Charter reaction to DCPS announcement

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are at a charter school that had previously announced its intention to host students for a hybrid model. Are other folks at charters anticipating that their schools will follow the DCPS decision for 100% DL? I have a feeling the answer is yes....

The charters typically take their cues from DCPS on things like this so expect most if not all to follow the guidelines announced this morning.

It's too bad. This is when autonomy and the ability to be creative (e.g., outdoor class) might really matter.

Exactly. What ever happened to the question idea of charters as incubators of new approaches? Here’s a great chance to show what they can do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are at a charter school that had previously announced its intention to host students for a hybrid model. Are other folks at charters anticipating that their schools will follow the DCPS decision for 100% DL? I have a feeling the answer is yes....

The charters typically take their cues from DCPS on things like this so expect most if not all to follow the guidelines announced this morning.

It's too bad. This is when autonomy and the ability to be creative (e.g., outdoor class) might really matter.

Why are parents so insistent on outdoor classrooms being the answer? Many of our schools don’t have extensive outdoor space. In addition, they need to have indoor space as a backup for weather so outdoor classrooms don’t actually solve anything.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/17/nyregion/coronavirus-nyc-schools-reopening-outdoors.html

Yes, this will not work for or help Sela. But, LAMB? They were perfectly positioned to build covered outdoors spaces. Others as well. Waldorf schools make outdoors work. If a school wanted to, was creative, and able to raise funds, it would solve quite a bit actually.

The point is that the primary reason to have charters is innovation and autonomy from a larger district's inability to be fast and flexible. But, what we're seeing is charters waiting and following the lead of DCPS. I've been a charter proponent for years but this is really making me question my own faith. Might as well just have DCPS develop dual language schools and no boundary schools and forget this false notion of independence.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are at a charter school that had previously announced its intention to host students for a hybrid model. Are other folks at charters anticipating that their schools will follow the DCPS decision for 100% DL? I have a feeling the answer is yes....

The charters typically take their cues from DCPS on things like this so expect most if not all to follow the guidelines announced this morning.

It's too bad. This is when autonomy and the ability to be creative (e.g., outdoor class) might really matter.

Why are parents so insistent on outdoor classrooms being the answer? Many of our schools don’t have extensive outdoor space. In addition, they need to have indoor space as a backup for weather so outdoor classrooms don’t actually solve anything.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/17/nyregion/coronavirus-nyc-schools-reopening-outdoors.html

Yes, this will not work for or help Sela. But, LAMB? They were perfectly positioned to build covered outdoors spaces. Others as well. Waldorf schools make outdoors work. If a school wanted to, was creative, and able to raise funds, it would solve quite a bit actually.

The point is that the primary reason to have charters is innovation and autonomy from a larger district's inability to be fast and flexible. But, what we're seeing is charters waiting and following the lead of DCPS. I've been a charter proponent for years but this is really making me question my own faith. Might as well just have DCPS develop dual language schools and no boundary schools and forget this false notion of independence.

Many charters made the decision to go full distance learning, or to have in person school for priority populations, a long time ago. They made those decisions with urgency, which allowed families to have more time to plan.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are at a charter school that had previously announced its intention to host students for a hybrid model. Are other folks at charters anticipating that their schools will follow the DCPS decision for 100% DL? I have a feeling the answer is yes....

The charters typically take their cues from DCPS on things like this so expect most if not all to follow the guidelines announced this morning.

It's too bad. This is when autonomy and the ability to be creative (e.g., outdoor class) might really matter.

Why are parents so insistent on outdoor classrooms being the answer? Many of our schools don’t have extensive outdoor space. In addition, they need to have indoor space as a backup for weather so outdoor classrooms don’t actually solve anything.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/17/nyregion/coronavirus-nyc-schools-reopening-outdoors.html

Yes, this will not work for or help Sela. But, LAMB? They were perfectly positioned to build covered outdoors spaces. Others as well. Waldorf schools make outdoors work. If a school wanted to, was creative, and able to raise funds, it would solve quite a bit actually.

The point is that the primary reason to have charters is innovation and autonomy from a larger district's inability to be fast and flexible. But, what we're seeing is charters waiting and following the lead of DCPS. I've been a charter proponent for years but this is really making me question my own faith. Might as well just have DCPS develop dual language schools and no boundary schools and forget this false notion of independence.

Switch to your in-boundary DCPS school then. Plenty of others waiting to take your spot.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are at a charter school that had previously announced its intention to host students for a hybrid model. Are other folks at charters anticipating that their schools will follow the DCPS decision for 100% DL? I have a feeling the answer is yes....

The charters typically take their cues from DCPS on things like this so expect most if not all to follow the guidelines announced this morning.

It's too bad. This is when autonomy and the ability to be creative (e.g., outdoor class) might really matter.

Why are parents so insistent on outdoor classrooms being the answer? Many of our schools don’t have extensive outdoor space. In addition, they need to have indoor space as a backup for weather so outdoor classrooms don’t actually solve anything.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/17/nyregion/coronavirus-nyc-schools-reopening-outdoors.html

Yes, this will not work for or help Sela. But, LAMB? They were perfectly positioned to build covered outdoors spaces. Others as well. Waldorf schools make outdoors work. If a school wanted to, was creative, and able to raise funds, it would solve quite a bit actually.

