BASIS DC will seek to expand to include K to 4th grade

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As the PP mentioned, students with special needs are indeed becoming a focus at BASIS because the school has recognized that it is this group of students which has the highest attrition (as opposed to a group based on race or low SES as people on DCUM seem to assume)

No, attrition of students with special needs is exactly what people assume is going on. Attrition on purpose.

Or attrition by choice. IDEA does not guarantee As in an accelerated curriculum. If a child’s SN makes it very hard for them to be successful in a rigorous environment then it’s normal that they would switch schools. Plenty of NT kids dislike the demands as well. Basis has to support the kids it has and implement the IEP, but does not have to water down the curriculm.

BASIS DC is notorious for not providing IDEA-required supports for kids who could be successful there. I’d like to see them implement these improvements they mentioned before they get a chance to expand and then, oops! forget about those kids. Again.

And they should be required to fill open seats.

-1

Way too hard to catch kids up in the upper grades when DCPS is doing the exact opposite of BASIS: watering down the curriculum, solely focusing on closing the achievement gap, refusing to offer true honors classes, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:People OP has still not listed a source.

A source for what? This concept? It was announced last night by the head of school on a BASIS town hall meeting attended by BASIS parents.

-Not OP

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As the PP mentioned, students with special needs are indeed becoming a focus at BASIS because the school has recognized that it is this group of students which has the highest attrition (as opposed to a group based on race or low SES as people on DCUM seem to assume)

No, attrition of students with special needs is exactly what people assume is going on. Attrition on purpose.

Or attrition by choice. IDEA does not guarantee As in an accelerated curriculum. If a child’s SN makes it very hard for them to be successful in a rigorous environment then it’s normal that they would switch schools. Plenty of NT kids dislike the demands as well. Basis has to support the kids it has and implement the IEP, but does not have to water down the curriculm.

BASIS DC is notorious for not providing IDEA-required supports for kids who could be successful there. I’d like to see them implement these improvements they mentioned before they get a chance to expand and then, oops! forget about those kids. Again.

And they should be required to fill open seats.

-1

Way too hard to catch kids up in the upper grades when DCPS is doing the exact opposite of BASIS: watering down the curriculum, solely focusing on closing the achievement gap, refusing to offer true honors classes, etc.

DCPS schools have to accept new kids all year. It's disingenuous to claim BASIS is so much better when it's shirking its share of the fundamental responsibilities of the school district. Oh but norming and forming, oh our special special BASIS model, which produces such amazing results and is way better than DCPS because BASIS is so great. Right?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People OP has still not listed a source.

A source for what? This concept? It was announced last night by the head of school on a BASIS town hall meeting attended by BASIS parents.

-Not OP

This is a very helpful comment that actually answered my question. OP listed an irrelevant link that made no sense. So it was not a public announcement, only an announcement to current BASIS parents.

[Anonymous]

They refer to the grade expansion in their latest minutes:
https://bdcschools.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/bdc-minutes-mar23-2023.pdf

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As the PP mentioned, students with special needs are indeed becoming a focus at BASIS because the school has recognized that it is this group of students which has the highest attrition (as opposed to a group based on race or low SES as people on DCUM seem to assume)

No, attrition of students with special needs is exactly what people assume is going on. Attrition on purpose.

Or attrition by choice. IDEA does not guarantee As in an accelerated curriculum. If a child’s SN makes it very hard for them to be successful in a rigorous environment then it’s normal that they would switch schools. Plenty of NT kids dislike the demands as well. Basis has to support the kids it has and implement the IEP, but does not have to water down the curriculm.

BASIS DC is notorious for not providing IDEA-required supports for kids who could be successful there. I’d like to see them implement these improvements they mentioned before they get a chance to expand and then, oops! forget about those kids. Again.

And they should be required to fill open seats.

-1

Way too hard to catch kids up in the upper grades when DCPS is doing the exact opposite of BASIS: watering down the curriculum, solely focusing on closing the achievement gap, refusing to offer true honors classes, etc.

