Why are you sending your child to Basis?

[Anonymous]

Why aren't the expeditions muti- disciplinary?

[Anonymous]

It's really uneven in some places. I've seen some teachers do a phenomenal job with expeditions and I've seen lame. I'll never understand why the good ones aren't replicated.

I mean, I saw one expedition where the writing was strong, the children did surveys and data analysis, used geometry to develop a 3D model, video, etc. It was fabulous. Maybe it killed the teachers, but there were 4-5 of them directing 50 children. I never saw the school do that again.

So many of the "showcases" these days are worse than a bad science fair.

[Anonymous]

Dad of a student who is currently attending an expeditionary school:

1. When I walk my kid to school and hear parents' conversations, most of it is about the ambiance of the school.

2.Teachers avoid talking about academics. When I ask specific questions, I get very vague answers.

3. The first expedition this year was about WW II. Teacher did not know much about subject. In fact she did not even know the basics. Her explanation was that students are studying homebased WWII, and learning it from interviewing citizens who had lived during those years. Apparently many WW II veterans had also been interviewed? Really? How old are these people now?

My question: Isn't there any regulations for what is being done in classrooms?

[Anonymous]

Back to Basis....Have you looked at the bios. on their website? I don't see anything to be thrilled about in terms of subject area expertise.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Back to Basis....Have you looked at the bios. on their website? I don't see anything to be thrilled about in terms of subject area expertise.

At least they are not claiming they all went to Harvard.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Back to Basis....Have you looked at the bios. on their website? I don't see anything to be thrilled about in terms of subject area expertise.

At least they are not claiming they all went to Harvard.

I'm assuming you're insinuating something but don't get it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Back to Basis....Have you looked at the bios. on their website? I don't see anything to be thrilled about in terms of subject area expertise.

At least they are not claiming they all went to Harvard.

I'm assuming you're insinuating something but don't get it.

Not al all ...
Many of my son's current teachers have supposedly attended Harvard.
It's like those French teachers who mention "Sorbonne" in their résumés.
Going to a teacher's conference in Sorbonne for a week-end is not attending Sorbonne. The same thing is true for those teachers who attend a 3-5 day summer institute, which happens to be taking place on the grounds of Harvard. They get some kind of paper and just like become Harvard graduates ...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PP's do you mind stating the schools that you are unhappy with?

Washington Latin PCS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:another expeditionary parent here.

Our experience has been that students who need help are not getting it and there is no extention for the fast learners or those who already know what is being done. This is especially true for math.

I'm shocked, literally shocked, that a charter school is not living up its reputation! What does this mean?

Could it be that schools should not be run by amateurs who possess unlimited good intentions but no experience?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP's do you mind stating the schools that you are unhappy with?

Washington Latin PCS.

Sorry to hijack, but could you explain why you're not happy with Latin, and which grades? We're considering it and it would be helpful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PP's do you mind stating the schools that you are unhappy with?

Capital City

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:another expeditionary parent here.

Our experience has been that students who need help are not getting it and there is no extention for the fast learners or those who already know what is being done. This is especially true for math.

I'm shocked, literally shocked, that a charter school is not living up its reputation! What does this mean?

Could it be that schools should not be run by amateurs who possess unlimited good intentions but no experience?

Or folks with BA degrees in social sciences, having difficulty landing stable positions. They take a few fast track courses, student teach for 6-8 months and voilà, an expert teacher is produced ...

[Anonymous]

As I look at the bios on Basis" website, I have to wonder if they are going to choose people who are committed to teaching or just filling time till their dream job opens...
I usually wonder why lawyers are in elementary schools when I've run into them.

[Anonymous]

pp
Maybe lawyers want to have free summers.
A current middle school teacher had his own successful private practice for years. He wanted to spend more time with his grandchildren, so after 20 + years as a lawyer, he decided to become a teacher. He is very good at it.

I also know people who attended law school but could never pass the bar exam. Instead of doing the job of a paralegal, they decided to try their hand in teaching.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:pp
Maybe lawyers want to have free summers.
A current middle school teacher had his own successful private practice for years. He wanted to spend more time with his grandchildren, so after 20 + years as a lawyer, he decided to become a teacher. He is very good at it.

I also know people who attended law school but could never pass the bar exam. Instead of doing the job of a paralegal, they decided to try their hand in teaching.

Or maybe teaching is more interesting and engaging than the law. There is such an undercurrent of disdain and condescension towards teachers in this thread. Show some respect for the people who are dealing with your children and teaching them all day.