Banneker versus School Without Walls

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I do, actually. I've volunteered at Banneker over a four-year period, at the invitation of science teachers I met through a STEM mentoring organization I'm involved with.

Sorry, but the SAT scores and AP scores coming out of Banneker speak for themselves.

If the average MATH SAT score really is in the high 400s, at least half of the students don't have a firm grasp of algebra or geometry, let alone trig and calc. They also lack the requisite vocabulary and analytical skills to handle elite college-level humanities studies. Wish things were different.

You volunteer at the school and turn around and trash the teaching?!

When you volunteer somewhere, you gain a little insight into how the place works. Over time, this New Yorker got fed up with lack of ambition for Banneker's upper echelon academically on the part of many adults in the building, at least where STEM education goes. The tyranny of low expectations wasn't hard to identify. Very different feel than Stuyvesant, Bronx Science and Hunter College MS/HS, where I've also volunteered. Lots of happy talk and drill at Banneker, but not enough joy of learning, healthy competition within the peer group, serious extra-curriculars, and aiming high to crack competitive colleges. It's more of a culture of "any 4-year program will do." I left unconvinced that admins and teachers do their utmost to impress the critical importance of scoring high on standardized tests on students. The concept clearly isn't integral to the school culture.

As the parent of a current student, I hope they found better volunteers this year.

Don’t shoot the messenger.

I think it’s terrible that you volunteer and then turn around and bad mouth the students and school.

DP. It seems like you're upset that PP is pointing out a real weakness of the school. It seems to me that Banneker should recognize and address this glaring weakness in order to better serve students. How is pointing that out "bad mouthing the students and school"?

My kid's SAT went up 300 points with tutoring. I'm sure that many kids at Banneker could have similar improvements, which would dramatically increase their college choices and merit aid awards. How is that bad?

The 80 or students that graduated last year had $50 million in aid, I think they’re doing fine.

So their first year of college was a tremendous shock.

It doesn't have to be. But if it is, that's fine, according to you and everyone associated with Banneker.

[Anonymous]

Affirmative action in college admissions is such a mixed bag here in 2021. I think Banneker crosses a line in gaming the system.

I'd like minority applicants to have to score like whites and Asians on the same rungs on the socio-economic ladder on SATs and APs, with epic government help to clear the bar.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I do, actually. I've volunteered at Banneker over a four-year period, at the invitation of science teachers I met through a STEM mentoring organization I'm involved with.

Sorry, but the SAT scores and AP scores coming out of Banneker speak for themselves.

If the average MATH SAT score really is in the high 400s, at least half of the students don't have a firm grasp of algebra or geometry, let alone trig and calc. They also lack the requisite vocabulary and analytical skills to handle elite college-level humanities studies. Wish things were different.

Thanks for being so specific. I’ll find out who you are tomorrow.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I do, actually. I've volunteered at Banneker over a four-year period, at the invitation of science teachers I met through a STEM mentoring organization I'm involved with.

Sorry, but the SAT scores and AP scores coming out of Banneker speak for themselves.

If the average MATH SAT score really is in the high 400s, at least half of the students don't have a firm grasp of algebra or geometry, let alone trig and calc. They also lack the requisite vocabulary and analytical skills to handle elite college-level humanities studies. Wish things were different.

You volunteer at the school and turn around and trash the teaching?!

When you volunteer somewhere, you gain a little insight into how the place works. Over time, this New Yorker got fed up with lack of ambition for Banneker's upper echelon academically on the part of many adults in the building, at least where STEM education goes. The tyranny of low expectations wasn't hard to identify. Very different feel than Stuyvesant, Bronx Science and Hunter College MS/HS, where I've also volunteered. Lots of happy talk and drill at Banneker, but not enough joy of learning, healthy competition within the peer group, serious extra-curriculars, and aiming high to crack competitive colleges. It's more of a culture of "any 4-year program will do." I left unconvinced that admins and teachers do their utmost to impress the critical importance of scoring high on standardized tests on students. The concept clearly isn't integral to the school culture.

As the parent of a current student, I hope they found better volunteers this year.

Don’t shoot the messenger.

I think it’s terrible that you volunteer and then turn around and bad mouth the students and school.

DP. It seems like you're upset that PP is pointing out a real weakness of the school. It seems to me that Banneker should recognize and address this glaring weakness in order to better serve students. How is pointing that out "bad mouthing the students and school"?

My kid's SAT went up 300 points with tutoring. I'm sure that many kids at Banneker could have similar improvements, which would dramatically increase their college choices and merit aid awards. How is that bad?

The 80 or students that graduated last year had $50 million in aid, I think they’re doing fine.

So their first year of college was a tremendous shock.

It doesn't have to be. But if it is, that's fine, according to you and everyone associated with Banneker.