DCPS schools have to accept new kids all year. It's disingenuous to claim BASIS is so much better when it's shirking its share of the fundamental responsibilities of the school district. Oh but norming and forming, oh our special special BASIS model, which produces such amazing results and is way better than DCPS because BASIS is so great. Right?

If DCPS had an accelerated or honors MS program, it also should not allow mid-year admissions. I don’t think Walls or Banneker do. You sound mad that Basis is achieving academically, or jealous. Maybe you should look to DCPS to ask why they are not offering what MS parents obviously want at Basis.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:I wish they would open up a second middle/high school instead because there are plenty of good elementary schools in DC already and a shortage of good middle and high school options. Also, the BASIS HOS mentioned the second school could potentially share outdoor space and a gym with the current school which would be amazing regardless but more ideal with students similarly aged.

Another thought: With a BASIS elementary school feeding into the middle/high school eventually, it seems eventually less Capitol Hill families would be at BASIS because they have great convenient elementary options already…

This. Hill families, your middle school seats are threatened!

This is a very real issue. Enrollment data shows us that Brent, Maurey and Watkins send a TON of kids to BASIS. There won't be 135 5th grade seats to fill of they are only backfilling from 4th grade BASIS kids. Will those Hill families choose BASIS in K instead of Brent, etc.? If BASIS had a good or great physical space for ES, does that change the answer? If they don't choose BASIS, what does the demographic of BASIS look like without all those white UMC families? Are there enough kids who can hack it at BASIS to fill those spots if the Hill school populations aren't filling them? Could this help the Hill MS to improve without the brain drain? Would people think twice about living on the Hill without the BASIS school safety valve?

I am asking these questions, but I would note that BASIS is not responsible for or to the CH schools. The CH families may think BASIS is "theirs" but it isn't.

This, exactly. Is BASIS really that great, or is it a meh school whose "success" is the result of demographics and of their social promotion policy (and don't forget, shirking on taking kids after 5th like other schools do).

I think this is a very interesting question. My guess is that most Brent/Maury/LT families will not move their kids to BASIS for K just to lock in 5th. They'll already have been at their local ES for 1-2 years and they'll by-and-large have had good experiences, because those schools are good. The kind of families who stick out the Hill are the kind of families who don't prioritize locking in a middle school (or they'd move to NW/Deal/Hardy). BASIS is close, but not close enough to be neighborhood-y for K-4; kids are very different by 5th. Also UMC Hill parents are by and large super involved in the Hill ESes and I just can't see BASIS allowing that, which I think would frustrate those parents. (I think Watkins could cut a bit differently. Families already have to move from Peabody to Watkins in 1st and as UMC families are increasingly reluctant to do that, I think those families might cut out for BASIS in K instead in higher numbers.)

If Brent/Maury/LT shared a middle school, I actually think this could have a positive effect on the local MS almost immediately... since they don't, it'll be a small trickle. SH could be the most affected the most immediately, since LT & Watkins both feed there and not all Watkins kids will bail, even if in larger numbers. I wonder what percentage of slots they'll hold for MS? At first it's going to be all sibling preference and newbies will be shut out entirely unless that percentage is huge. Middle school entry will get even crazier if this is approved.

I'm PP to whom you responded. I think I agree with much of what what you project. One of the things I find amusing is the reflexive responses on DCUM from people who immediately question whether BASIS is appropriate for ES. They have like 40 other schools that already offer K+.

Everyone knows BASIS operates lots of elementary schools. But this country is filled with crappy schools. Existing doesn't mean it's actually good.

https://enrollbasis.com/about-basis-charter-schools/awards-and-rankings/

Objective data says they thrive.

Oh please, let's definitely compare private and selective admissions schools as if they're pure lottery in a high-needs area.

What are you talking about? All BASIS schools are free and lottery. The rankings I pointed to are for BASIS schools. Stop typing; you look more foolish evert time you "contribute".

You are 100% wrong and look really foolish because of your tone in this post. Even in the DMV, Basis McLean is a private school. Basis Brooklyn is a private school. In almost all BASIS locations, students have to pass a placement test (post-lottery) to be placed in a grade and, if a student doesn't pass, their admission is contingent on being willing to repeat the prior grade. You have ABSOLUTELY no idea what you're talking about.