The point is that the primary reason to have charters is innovation and autonomy from a larger district's inability to be fast and flexible. But, what we're seeing is charters waiting and following the lead of DCPS. I've been a charter proponent for years but this is really making me question my own faith. Might as well just have DCPS develop dual language schools and no boundary schools and forget this false notion of independence.

I agree. We just raised a lot of money for LAMB’s new playground some of which could be used toward outdoor classrooms or shelters. I think the thing is though charters are carefully watching OSSE and when it comes to health there’s less room for error.

[Anonymous]

DCI made the call a LONG time ago--to the chagrin of the DME and DCPS which wanted everyone to follow them. This time, the tail wagged the dog.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Switch to your in-boundary DCPS school then. Plenty of others waiting to take your spot.

This kind of response is exactly why we actually need education. Open your mind. Think about what different education models were created to do and if you think they are actually doing them. Strive for something better for all our kids.

It happens to be true that my kids' spots would be snapped up but you have no idea where they go to school nor our in bounds. Knee jerk snark will serve none of us.

[Anonymous]

So, not all kids or staff can use an out door class room.... Allergies, bee stings.. preschool or heck middle school runners. Also, the costs it would be insanely expensive for a short term partial solution that can be used most of the year in DC! It is either too hot, too cold or raining/thunderstorms much of the year. The 1st time Johnny get a sun burn or complains of the cold or is stuck out side when it is lightening parents will flip out. If we live in San Diego it might work but we don't. Let it go.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Switch to your in-boundary DCPS school then. Plenty of others waiting to take your spot.

This kind of response is exactly why we actually need education. Open your mind. Think about what different education models were created to do and if you think they are actually doing them. Strive for something better for all our kids.

It happens to be true that my kids' spots would be snapped up but you have no idea where they go to school nor our in bounds. Knee jerk snark will serve none of us.

Open your mind to what? How to put 400-500 kids all outside? What about desks, blackboards, etc...? What about when it rains? What about bathrooms? What about the teachers who will still not teach even if it’s outside?

And what have your special charter school open during a pandemic while DCPS and other charters who understand the risk and logistics close?

Your idea is not feasible or well thought out.

[Anonymous]

Outdoor school would not need to mimic indoor school. Best for elementary school ages, when so much learning is experiential. I think it would be harder for, say, calculus. They don't need desks or chalkboards necessarily. But they do need innovative administrators and educators.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Outdoor school would not need to mimic indoor school. Best for elementary school ages, when so much learning is experiential. I think it would be harder for, say, calculus. They don't need desks or chalkboards necessarily. But they do need innovative administrators and educators.

How do you suggest they do stations, work with math manipulatives, color or do art activities, have enough reading books all at different levels outdoors for 25 kids?

So what, the kids are going to learn how to do math problems in their heads without writing down groupings or using blocks? They are going to learn spelling by putting words together in their head? Of course they are going to need a desk. Along those lines, how do you expect them to learn to write letters, words, or sentences? Juggling a notebook while sitting in the grass? Great form and example there.

Not going to work without the typical accessories and things needed for learning. So let’s bring out a million things outside for hundreds of kids and have it sitting in the grass and mud. Then lug it back in again.

Do you even have an elementary age child?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Outdoor school would not need to mimic indoor school. Best for elementary school ages, when so much learning is experiential. I think it would be harder for, say, calculus. They don't need desks or chalkboards necessarily. But they do need innovative administrators and educators.

How do you suggest they do stations, work with math manipulatives, color or do art activities, have enough reading books all at different levels outdoors for 25 kids?

So what, the kids are going to learn how to do math problems in their heads without writing down groupings or using blocks? They are going to learn spelling by putting words together in their head? Of course they are going to need a desk. Along those lines, how do you expect them to learn to write letters, words, or sentences? Juggling a notebook while sitting in the grass? Great form and example there.

Not going to work without the typical accessories and things needed for learning. So let’s bring out a million things outside for hundreds of kids and have it sitting in the grass and mud. Then lug it back in again.

Do you even have an elementary age child?

NP. My four-year-old is not going to be learning much math or spelling via the iPAD while my husband and I desperately try to do our jobs. DL was largely fictional in the spring for him and it's going to be fictional in the fall, no matter how hard his school tries (and they are legitimately trying very hard), because he is not developmentally ready for it. Sitting on the grass alternating being read to, running around, being taught by a teacher writing on a portable whiteboard-- all of these would be a better experience for him than what's currently planned, because they would be in-person. Obviously it would not be the same as in-classroom school. But that's not the alternative here. The alternative is that we all pretend that DL school is school, like if I close my eyes and wish really hard it'll be the case that these kids aren't about to miss out on another year of education.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Outdoor school would not need to mimic indoor school. Best for elementary school ages, when so much learning is experiential. I think it would be harder for, say, calculus. They don't need desks or chalkboards necessarily. But they do need innovative administrators and educators.

