basis woes

[Anonymous]

Nicole Johnson, while having extensive experience in working with special needs students, is not the behavioral specialist. They have a staff member who is the behavioral specialist.

As for Paul Morrissey, we bump into him regularly when we are at the school, and we often see him greeting passing children by name and giving them high-fives, so those comments from 00:30 are a bit incomprehensible to me, though I do agree that they have some outstanding talent in their teachers.

[Anonymous]

Sorry if this was already discussed but Basis in AZ has no disdvantaged students and total grade size is 20-30 in 12th. The exact stats are in US News.

[Anonymous]

Yes, it's already been discussed, to death in fact. According to US News & World Report listings for other schools, their grade size stats and student body makeup are quite comparable with the other top public schools in AZ, as is percentage minority enrollment. Add to the fact that many students can and do complete all requirements for graduation by 11th grade, which reduces the size of the 12th grade class.

As for disadvantaged students, from what I could find out online, lunches are not handled directly by the AZ BASIS schools, they are handled by third parties, what's actually reflected in the "0%" is a non-report, no data - as opposed to BASIS actually reporting 0% disadvantaged - not at all the same as not having any disadvantaged students.

[Anonymous]

The BASIS woes highest on my list are the lack of a stage and gym (perhaps a multi-purpose room used for both performances and sports). I would have been much more of a STEM nerd without school plays in middle and high school, running track, and playing in school bands.

I grew up glad that my schools practically forced me, a kid who, left to my own devices, would have gone overboard pouring on math and science, to branch out.

Does anybody know if the Arizona campuses do not offer stages or gyms either? Is that the BASIS norm? Boosters talk about imported BASIS academics on every thread, but what about facilities, how do those in Tuscon etc. compare?

Also, this business of finishing high school in 11th grade as a BASIS goal. Is that laudable? What's the rush?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The BASIS woes highest on my list are the lack of a stage and gym (perhaps a multi-purpose room used for both performances and sports). I would have been much more of a STEM nerd without school plays in middle and high school, running track, and playing in school bands.

I grew up glad that my schools practically forced me, a kid who, left to my own devices, would have gone overboard pouring on math and science, to branch out.

Does anybody know if the Arizona campuses do not offer stages or gyms either? Is that the BASIS norm? Boosters talk about imported BASIS academics on every thread, but what about facilities, how do those in Tuscon etc. compare?

Also, this business of finishing high school in 11th grade as a BASIS goal. Is that laudable? What's the rush?

This is my biggest concern about BASIS. They are accelerating the most advanced math curriculum by two years, which will allow kids to take calculus as freshmen. Yet, their syllabus doesn't commit to having advanced math after that, unless there is a certain level of interest. What's the point of such extreme acceleration if they have no real plan for the high schoolers who are ready for multivariate calculus, differential equations etc? Can they afford to pay people who have those skills to teach those courses? The STEM magnet schools like Thomas Jefferson and Blair have those advanced, college level classes. Also, you accelerate kids if they are bored with the regular curriculum. Many kids are challenged sufficiently by algebra in 7th and can spend 6th learning the pre-algebra skills, like negative numbers, exponents, bases etc. that generally aren't taught systematically in the later courses.

Graduating early is also not the way to go if you are headed for a top college. They want to see serious achievement in academics and extracurriculars, and it takes a while to work your way up to newspaper editor, debate team champion etc. Better to spend that time doing an independent study research project.

.

[Anonymous]

I think the concern about finishing requirements for graduation is misplaced. BASIS Students can do a major capstone project in 12th grade, that's an opportunity that most other schools do not even come close to, where it comes to opportunities for "serious achievement in academics and extracurriculars".

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The BASIS woes highest on my list are the lack of a stage and gym (perhaps a multi-purpose room used for both performances and sports). I would have been much more of a STEM nerd without school plays in middle and high school, running track, and playing in school bands.

I grew up glad that my schools practically forced me, a kid who, left to my own devices, would have gone overboard pouring on math and science, to branch out.

Does anybody know if the Arizona campuses do not offer stages or gyms either? Is that the BASIS norm? Boosters talk about imported BASIS academics on every thread, but what about facilities, how do those in Tuscon etc. compare?

Also, this business of finishing high school in 11th grade as a BASIS goal. Is that laudable? What's the rush?

Most of the charters in DC suffer from serious facilities constraints. Many of them are far worse than BASIS, many are in incubators and former office spaces that were never designed or intended to serve as schools in the first place.

And meanwhile, DCPS sits on shuttered stages, sports and recreational facilities all across the city, not making them available to students to use. Where's the equity in that?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The BASIS woes highest on my list are the lack of a stage and gym (perhaps a multi-purpose room used for both performances and sports). I would have been much more of a STEM nerd without school plays in middle and high school, running track, and playing in school bands.

I grew up glad that my schools practically forced me, a kid who, left to my own devices, would have gone overboard pouring on math and science, to branch out.

Does anybody know if the Arizona campuses do not offer stages or gyms either? Is that the BASIS norm? Boosters talk about imported BASIS academics on every thread, but what about facilities, how do those in Tuscon etc. compare?