You have conflated the BASIS charter schools with the private for profit BASIS Independent Schools (McLean). The schools on the list I linked to are the charter schools. THEY ARE NOT PRIVATE. Which is why when you misunderstand the difference and accuse someone (incorrectly) of referencing private schools, you look like a fool.

BASIS charter schools take all comers. They absolutely to a test to place kids where they belong. They do not refuse kids based on those results, merely place them appropriately. That is not an "admissions test".

Which BASIS schools have a high proportion of at-risk kids?

Why does BASIS DC perform so much worse than other BASIS schools?

That is a fair question, because it does. Ironically, one of the reasons is because it does not have an ES. All of the other campuses start in ES. I think part of the issue is also what you see here on DCUM. We spend a lot of time in DC on performative nonsense and faux equity that the environment isn't focused on academic excellence as much as other garbage. Look at this forum as an example. Anytime anyone points to BASIS's success people chime in to try and focus on the kids is isn't educating. In DC, people score points not for building things or succeeding, but for tearing them down. I think that makes it much harder for schools to succeed.

Oh come on. You have to understand the "focus on kids it isn't educating" isn't just to tear down BASIS. It's to point out that BASIS' demographics are different from many other schools', and that it isn't meaningful to do comparisons that don't account for that. Witness how Deal and Hardy parents are not exactly beating down BASIS' door or clamoring for a BASIS in their neighborhood. That's because it isn't actually better.

What this city needs is schools that can effectively educate a low-income, high-trauma, high-special needs student body. I think it would be a waste to dedicate a building to a school that, whether they admit it or not, focuses on UMC students without special needs. That's not what we're most in need of.

This is SUCH a toxic and ignorant statement. Do you think that only white parents care about education in DC? Only white kids have the ability to succeed at Basis? That a school system can just ignore the cause of educating kids who are going to go to college?? How does that serve DC, to gut education for the kids who will go on to become DC's educated professional class (nurses, police officers, teachers)? Also I bet dollars to donuts that on other threads, you lament about "white flight." Well, what do you expect?

I do not lament "white flight". And I definitely did not say anything about the race of any student or parent.

I continue to believe that our city has many schools that are adequate for UMC children without significant special needs, especially at the elementary level. I don't see why we need another one, and I think the need for a middle and high school that can effectively educate a low-income, high-trauma, high-special needs student body is very important.

You’re so blinded by your progressiveness that you can’t see that there are hundreds/thousands of lower income kids with academic potential who are zoned for crap DCPS schools whose parents would love to send them to Basis. You believe that all black DCPS kids are “high-trauma, high-special needs.” In your progressive mania you are literally advocating to take opportunity away from black kids.

I do not believe that at all. But I do believe that there are an adequate number of elementary schools that adequately serve the typically developing, on-or-near-grade-level child. It would be nice to have more EOTR, but there are some, and there are many Ward 5 and Ward 6 elementary schools of adequate performance that take all comers. A school system cannot support an infinite number of schools, so I don't believe that another mainstream elementary school should be a priority.

You think schools where zero kids are on grade level adequately serve anyone? And you’re telling on yourself again in ignoring W7 and 8. The fact is, your grievance actually is with white families that have different values from you and select an academically rigorous school.

[Anonymous]

what can we do to stop this from happening? as a parent of a student going to basis I love our elementary school for my younger child and want them to continue to go to their current elementary school, but follow their sibling to basis in fifth.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wish they would open up a second middle/high school instead because there are plenty of good elementary schools in DC already and a shortage of good middle and high school options. Also, the BASIS HOS mentioned the second school could potentially share outdoor space and a gym with the current school which would be amazing regardless but more ideal with students similarly aged.

Another thought: With a BASIS elementary school feeding into the middle/high school eventually, it seems eventually less Capitol Hill families would be at BASIS because they have great convenient elementary options already…

This. Hill families, your middle school seats are threatened!

