIS and plan on staying all the way through. I also know plenty of other parents who feel the same way.[/quote]



[b]Exactly! Why can't people remember that if they're unhappy with BASIS, it's all their own fault? That, or of course the fact that their child is an incompetent failure? Obviously it has nothing to do with BASIS itself! Why it's an organization that the PCSB found so clean, it denied them the request to expand. Probably just protecting their pristine reputation, of course.

BASIS: if you don't love us? It's because you suck.[/b][/quote]

I think you have trouble seeing the facts about BASIS clearly and about what other posters are saying. No where did I say that students or families who are unhappy with BASIS are failures or incompetents. I had to move my kid from schools that we were unhappy with in the past and not because we were failures or incompetent. Every person and every kid is unique and has different like, dislikes, and abilities. I pulled my kid out a great montessori school in the past for example since it was a bad fit for my kid. My kid was not a failure and that montessori school was not bad at all. You must think that every kid fits into a one size fits all cookie cutter mold. I do not think so at all and I am glad that there are a ton of different choices for kids in DC to help meet their needs.

I also suspect you are the same poster who has made multiple posts and threads that espouse an angry and anxious flight of usually incorrect ideas about BASIS. If you are that unhinged about BASIS then why subject yourself to having your kid stay at BASIS? Seriously, I would never subject myself or my kid to a school that I was unhappy with ever. Does this mean I am saying you and yours are failures? No, it does not since, again, we all have different needs, wants, likes, and dislikes. I seriously hope you find a school that you can be happy with.


Anonymous
[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]

I find it unbelievable that you know all the details about how 13 students actually performed at BASIS in math seeing as that is info protected by law. Also, are you aware that BASIS offers Pre-calculus as a one or two year option so it is possible that if these 13 students exist as you say that they may not have finished Pre-calculus.

Frankly, you seem very unhappy with BASIS and truly it might be better for you and your kid to find another school. I know I would not hesitate to move my kid to another school if I was mostly unhappy with it as you seem to be. in fact, I have moved my kid in the past from schools that I was unhappy with. Thankfully, we are happy with BASIS and plan on staying all the way through. I also know plenty of other parents who feel the same way.[/quote]



[b]Exactly! Why can't people remember that if they're unhappy with BASIS, it's all their own fault? That, or of course the fact that their child is an incompetent failure? Obviously it has nothing to do with BASIS itself! Why it's an organization that the PCSB found so clean, it denied them the request to expand. Probably just protecting their pristine reputation, of course.

BASIS: if you don't love us? It's because you suck.[/b][/quote]

I think you have trouble seeing the facts about BASIS clearly and about what other posters are saying. No where did I say that students or families who are unhappy with BASIS are failures or incompetents. I had to move my kid from schools that we were unhappy with in the past and not because we were failures or incompetent. Every person and every kid is unique and has different like, dislikes, and abilities. I pulled my kid out a great montessori school in the past for example since it was a bad fit for my kid. My kid was not a failure and that montessori school was not bad at all. You must think that every kid fits into a one size fits all cookie cutter mold. I do not think so at all and I am glad that there are a ton of different choices for kids in DC to help meet their needs.

[b]I also suspect you are the same poster who has made multiple posts and threads that espouse an angry and anxious flight of usually incorrect ideas about BASIS. If you are that unhinged about BASIS then why subject yourself to having your kid stay at BASIS? [/b]Seriously, I would never subject myself or my kid to a school that I was unhappy with ever. Does this mean I am saying you and yours are failures? No, it does not since, again, we all have different needs, wants, likes, and dislikes. I seriously hope you find a school that you can be happy with.


[/quote]





You see - that is the problem. You assume that anyone trying to get an objective take on the school is unhinged. In fact, it's the "you're with us or against us" tenor of the boosters that provoke scepticism and curiosity from the outside. I don't hate the school - my family isn't even there. But, I can't help finding it interesting how hostile the boosters are to fair criticism. Everything is always someone else's fault to you. Don't you see how this only promotes suspicion?

Anonymous
[quote=Anonymous]



You see - that is the problem. You assume that anyone trying to get an objective take on the school is unhinged. In fact, it's the "you're with us or against us" tenor of the boosters that provoke scepticism and curiosity from the outside. I don't hate the school - my family isn't even there. But, I can't help finding it interesting how hostile the boosters are to fair criticism. Everything is always someone else's fault to you. Don't you see how this only promotes suspicion?

[/quote]

I do not know any booster who does not have constructive criticism of the school. Stating falsehoods about the school as the angry poster has on multiple occasions done is not fair criticism and therefore the push back. I think that poster needs to truly take the time to find out the facts since that poster is mistaken numerous times.
Anonymous
[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]



You see - that is the problem. You assume that anyone trying to get an objective take on the school is unhinged. In fact, it's the "you're with us or against us" tenor of the boosters that provoke scepticism and curiosity from the outside. I don't hate the school - my family isn't even there. But, I can't help finding it interesting how hostile the boosters are to fair criticism. Everything is always someone else's fault to you. Don't you see how this only promotes suspicion?