Also, this business of finishing high school in 11th grade as a BASIS goal. Is that laudable? What's the rush?

This is my biggest concern about BASIS. They are accelerating the most advanced math curriculum by two years, which will allow kids to take calculus as freshmen. Yet, their syllabus doesn't commit to having advanced math after that, unless there is a certain level of interest. What's the point of such extreme acceleration if they have no real plan for the high schoolers who are ready for multivariate calculus, differential equations etc? Can they afford to pay people who have those skills to teach those courses? The STEM magnet schools like Thomas Jefferson and Blair have those advanced, college level classes. Also, you accelerate kids if they are bored with the regular curriculum. Many kids are challenged sufficiently by algebra in 7th and can spend 6th learning the pre-algebra skills, like negative numbers, exponents, bases etc. that generally aren't taught systematically in the later courses.

Graduating early is also not the way to go if you are headed for a top college. They want to see serious achievement in academics and extracurriculars, and it takes a while to work your way up to newspaper editor, debate team champion etc. Better to spend that time doing an independent study research project.

.

One cannot compare facilities for BASIS in Arizona and DC since the cost of real estate in DC is much higher, so the comparison is unfair. As for graduating early, it is only an option for some BASIS students and all students may continue to 12th grade. Also, BASIS offers a full array of extra-curricular activities so I do not see your concerns at all.

As for math, most BASIS students will not be taking Calculus in 9th grade. For those that do, BASIS is committed to offering post AP Calculus courses and offers the same in all of their schools. As for the teachers, BASIS seeks out highly qualified teachers in specific disciplines such as math so I am not concerned about the qualifications of such teachers to teach such courses.

[Anonymous]

One cannot compare facilities for BASIS in Arizona and DC since the cost of real estate in DC is much higher, so the comparison is unfair. As for graduating early, it is only an option for some BASIS students and all students may continue to 12th grade. Also, BASIS offers a full array of extra-curricular activities so I do not see your concerns at all.

As for math, most BASIS students will not be taking Calculus in 9th grade. For those that do, BASIS is committed to offering post AP Calculus courses and offers the same in all of their schools. As for the teachers, BASIS seeks out highly qualified teachers in specific disciplines such as math so I am not concerned about the qualifications of such teachers to teach such courses.

One can absolutely compare facilities along with curricula and academics (to quote the boosters, 5th grade at BASIS DC modeled on 5th grade at BASIS Tuscon, springboard from which students willing to do the work soar to our nation's elite colleges!).

I'd be very interested in BASIS DC for my children if it boasted "normal" middle school facilities, e.g. outdoor space, a gym/stage along with the high octane imported-from-Arizona curriculum and stellar teaching, but it doesn't. It's housed in a cramped building that doesn't seem like a healthy place for kids ages 11-18 to spend most of their waking moments for eight years.

I'm concerned that the sub par facilities will compromise the franchise's mission in this particular city, making it difficult for the school to attract and retain the very strong students it needs to flourish.

The endless AZ comparisons fall somewhat flat if they've got decent facilities and we don't. Blame DCPS, Kaya and the pols if you like - BASIS obviously should have been given a workable campus in town,and a far more generous per student allocation, like every charter.

[Anonymous]

I'd be very interested in BASIS DC for my children if it boasted "normal" middle school facilities, e.g. outdoor space, a gym/stage along with the high octane imported-from-Arizona curriculum and stellar teaching, but it doesn't. It's housed in a cramped building that doesn't seem like a healthy place for kids ages 11-18 to spend most of their waking moments for eight years.

People should realize that Basis is a school for academics. From what I have heard the AZ facilities are cramped as well and PE is held at local parks. There is a small gym and small stage but the main focus is academics. Most clubs also have an academic focus (yes there are exceptions but mostly in the lower grades and these children eventually leave). For some families, this is a blessing and they love it. For them, Basis fits this niche. However, many parents and students want both academics and activities including club sports or more musical options which is why there is a drop in enrollment every year and a mass exodus between middle school and high school. The teachers are mostly very good to excellent. I don't think most of you should worry about calculus and when it will be taught, the statistics show that the majority of students will not be at the school to worry about it. Also, the early graduation at 11th grade is due to pushing the entire curriculum for all subjects down a year (6th grade curriculum is taught in 5th, etc.). There really is not much of a change in numbers between 11th and 12th. If you start with 150 5th graders, replace appr. 40 in 6th grade and end up with about 30 kids graduating (estimating, I didn't check the numbers), that is quite a difference. So, enroll your child if you think this model works for your child and if you find that it does not, leave when you are ready, if that day comes. For many children who leave it is not because they could not do the work, they chose not to follow the Basis path. There are many pathways to academic excellence and Basis is simply one of many (although in DC you may need to move or go private to find them).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

I'd be very interested in BASIS DC for my children if it boasted "normal" middle school facilities, e.g. outdoor space, a gym/stage along with the high octane imported-from-Arizona curriculum and stellar teaching, but it doesn't. It's housed in a cramped building that doesn't seem like a healthy place for kids ages 11-18 to spend most of their waking moments for eight years.