This is a very real issue. Enrollment data shows us that Brent, Maurey and Watkins send a TON of kids to BASIS. There won't be 135 5th grade seats to fill of they are only backfilling from 4th grade BASIS kids. Will those Hill families choose BASIS in K instead of Brent, etc.? If BASIS had a good or great physical space for ES, does that change the answer? If they don't choose BASIS, what does the demographic of BASIS look like without all those white UMC families? Are there enough kids who can hack it at BASIS to fill those spots if the Hill school populations aren't filling them? Could this help the Hill MS to improve without the brain drain? Would people think twice about living on the Hill without the BASIS school safety valve?

I am asking these questions, but I would note that BASIS is not responsible for or to the CH schools. The CH families may think BASIS is "theirs" but it isn't.

This, exactly. Is BASIS really that great, or is it a meh school whose "success" is the result of demographics and of their social promotion policy (and don't forget, shirking on taking kids after 5th like other schools do).

I think this is a very interesting question. My guess is that most Brent/Maury/LT families will not move their kids to BASIS for K just to lock in 5th. They'll already have been at their local ES for 1-2 years and they'll by-and-large have had good experiences, because those schools are good. The kind of families who stick out the Hill are the kind of families who don't prioritize locking in a middle school (or they'd move to NW/Deal/Hardy). BASIS is close, but not close enough to be neighborhood-y for K-4; kids are very different by 5th. Also UMC Hill parents are by and large super involved in the Hill ESes and I just can't see BASIS allowing that, which I think would frustrate those parents. (I think Watkins could cut a bit differently. Families already have to move from Peabody to Watkins in 1st and as UMC families are increasingly reluctant to do that, I think those families might cut out for BASIS in K instead in higher numbers.)

If Brent/Maury/LT shared a middle school, I actually think this could have a positive effect on the local MS almost immediately... since they don't, it'll be a small trickle. SH could be the most affected the most immediately, since LT & Watkins both feed there and not all Watkins kids will bail, even if in larger numbers. I wonder what percentage of slots they'll hold for MS? At first it's going to be all sibling preference and newbies will be shut out entirely unless that percentage is huge. Middle school entry will get even crazier if this is approved.

I'm PP to whom you responded. I think I agree with much of what what you project. One of the things I find amusing is the reflexive responses on DCUM from people who immediately question whether BASIS is appropriate for ES. They have like 40 other schools that already offer K+.

Everyone knows BASIS operates lots of elementary schools. But this country is filled with crappy schools. Existing doesn't mean it's actually good.

https://enrollbasis.com/about-basis-charter-schools/awards-and-rankings/

Objective data says they thrive.

Oh please, let's definitely compare private and selective admissions schools as if they're pure lottery in a high-needs area.

What are you talking about? All BASIS schools are free and lottery. The rankings I pointed to are for BASIS schools. Stop typing; you look more foolish evert time you "contribute".

You are 100% wrong and look really foolish because of your tone in this post. Even in the DMV, Basis McLean is a private school. Basis Brooklyn is a private school. In almost all BASIS locations, students have to pass a placement test (post-lottery) to be placed in a grade and, if a student doesn't pass, their admission is contingent on being willing to repeat the prior grade. You have ABSOLUTELY no idea what you're talking about.

You have conflated the BASIS charter schools with the private for profit BASIS Independent Schools (McLean). The schools on the list I linked to are the charter schools. THEY ARE NOT PRIVATE. Which is why when you misunderstand the difference and accuse someone (incorrectly) of referencing private schools, you look like a fool.

BASIS charter schools take all comers. They absolutely to a test to place kids where they belong. They do not refuse kids based on those results, merely place them appropriately. That is not an "admissions test".

Which BASIS schools have a high proportion of at-risk kids?

Why does BASIS DC perform so much worse than other BASIS schools?

That is a fair question, because it does. Ironically, one of the reasons is because it does not have an ES. All of the other campuses start in ES. I think part of the issue is also what you see here on DCUM. We spend a lot of time in DC on performative nonsense and faux equity that the environment isn't focused on academic excellence as much as other garbage. Look at this forum as an example. Anytime anyone points to BASIS's success people chime in to try and focus on the kids is isn't educating. In DC, people score points not for building things or succeeding, but for tearing them down. I think that makes it much harder for schools to succeed.