This. It’s going to be a big dose of reality at a competitive college to find that they are at the bottom of the pack and struggling.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I do, actually. I've volunteered at Banneker over a four-year period, at the invitation of science teachers I met through a STEM mentoring organization I'm involved with.

Sorry, but the SAT scores and AP scores coming out of Banneker speak for themselves.

If the average MATH SAT score really is in the high 400s, at least half of the students don't have a firm grasp of algebra or geometry, let alone trig and calc. They also lack the requisite vocabulary and analytical skills to handle elite college-level humanities studies. Wish things were different.

Thanks for being so specific. I’ll find out who you are tomorrow.

Better to be hurt by the truth than comforted by a lie.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I do, actually. I've volunteered at Banneker over a four-year period, at the invitation of science teachers I met through a STEM mentoring organization I'm involved with.

Sorry, but the SAT scores and AP scores coming out of Banneker speak for themselves.

If the average MATH SAT score really is in the high 400s, at least half of the students don't have a firm grasp of algebra or geometry, let alone trig and calc. They also lack the requisite vocabulary and analytical skills to handle elite college-level humanities studies. Wish things were different.

Thanks for being so specific. I’ll find out who you are tomorrow.

You're not seriously making a veiled threat because someone is posting their opinion about undeniable facts are you? That's pathetic. And not doing a thing to help improve those kids' opportunities.

[Anonymous]

How ridiculous. There are so many volunteers at Banneker, some coming just for one event, or a series of events. Others stick around for a long time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I do, actually. I've volunteered at Banneker over a four-year period, at the invitation of science teachers I met through a STEM mentoring organization I'm involved with.

Sorry, but the SAT scores and AP scores coming out of Banneker speak for themselves.

If the average MATH SAT score really is in the high 400s, at least half of the students don't have a firm grasp of algebra or geometry, let alone trig and calc. They also lack the requisite vocabulary and analytical skills to handle elite college-level humanities studies. Wish things were different.

Thanks for being so specific. I’ll find out who you are tomorrow.

You're not seriously making a veiled threat because someone is posting their opinion about undeniable facts are you? That's pathetic. And not doing a thing to help improve those kids' opportunities.

That’s a nice volunteering post you’ve got; wouldn’t want anything to happen to it…

[Anonymous]

DCPS cancel culture right here folks. Bully the messenger. That’ll really help your kid. People are so freaking stupid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DCPS cancel culture right here folks. Bully the messenger. That’ll really help your kid. People are so freaking stupid.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I do, actually. I've volunteered at Banneker over a four-year period, at the invitation of science teachers I met through a STEM mentoring organization I'm involved with.

Sorry, but the SAT scores and AP scores coming out of Banneker speak for themselves.

If the average MATH SAT score really is in the high 400s, at least half of the students don't have a firm grasp of algebra or geometry, let alone trig and calc. They also lack the requisite vocabulary and analytical skills to handle elite college-level humanities studies. Wish things were different.

You volunteer at the school and turn around and trash the teaching?!

When you volunteer somewhere, you gain a little insight into how the place works. Over time, this New Yorker got fed up with lack of ambition for Banneker's upper echelon academically on the part of many adults in the building, at least where STEM education goes. The tyranny of low expectations wasn't hard to identify. Very different feel than Stuyvesant, Bronx Science and Hunter College MS/HS, where I've also volunteered. Lots of happy talk and drill at Banneker, but not enough joy of learning, healthy competition within the peer group, serious extra-curriculars, and aiming high to crack competitive colleges. It's more of a culture of "any 4-year program will do." I left unconvinced that admins and teachers do their utmost to impress the critical importance of scoring high on standardized tests on students. The concept clearly isn't integral to the school culture.

As the parent of a current student, I hope they found better volunteers this year.

Don’t shoot the messenger.

I think it’s terrible that you volunteer and then turn around and bad mouth the students and school.

DP. It seems like you're upset that PP is pointing out a real weakness of the school. It seems to me that Banneker should recognize and address this glaring weakness in order to better serve students. How is pointing that out "bad mouthing the students and school"?

My kid's SAT went up 300 points with tutoring. I'm sure that many kids at Banneker could have similar improvements, which would dramatically increase their college choices and merit aid awards. How is that bad?

The 80 or students that graduated last year had $50 million in aid, I think they’re doing fine.

So their first year of college was a tremendous shock.

It doesn't have to be. But if it is, that's fine, according to you and everyone associated with Banneker.

Or maybe their first year of college went well. Or maybe it varied with each student.
Instead of assuming, if your concern is legit maybe find out what actually happens with Banneker grads through their academic careers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I do, actually. I've volunteered at Banneker over a four-year period, at the invitation of science teachers I met through a STEM mentoring organization I'm involved with.

Sorry, but the SAT scores and AP scores coming out of Banneker speak for themselves.