[/quote]

I do not know any booster who does not have constructive criticism of the school. Stating falsehoods about the school as the angry poster has on multiple occasions done is not fair criticism and therefore the push back. I think that poster needs to truly take the time to find out the facts since that poster is mistaken numerous times. [/quote]

do pray tell, who is that poster?

Because half the time subsequent posters seem to be attacking you all, not the mysterious poster, and you are too dumb to realize it.

And what facts are "falsehoods" that have been stated on "multiple occasions?" The list serve again that not all of us are privy to?

I am bored, and it does seem like the test anxiety issue was not raised by the parents about their particular student as an issue in why they left Basis. Reading comprehension, which appears to be a serious problem.

Fact about BASIS: to have a 4.0 you have to test well.

Fact about the post: the poster said other students were irritated about the placement tests, especially because they did not end up in Precalculus, but that this student was annoyed about having to retake World History because he did not take the AP.

No mention of that specific student having test anxiety or hating tests, we do not even know where s/he was placed in math, just that other students were upset. And the student decided not to take the AP - well, maybe the instruction in history had not been excellent even though the student excelled. They did then have to do well on a Comp for AP World however, hence the irritation. No indication that test anxiety was or ever will be an issue for that lucky SWW child. So go on, continue. You definitely made that parent shut up.............
Anonymous

Charter schools were promoted as paragons of excellence against the
failing public school system. Instead, they turned out to be a web of
corruption and Basis is the prime example. About half the pupils are
socially promoted for the show. The other half are graded in proportion
to the amount of donations made by their parents and this is just the beginning
of the corruption which, unfortunately, cannot even be summarized within the
context of this site.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Charter schools were promoted as paragons of excellence against the
failing public school system. Instead, they turned out to be a web of
corruption and Basis is the prime example. About half the pupils are
socially promoted for the show. The other half are graded in proportion
to the amount of donations made by their parents and this is just the beginning
of the corruption which, unfortunately, cannot even be summarized within the
context of this site.


Whoever wrote this is completely delusional.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Charter schools were promoted as paragons of excellence against the
failing public school system. Instead, they turned out to be a web of
corruption and Basis is the prime example. About half the pupils are
socially promoted for the show. The other half are graded in proportion
to the amount of donations made by their parents and this is just the beginning
of the corruption which, unfortunately, cannot even be summarized within the
context of this site.


Now, for all you BOOSTERS who have spent the entire thread attacking people for telling numerous lies, being one unhinged deranged poster, take a hard look at yourselves, a hard look at this post, and think about the fact that maybe you were complaining a little too loudly earlier without just cause.

FWIW, this poster does not sound to me like they have posted on this thread before.......
.
Maybe you were responding to this poster the entire time, not realizing they were in your head instead?

Whatever your problems were, now, and only now, you may have some legitimate reason to complain. But if you all could have kept your mouths shut in the first place my prediction is this never would have happened.

So next time, try to only answer questions that are addressed to you, not interrupt productive conversations, and cut everyone more slack.

You reap what you sow.

Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Charter schools were promoted as paragons of excellence against the
failing public school system. Instead, they turned out to be a web of
corruption and Basis is the prime example. About half the pupils are
socially promoted for the show. The other half are graded in proportion
to the amount of donations made by their parents and this is just the beginning
of the corruption which, unfortunately, cannot even be summarized within the
context of this site.



Simmer down, Randi Weingarten.

Charter schools were proposed for a number of reasons, and in DC they have been fulfilled. Stop trying to use national results (largely influenced by teacher's unions) to argue against the irrefutable success of charters in DC. They have fulfilled every level of promise. (Imagine what they could do if they were fairly funded! After all, they have better graduation rates, better academic results, better ability to close the Achievement Gap, better diversity - and all with lower SES than DCPS.)

If we really cared about educating our lower SES and/or high minority populations in DC, we would shut down every toxic DCPS (almost all of them, obviously) within a square mile radius of an at-risk child.

Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Charter schools were promoted as paragons of excellence against the
failing public school system. Instead, they turned out to be a web of
corruption and Basis is the prime example. About half the pupils are
socially promoted for the show. The other half are graded in proportion
to the amount of donations made by their parents and this is just the beginning
of the corruption which, unfortunately, cannot even be summarized within the
context of this site.


Now, for all you BOOSTERS who have spent the entire thread attacking people for telling numerous lies, being one unhinged deranged poster, take a hard look at yourselves, a hard look at this post, and think about the fact that maybe you were complaining a little too loudly earlier without just cause.

FWIW, this poster does not sound to me like they have posted on this thread before.......
.
Maybe you were responding to this poster the entire time, not realizing they were in your head instead?

Whatever your problems were, now, and only now, you may have some legitimate reason to complain. But if you all could have kept your mouths shut in the first place my prediction is this never would have happened.

So next time, try to only answer questions that are addressed to you, not interrupt productive conversations, and cut everyone more slack.

You reap what you sow.





No, honey. Either you're a union shill or you've lived in DC long enough to have a cup of coffee.
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