Oh come on. You have to understand the "focus on kids it isn't educating" isn't just to tear down BASIS. It's to point out that BASIS' demographics are different from many other schools', and that it isn't meaningful to do comparisons that don't account for that. Witness how Deal and Hardy parents are not exactly beating down BASIS' door or clamoring for a BASIS in their neighborhood. That's because it isn't actually better.

What this city needs is schools that can effectively educate a low-income, high-trauma, high-special needs student body. I think it would be a waste to dedicate a building to a school that, whether they admit it or not, focuses on UMC students without special needs. That's not what we're most in need of.

This is SUCH a toxic and ignorant statement. Do you think that only white parents care about education in DC? Only white kids have the ability to succeed at Basis? That a school system can just ignore the cause of educating kids who are going to go to college?? How does that serve DC, to gut education for the kids who will go on to become DC's educated professional class (nurses, police officers, teachers)? Also I bet dollars to donuts that on other threads, you lament about "white flight." Well, what do you expect?

I do not lament "white flight". And I definitely did not say anything about the race of any student or parent.

I continue to believe that our city has many schools that are adequate for UMC children without significant special needs, especially at the elementary level. I don't see why we need another one, and I think the need for a middle and high school that can effectively educate a low-income, high-trauma, high-special needs student body is very important.

You’re so blinded by your progressiveness that you can’t see that there are hundreds/thousands of lower income kids with academic potential who are zoned for crap DCPS schools whose parents would love to send them to Basis. You believe that all black DCPS kids are “high-trauma, high-special needs.” In your progressive mania you are literally advocating to take opportunity away from black kids.

I do not believe that at all. But I do believe that there are an adequate number of elementary schools that adequately serve the typically developing, on-or-near-grade-level child. It would be nice to have more EOTR, but there are some, and there are many Ward 5 and Ward 6 elementary schools of adequate performance that take all comers. A school system cannot support an infinite number of schools, so I don't believe that another mainstream elementary school should be a priority.

You think schools where zero kids are on grade level adequately serve anyone? And you’re telling on yourself again in ignoring W7 and 8. The fact is, your grievance actually is with white families that have different values from you and select an academically rigorous school.

What wards do you think "EOTR" meams?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wish they would open up a second middle/high school instead because there are plenty of good elementary schools in DC already and a shortage of good middle and high school options. Also, the BASIS HOS mentioned the second school could potentially share outdoor space and a gym with the current school which would be amazing regardless but more ideal with students similarly aged.

Another thought: With a BASIS elementary school feeding into the middle/high school eventually, it seems eventually less Capitol Hill families would be at BASIS because they have great convenient elementary options already…

This. Hill families, your middle school seats are threatened!

This is a very real issue. Enrollment data shows us that Brent, Maurey and Watkins send a TON of kids to BASIS. There won't be 135 5th grade seats to fill of they are only backfilling from 4th grade BASIS kids. Will those Hill families choose BASIS in K instead of Brent, etc.? If BASIS had a good or great physical space for ES, does that change the answer? If they don't choose BASIS, what does the demographic of BASIS look like without all those white UMC families? Are there enough kids who can hack it at BASIS to fill those spots if the Hill school populations aren't filling them? Could this help the Hill MS to improve without the brain drain? Would people think twice about living on the Hill without the BASIS school safety valve?

I am asking these questions, but I would note that BASIS is not responsible for or to the CH schools. The CH families may think BASIS is "theirs" but it isn't.

This, exactly. Is BASIS really that great, or is it a meh school whose "success" is the result of demographics and of their social promotion policy (and don't forget, shirking on taking kids after 5th like other schools do).