How do you suggest they do stations, work with math manipulatives, color or do art activities, have enough reading books all at different levels outdoors for 25 kids?

So what, the kids are going to learn how to do math problems in their heads without writing down groupings or using blocks? They are going to learn spelling by putting words together in their head? Of course they are going to need a desk. Along those lines, how do you expect them to learn to write letters, words, or sentences? Juggling a notebook while sitting in the grass? Great form and example there.

Not going to work without the typical accessories and things needed for learning. So let’s bring out a million things outside for hundreds of kids and have it sitting in the grass and mud. Then lug it back in again.

Do you even have an elementary age child?

NP. My four-year-old is not going to be learning much math or spelling via the iPAD while my husband and I desperately try to do our jobs. DL was largely fictional in the spring for him and it's going to be fictional in the fall, no matter how hard his school tries (and they are legitimately trying very hard), because he is not developmentally ready for it. Sitting on the grass alternating being read to, running around, being taught by a teacher writing on a portable whiteboard-- all of these would be a better experience for him than what's currently planned, because they would be in-person. Obviously it would not be the same as in-classroom school. But that's not the alternative here. The alternative is that we all pretend that DL school is school, like if I close my eyes and wish really hard it'll be the case that these kids aren't about to miss out on another year of education.

Your kid is 4 and schooling is not mandatory. Get over yourself. Parents of kids who are older have legitimate concerns. People whose kids are in PreK are just complaining. Put your kid in daycare.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Outdoor school would not need to mimic indoor school. Best for elementary school ages, when so much learning is experiential. I think it would be harder for, say, calculus. They don't need desks or chalkboards necessarily. But they do need innovative administrators and educators.

How do you suggest they do stations, work with math manipulatives, color or do art activities, have enough reading books all at different levels outdoors for 25 kids?

So what, the kids are going to learn how to do math problems in their heads without writing down groupings or using blocks? They are going to learn spelling by putting words together in their head? Of course they are going to need a desk. Along those lines, how do you expect them to learn to write letters, words, or sentences? Juggling a notebook while sitting in the grass? Great form and example there.

Not going to work without the typical accessories and things needed for learning. So let’s bring out a million things outside for hundreds of kids and have it sitting in the grass and mud. Then lug it back in again.

Do you even have an elementary age child?

NP. My four-year-old is not going to be learning much math or spelling via the iPAD while my husband and I desperately try to do our jobs. DL was largely fictional in the spring for him and it's going to be fictional in the fall, no matter how hard his school tries (and they are legitimately trying very hard), because he is not developmentally ready for it. Sitting on the grass alternating being read to, running around, being taught by a teacher writing on a portable whiteboard-- all of these would be a better experience for him than what's currently planned, because they would be in-person. Obviously it would not be the same as in-classroom school. But that's not the alternative here. The alternative is that we all pretend that DL school is school, like if I close my eyes and wish really hard it'll be the case that these kids aren't about to miss out on another year of education.

Your kid is 4 and schooling is not mandatory. Get over yourself. Parents of kids who are older have legitimate concerns. People whose kids are in PreK are just complaining. Put your kid in daycare.

THIS. The ECE parents just need to stop with the complaint and whining.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Outdoor school would not need to mimic indoor school. Best for elementary school ages, when so much learning is experiential. I think it would be harder for, say, calculus. They don't need desks or chalkboards necessarily. But they do need innovative administrators and educators.

How do you suggest they do stations, work with math manipulatives, color or do art activities, have enough reading books all at different levels outdoors for 25 kids?

So what, the kids are going to learn how to do math problems in their heads without writing down groupings or using blocks? They are going to learn spelling by putting words together in their head? Of course they are going to need a desk. Along those lines, how do you expect them to learn to write letters, words, or sentences? Juggling a notebook while sitting in the grass? Great form and example there.

Not going to work without the typical accessories and things needed for learning. So let’s bring out a million things outside for hundreds of kids and have it sitting in the grass and mud. Then lug it back in again.

Do you even have an elementary age child?

NP. My four-year-old is not going to be learning much math or spelling via the iPAD while my husband and I desperately try to do our jobs. DL was largely fictional in the spring for him and it's going to be fictional in the fall, no matter how hard his school tries (and they are legitimately trying very hard), because he is not developmentally ready for it. Sitting on the grass alternating being read to, running around, being taught by a teacher writing on a portable whiteboard-- all of these would be a better experience for him than what's currently planned, because they would be in-person. Obviously it would not be the same as in-classroom school. But that's not the alternative here. The alternative is that we all pretend that DL school is school, like if I close my eyes and wish really hard it'll be the case that these kids aren't about to miss out on another year of education.

Your kid is 4 and schooling is not mandatory. Get over yourself. Parents of kids who are older have legitimate concerns. People whose kids are in PreK are just complaining. Put your kid in daycare.

THIS. The ECE parents just need to stop with the complaint and whining.

I also have a 6-year-old. It's not going to be much less fictional for her, either.