If the average MATH SAT score really is in the high 400s, at least half of the students don't have a firm grasp of algebra or geometry, let alone trig and calc. They also lack the requisite vocabulary and analytical skills to handle elite college-level humanities studies. Wish things were different.

You volunteer at the school and turn around and trash the teaching?!

When you volunteer somewhere, you gain a little insight into how the place works. Over time, this New Yorker got fed up with lack of ambition for Banneker's upper echelon academically on the part of many adults in the building, at least where STEM education goes. The tyranny of low expectations wasn't hard to identify. Very different feel than Stuyvesant, Bronx Science and Hunter College MS/HS, where I've also volunteered. Lots of happy talk and drill at Banneker, but not enough joy of learning, healthy competition within the peer group, serious extra-curriculars, and aiming high to crack competitive colleges. It's more of a culture of "any 4-year program will do." I left unconvinced that admins and teachers do their utmost to impress the critical importance of scoring high on standardized tests on students. The concept clearly isn't integral to the school culture.

As the parent of a current student, I hope they found better volunteers this year.

Don’t shoot the messenger.

I think it’s terrible that you volunteer and then turn around and bad mouth the students and school.

DP. It seems like you're upset that PP is pointing out a real weakness of the school. It seems to me that Banneker should recognize and address this glaring weakness in order to better serve students. How is pointing that out "bad mouthing the students and school"?

My kid's SAT went up 300 points with tutoring. I'm sure that many kids at Banneker could have similar improvements, which would dramatically increase their college choices and merit aid awards. How is that bad?

The 80 or students that graduated last year had $50 million in aid, I think they’re doing fine.

So their first year of college was a tremendous shock.

It doesn't have to be. But if it is, that's fine, according to you and everyone associated with Banneker.

This. It’s going to be a big dose of reality at a competitive college to find that they are at the bottom of the pack and struggling.

Or maybe they’re not. Your assumptions are….Interesting. How about backing them up with actual data? It shouldn’t be difficult to do get a sense of how well grads do over 4-8 years after graduation.

[Anonymous]

I saw this graphic and was immediately reminded of this thread: so much false concern and condescension.


https://imgur.com/gallery/m70upPC

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I do, actually. I've volunteered at Banneker over a four-year period, at the invitation of science teachers I met through a STEM mentoring organization I'm involved with.

Sorry, but the SAT scores and AP scores coming out of Banneker speak for themselves.

If the average MATH SAT score really is in the high 400s, at least half of the students don't have a firm grasp of algebra or geometry, let alone trig and calc. They also lack the requisite vocabulary and analytical skills to handle elite college-level humanities studies. Wish things were different.

You volunteer at the school and turn around and trash the teaching?!

When you volunteer somewhere, you gain a little insight into how the place works. Over time, this New Yorker got fed up with lack of ambition for Banneker's upper echelon academically on the part of many adults in the building, at least where STEM education goes. The tyranny of low expectations wasn't hard to identify. Very different feel than Stuyvesant, Bronx Science and Hunter College MS/HS, where I've also volunteered. Lots of happy talk and drill at Banneker, but not enough joy of learning, healthy competition within the peer group, serious extra-curriculars, and aiming high to crack competitive colleges. It's more of a culture of "any 4-year program will do." I left unconvinced that admins and teachers do their utmost to impress the critical importance of scoring high on standardized tests on students. The concept clearly isn't integral to the school culture.

As the parent of a current student, I hope they found better volunteers this year.

Don’t shoot the messenger.

I think it’s terrible that you volunteer and then turn around and bad mouth the students and school.

DP. It seems like you're upset that PP is pointing out a real weakness of the school. It seems to me that Banneker should recognize and address this glaring weakness in order to better serve students. How is pointing that out "bad mouthing the students and school"?

My kid's SAT went up 300 points with tutoring. I'm sure that many kids at Banneker could have similar improvements, which would dramatically increase their college choices and merit aid awards. How is that bad?

The 80 or students that graduated last year had $50 million in aid, I think they’re doing fine.

So their first year of college was a tremendous shock.

It doesn't have to be. But if it is, that's fine, according to you and everyone associated with Banneker.

Or maybe their first year of college went well. Or maybe it varied with each student.
Instead of assuming, if your concern is legit maybe find out what actually happens with Banneker grads through their academic careers.

I'm skeptical that HS graduates with SATs in the 400s-500s, and 3s on AP exams, could hit the ground running at elite colleges. I scored in the 700s, with 4s on APs, from a small town public HS, Even so, I struggled during my first couple years at an Ivy. I felt like I was running in a race where almost everybody else had started running half a lap, or a lap, ahead of me on a track. It was a stressful time. I was put on academic probation and would go home at breaks with multiple Incomplete grades. I'd spend my breaks completing assignments that I hadn't turned in during the semester.

[Anonymous]

Students who can’t even score in the 500s on SAT math, like most Banneker students need remediation, not undergraduate work. What a disgrace.