I think this is a very interesting question. My guess is that most Brent/Maury/LT families will not move their kids to BASIS for K just to lock in 5th. They'll already have been at their local ES for 1-2 years and they'll by-and-large have had good experiences, because those schools are good. The kind of families who stick out the Hill are the kind of families who don't prioritize locking in a middle school (or they'd move to NW/Deal/Hardy). BASIS is close, but not close enough to be neighborhood-y for K-4; kids are very different by 5th. Also UMC Hill parents are by and large super involved in the Hill ESes and I just can't see BASIS allowing that, which I think would frustrate those parents. (I think Watkins could cut a bit differently. Families already have to move from Peabody to Watkins in 1st and as UMC families are increasingly reluctant to do that, I think those families might cut out for BASIS in K instead in higher numbers.)

If Brent/Maury/LT shared a middle school, I actually think this could have a positive effect on the local MS almost immediately... since they don't, it'll be a small trickle. SH could be the most affected the most immediately, since LT & Watkins both feed there and not all Watkins kids will bail, even if in larger numbers. I wonder what percentage of slots they'll hold for MS? At first it's going to be all sibling preference and newbies will be shut out entirely unless that percentage is huge. Middle school entry will get even crazier if this is approved.

I'm PP to whom you responded. I think I agree with much of what what you project. One of the things I find amusing is the reflexive responses on DCUM from people who immediately question whether BASIS is appropriate for ES. They have like 40 other schools that already offer K+.

Everyone knows BASIS operates lots of elementary schools. But this country is filled with crappy schools. Existing doesn't mean it's actually good.

https://enrollbasis.com/about-basis-charter-schools/awards-and-rankings/

Objective data says they thrive.

Oh please, let's definitely compare private and selective admissions schools as if they're pure lottery in a high-needs area.

What are you talking about? All BASIS schools are free and lottery. The rankings I pointed to are for BASIS schools. Stop typing; you look more foolish evert time you "contribute".

You are 100% wrong and look really foolish because of your tone in this post. Even in the DMV, Basis McLean is a private school. Basis Brooklyn is a private school. In almost all BASIS locations, students have to pass a placement test (post-lottery) to be placed in a grade and, if a student doesn't pass, their admission is contingent on being willing to repeat the prior grade. You have ABSOLUTELY no idea what you're talking about.

You have conflated the BASIS charter schools with the private for profit BASIS Independent Schools (McLean). The schools on the list I linked to are the charter schools. THEY ARE NOT PRIVATE. Which is why when you misunderstand the difference and accuse someone (incorrectly) of referencing private schools, you look like a fool.

BASIS charter schools take all comers. They absolutely to a test to place kids where they belong. They do not refuse kids based on those results, merely place them appropriately. That is not an "admissions test".

Which BASIS schools have a high proportion of at-risk kids?

Why does BASIS DC perform so much worse than other BASIS schools?

That is a fair question, because it does. Ironically, one of the reasons is because it does not have an ES. All of the other campuses start in ES. I think part of the issue is also what you see here on DCUM. We spend a lot of time in DC on performative nonsense and faux equity that the environment isn't focused on academic excellence as much as other garbage. Look at this forum as an example. Anytime anyone points to BASIS's success people chime in to try and focus on the kids is isn't educating. In DC, people score points not for building things or succeeding, but for tearing them down. I think that makes it much harder for schools to succeed.

You are wrong. You obviously don't have a kid at BASIS.

The BASIS network tracks how all the schools compare, and BASIS DC is in the top group.

The US News link posted earlier (https://enrollbasis.com/about-basis-charter-schools/awards-and-rankings/) has BASIS DC at #274. How is that "top group"? I know BASIS does its own scoring but I dont really buy it, knowing they want to expand.

It looks like BASIS DC's ranking is so low because its PARCC scores are low: https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/district-of-columbia/districts/basis-dc-public-school-system/basis-dc-200247

Why are its PARCC scores low? And what would BASIS DC's scores be like if it took the Arizona state test?

It is ranked low on PARCC in that analysis in part because of the demographic adjustments. For example, Banneker is ranked slightly below Basis on absolute test scores, but #1 nationally (vs Basis #8073) on an adjusted basis. From one perspective, that shows that Banneker is providing more value added (though it's complicated because it's an application school). But if the students are on a similar absolute level, that implies to me that the teachers can teach at a higher level, which is less important in ES but crucial in HS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wish they would open up a second middle/high school instead because there are plenty of good elementary schools in DC already and a shortage of good middle and high school options. Also, the BASIS HOS mentioned the second school could potentially share outdoor space and a gym with the current school which would be amazing regardless but more ideal with students similarly aged.

