Congratulations Latin! AYP Baby!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Latin failed to make AYP last academic year because it's "economically disadvantaged" (terms used by NCLB) did poorly.

This year, for the lower school, the economically disadvantaged kids did better. They had a 60% proficient or advanced scores for the 45 children who took the test. That's nice, but I don't think I'd start tap dancing over those scores. If one single child in the economically disadvantaged group had performed poorly that day, Latin would have failed to make AYP.

I'm planning on sending my child to Latin. It seems like a lovely little school, but to imply that it's the program or instruction that's so remarkable is silly.

The school is dominated by affluent children of highly-educated Washingtonians. They tend to perform well on standardized tests.

Latin could have failed to make AYP, and be on its way to some sort of restructuring plan. The fact that the school made AYP, based on the scores of ALL the children, means Latin has a great year of 'breathing room' to focus on continuing to push its program forward. It will need to keep testing in mind, but perhaps the motivation will be more proactive than fear of punishment unleashed (at least for now). THAT is worth celebrating. The truth is AYP could be lost again, it sometimes turns on a dime-- and the school will be motivated to drive scores even higher for all children 'to be safe'. As a Latin parent I am convinced they will seek to do this while focusing classes on deeply educating (including some test-taking), but not drill and kill. I think that intent is what everyone is celebrating, and I hope they are successful.

To someone's previous comment--my take is that Latin's program is not for all kids because that is the point of charters--they reflect choice. Some children/parents may prefer other programs, as simple as that.

On a side note-- I am a little puzzled by the descriptor of Latin as dominated by children who are affluent. I'm a Latin parent who has spent some significant parenting time below the poverty line. And yes, I'm well-educated. Sometimes the two are not mutually exclusive. What I like about Latin is that its a striving school, diverse in ways (ideological, economic etc.) that defy some of the usual DC paradigms. As a result, it is 'easy to fit in'--no matter who you are. What binds families is that they have, well, sought out WL. Like any school the determination to be there is a strong commonality. That is also something to celebrate. Welcome to Latin!

[Anonymous]

My take on Latin families, after having a kid there for two years, is that there are some very well educated parents and also some families who are fleeing a local public. Both types of families chose the school because they are seeking out a strong and challenging curriculum, good teachers, et cetera.

We haven't seen much in the way of flashy money at all, although certainly some families are solidly upper middle class. I think the super-rich probably go private no matter what, either a top private or a second tier, but that's just my guess.

[Anonymous]

I think it all depends on what you consider affluent. Based on my child's school (60% plus on free or reduced price lunch) Latin (15% free lunch) is affluent.

Remember, what is "affluent" for many DC Urban Moms means something very different for most of Washington DC.

What constitutes "solidly middle class to some is flat out rich to others.

That said, I would agree with the PP who said that super-rich do private, regardless.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

The real issue is, how do schools that have largely low-income and English Language Learners do on the test?

Um, no ... that might be the real issue for you. The real issue for me is that my children get a world class education that makes them competitive in the careers marketplace. I am already paying for it with taxes on my hard earned income!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

The real issue is, how do schools that have largely low-income and English Language Learners do on the test?

Um, no ... that might be the real issue for you. The real issue for me is that my children get a world class education that makes them competitive in the careers marketplace. I am already paying for it with taxes on my hard earned income!

I would like my child to enjoy a world-class education for its own sake. I had hoped Latin would be a good place for her when she's old enough... yes?

[Anonymous]

Yes!

[Anonymous]

Yes again!