People should realize that Basis is a school for academics. From what I have heard the AZ facilities are cramped as well and PE is held at local parks. There is a small gym and small stage but the main focus is academics. Most clubs also have an academic focus (yes there are exceptions but mostly in the lower grades and these children eventually leave). For some families, this is a blessing and they love it. For them, Basis fits this niche. However, many parents and students want both academics and activities including club sports or more musical options which is why there is a drop in enrollment every year and a mass exodus between middle school and high school. The teachers are mostly very good to excellent. I don't think most of you should worry about calculus and when it will be taught, the statistics show that the majority of students will not be at the school to worry about it. Also, the early graduation at 11th grade is due to pushing the entire curriculum for all subjects down a year (6th grade curriculum is taught in 5th, etc.). There really is not much of a change in numbers between 11th and 12th. If you start with 150 5th graders, replace appr. 40 in 6th grade and end up with about 30 kids graduating (estimating, I didn't check the numbers), that is quite a difference. So, enroll your child if you think this model works for your child and if you find that it does not, leave when you are ready, if that day comes. For many children who leave it is not because they could not do the work, they chose not to follow the Basis path. There are many pathways to academic excellence and Basis is simply one of many (although in DC you may need to move or go private to find them).

Finally a voice of reason!

[Anonymous]

Their indoor gym area is perfectly suitable for the Tae Kwan Do and the other types of indoor PE that they are doing, plus they are also making use of other available spaces. For example they run, play soccer and have other sports right on the National Mall. My thought was, "how awesome is that?" I think they have been exploring some additional sports/rec facilities in the area as well. I for one am not at all worried about it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: So, enroll your child if you think this model works for your child and if you find that it does not, leave when you are ready, if that day comes. For many children who leave it is not because they could not do the work, they chose not to follow the Basis path. There are many pathways to academic excellence and Basis is simply one of many (although in DC you may need to move or go private to find them).

Finally a voice of reason!

All this would be grand if scores of Capitol Hill families weren't banking on BASIS working out for middle school and high school to stay in the neighborhood. There aren't many pathways to academic excellence on the Hill, aren't any at all that don't involve paying through the nose. BASIS has become one of two de facto middle schools for half the Hill (the other is Latin of course) yet, under the scenario you predict, only around a quarter of the fifth graders will make it to the end. Realtors will love the uptick in inventory fueled by departing Maury and Brent families.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

I'd be very interested in BASIS DC for my children if it boasted "normal" middle school facilities, e.g. outdoor space, a gym/stage along with the high octane imported-from-Arizona curriculum and stellar teaching, but it doesn't. It's housed in a cramped building that doesn't seem like a healthy place for kids ages 11-18 to spend most of their waking moments for eight years.

People should realize that Basis is a school for academics. From what I have heard the AZ facilities are cramped as well and PE is held at local parks. There is a small gym and small stage but the main focus is academics. Most clubs also have an academic focus (yes there are exceptions but mostly in the lower grades and these children eventually leave). For some families, this is a blessing and they love it. For them, Basis fits this niche. However, many parents and students want both academics and activities including club sports or more musical options which is why there is a drop in enrollment every year and a mass exodus between middle school and high school. The teachers are mostly very good to excellent. I don't think most of you should worry about calculus and when it will be taught, the statistics show that the majority of students will not be at the school to worry about it. Also, the early graduation at 11th grade is due to pushing the entire curriculum for all subjects down a year (6th grade curriculum is taught in 5th, etc.). There really is not much of a change in numbers between 11th and 12th. If you start with 150 5th graders, replace appr. 40 in 6th grade and end up with about 30 kids graduating (estimating, I didn't check the numbers), that is quite a difference. So, enroll your child if you think this model works for your child and if you find that it does not, leave when you are ready, if that day comes. For many children who leave it is not because they could not do the work, they chose not to follow the Basis path. There are many pathways to academic excellence and Basis is simply one of many (although in DC you may need to move or go private to find them).

While it's admirable that BASIS is a school for academics, most colleges are looking for kids who have the whole package. Grades and test scores provide some evidence of motivation, as does a rigorous curriculum, but top colleges are seeking kids who also undertake leadership roles, think critically, organize events, and master skills outside of a classroom setting. The high scoring kids with the latter skills will be the alumni who provide bragging rights.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
While it's admirable that BASIS is a school for academics, most colleges are looking for kids who have the whole package. Grades and test scores provide some evidence of motivation, as does a rigorous curriculum, but top colleges are seeking kids who also undertake leadership roles, think critically, organize events, and master skills outside of a classroom setting. The high scoring kids with the latter skills will be the alumni who provide bragging rights.

Right, but school ends at 3:30 which leaves time for community-based activities after school, provided the student can get from the school to the activity. That's where the ample transit around Basis really helps. Granted maybe not for every fifth-grader but my seventh grader proudly carries his metro card and gets where he needs to go on his own.