Another thought: With a BASIS elementary school feeding into the middle/high school eventually, it seems eventually less Capitol Hill families would be at BASIS because they have great convenient elementary options already…

This. Hill families, your middle school seats are threatened!

This is a very real issue. Enrollment data shows us that Brent, Maurey and Watkins send a TON of kids to BASIS. There won't be 135 5th grade seats to fill of they are only backfilling from 4th grade BASIS kids. Will those Hill families choose BASIS in K instead of Brent, etc.? If BASIS had a good or great physical space for ES, does that change the answer? If they don't choose BASIS, what does the demographic of BASIS look like without all those white UMC families? Are there enough kids who can hack it at BASIS to fill those spots if the Hill school populations aren't filling them? Could this help the Hill MS to improve without the brain drain? Would people think twice about living on the Hill without the BASIS school safety valve?

I am asking these questions, but I would note that BASIS is not responsible for or to the CH schools. The CH families may think BASIS is "theirs" but it isn't.

This, exactly. Is BASIS really that great, or is it a meh school whose "success" is the result of demographics and of their social promotion policy (and don't forget, shirking on taking kids after 5th like other schools do).

I think this is a very interesting question. My guess is that most Brent/Maury/LT families will not move their kids to BASIS for K just to lock in 5th. They'll already have been at their local ES for 1-2 years and they'll by-and-large have had good experiences, because those schools are good. The kind of families who stick out the Hill are the kind of families who don't prioritize locking in a middle school (or they'd move to NW/Deal/Hardy). BASIS is close, but not close enough to be neighborhood-y for K-4; kids are very different by 5th. Also UMC Hill parents are by and large super involved in the Hill ESes and I just can't see BASIS allowing that, which I think would frustrate those parents. (I think Watkins could cut a bit differently. Families already have to move from Peabody to Watkins in 1st and as UMC families are increasingly reluctant to do that, I think those families might cut out for BASIS in K instead in higher numbers.)

If Brent/Maury/LT shared a middle school, I actually think this could have a positive effect on the local MS almost immediately... since they don't, it'll be a small trickle. SH could be the most affected the most immediately, since LT & Watkins both feed there and not all Watkins kids will bail, even if in larger numbers. I wonder what percentage of slots they'll hold for MS? At first it's going to be all sibling preference and newbies will be shut out entirely unless that percentage is huge. Middle school entry will get even crazier if this is approved.

I'm PP to whom you responded. I think I agree with much of what what you project. One of the things I find amusing is the reflexive responses on DCUM from people who immediately question whether BASIS is appropriate for ES. They have like 40 other schools that already offer K+.

Everyone knows BASIS operates lots of elementary schools. But this country is filled with crappy schools. Existing doesn't mean it's actually good.

https://enrollbasis.com/about-basis-charter-schools/awards-and-rankings/

Objective data says they thrive.

Oh please, let's definitely compare private and selective admissions schools as if they're pure lottery in a high-needs area.

What are you talking about? All BASIS schools are free and lottery. The rankings I pointed to are for BASIS schools. Stop typing; you look more foolish evert time you "contribute".

Ha ha! So quintessentially DCUM. An obnoxious post calling out someone for being wrong while actually being totally wrong themselves!

Come back PP. Let us learn from your infinite wisdom! Tell me how I send my kid to Basis McLean for free!

Times like there I REALLY wish you had to sign your posts. BASIS McLean is not a BASIS Charter school. It is a BASIS Independent School. The former are free and lottery, the latter are for profit and charge tuition. If this concept is too hard for you I will help you out.

Charter Schools (free): https://enrollbasis.com/?src=logo
Independent Schools (tuition): https://basisindependent.com/about/

Your original post didn't say all Basis charter schools are charter schools. It said all BASIS schools are free. False. Come on now. Stop looking like an idiot.

The post to which you refer linked to a ranking of BASIS Charter schools in response to someone (you?) saying how do we know they are good. You seem like a small man.

But the previous posters were talking about BASIS having this huge number of successful schools. Many of those schools are not free or do have admissions/placement requirements. Your linked list (which they probably never opened) has 11 total schools and all except DC are in Arizona. I actually don't think we should assume that because BASIS can operate charter schools successfully in one state their model necessarily works here. The statement you made was way too broad if what you meant was that the 10 other schools on the link I provided are free and don't have admissions tests (but do, in fact, have placement exams which operate as de facto admissions tests).

Every one of the schools on that list is free. Every. Last. One. A placement test is not remotely the same as an admission test. I guess in addition to misunderstanding those concepts, you also don't know what "de facto" means.

Let's look at how that started, shall we? Someone chimed in to say that BASIS doesn't actually operate good schools. The quote was, "Existing doesn't mean it's actually good". Their post referred to BASIS schools (PLURAL), meaning the multitude of schools operated by BASIS. I replied with the link to the objective rankings of other free BASIS schools.

From there it was a the usual DCUM sh*t show where confused and condescending people introduce irrelevant issues (VA or NY BASIS schools, which aren't free or on the list). When they were called out for referencing schools that aren't charter or free, they replied to complain the non-free schools that they, not I, referenced, weren't free.

Then came you. With blind ignorance about the fact that the schools on that list are not all free. They are. You are like the poster child for how fake news perpetuates.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:what can we do to stop this from happening? as a parent of a student going to basis I love our elementary school for my younger child and want them to continue to go to their current elementary school, but follow their sibling to basis in fifth.

Holy smokes! Selfish much?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sounds like a great idea. I wish this had been around when my own Black children were in elementary school.

What part of this do you not understand? DCUM believes that the only way to ensure equity is to make it so we focus on a small number of at risk kids. Sure, the result is your hard working black kid and her friends won't have access to quality or rigor, but you can't do performative equity if you care about actually educating black kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As the PP mentioned, students with special needs are indeed becoming a focus at BASIS because the school has recognized that it is this group of students which has the highest attrition (as opposed to a group based on race or low SES as people on DCUM seem to assume)

No, attrition of students with special needs is exactly what people assume is going on. Attrition on purpose.

Or attrition by choice. IDEA does not guarantee As in an accelerated curriculum. If a child’s SN makes it very hard for them to be successful in a rigorous environment then it’s normal that they would switch schools. Plenty of NT kids dislike the demands as well. Basis has to support the kids it has and implement the IEP, but does not have to water down the curriculm.

BASIS DC is notorious for not providing IDEA-required supports for kids who could be successful there. I’d like to see them implement these improvements they mentioned before they get a chance to expand and then, oops! forget about those kids. Again.

And they should be required to fill open seats.

So weird that there are all of these experts on DCUM who just "KNOW" that BASIS is in violation. Sure, PCSB hasn't made that determination, it remains in compliance and Tier 1. But don't let that fool you. DCUM people know in their hearts what's what.

Anyone else think these people sound like MTG spouting what she "KNOWS" about Hunter Biden? The more I read DCUM, the more convinced I am that the overeducated UMC white savior complex crowd has much more in common with MAGA-world than they will ever permit themselves to acknowledge.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As the PP mentioned, students with special needs are indeed becoming a focus at BASIS because the school has recognized that it is this group of students which has the highest attrition (as opposed to a group based on race or low SES as people on DCUM seem to assume)

No, attrition of students with special needs is exactly what people assume is going on. Attrition on purpose.

Or attrition by choice. IDEA does not guarantee As in an accelerated curriculum. If a child’s SN makes it very hard for them to be successful in a rigorous environment then it’s normal that they would switch schools. Plenty of NT kids dislike the demands as well. Basis has to support the kids it has and implement the IEP, but does not have to water down the curriculm.

This is the money phrase. It is in the end what the argument is about. People who complain about high standards don't understand the difference between affording more time, and deciding that the material is too hard. Not the same thing.