BASIS: PCSB staff recommends conditional continuance due to SWD

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Serious question: Why would BASIS parents fight this? If the BASIS model is so great and successful, why would parents be upset that BASIS provide additional supports for SN kids?

Fight what? No one is saying they shouldn't provide more supports or attract more kids with special needs. I think Basis parents are reacting to the idea that a school that has a different approach -- lots of work, no social promotion-- is problematic on its face.

I think the other thing is that all Basis parents know that the school isn't for everyone and doesn't try to be-- special needs or not. I have two kids, neither of them have special needs. Basis was a great fit for one and a terrible fit for the other. We pulled the second kid after 5th. It's a weird school. Because of that I think there is a worry that what posters are saying on this thread is that the Basis model isn't a viable option; that all schools have to suit (not be open to, but suit) all kids equally.

Additionally, (and I am speaking theoretically here) It's hard to imagine that a familiy with kid with academic struggles would knowingly choose the school. If a kid's disabilities, for instance, mean that the accomodations are, say, additional time with assignments and tests, Basis' already heavy workload might be impossible. A kid could have all the support in the world, but if the 2 hours of homework in middle school turns into 4 for your kid every night, why would you choose that?

Well maybe Basis parents need to educate themselves a little on federal disability law. The obligation to provide an education for kids with disabilities is NOT excused on the basis of being a poor "fit." For non-charters, it's clear that schools are not obligated to place children with disabilities in special programs that they don't otherwise qualify for. But Basis is an entire LEA, so it has no other program it can send kids to on the basis of "fit." Basis choses to be a charter and parents chose to attend a charter. That means the charter is an LEA and has to provide an education for all comers. BTW IEP accomodations can include reduced homework.

You keep saying that. No one is saying they don't have an obligation to educate nor is anyone, including the Charter Board, saying that they aren't or shouldn't be doing so.

"For non-charters, it's clear that schools are not obligated to place children with disabilities in special programs that they don't otherwise qualify for" What does this mean?

DP, but if DCPS can provide SN kids with an appropriate education or accommodations at another school, that's what they will do. (How well this happens is another topic.) BASIS and other charters only have one school in their LEA, so they need to accommodate the kids at that school.

So DCPS can deny a kid with SN attend a certain school but Charters can't? Hm.

There's no right to a particular school, but DCPS still has to provide a free and adequate public education in the least restrictive environment. Too all students who want it, including those with disabilities, those who arrive mid-year, and those who drop or are pushed out of charters. Would BASIS like to join in meeting this responsibility? Oh no, it's just not their "niche". What a coincidence that their niche is serving the easiest kind of kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't have a dog in this fight but just laughing at these anti-Basis comments.

Look at the facts.

The last 10-year report for Washington Latin, the nearest competitor to Basis shows these numbers for disabled kids in grades 5-8.

Reading MGP: 33.9
Math MPG: 43.6

The 10-year report for Basis shows these numbers for disabled kids in grades 5-8:

Reading MGP: 55.3
Math MGP: 55.3

Note this is ONLY for kids with disabilities.

Who is doing a better job? If you have a smart disabled kid, where you want your kid to go?

Lots of unsupported opinions here by people who don't have kids at Basis and haven't done their research. Look at the data and talk to parents at Basis.

Both schools are serving such a tiny SN population that the statistics aren't very meaningful. And both schools are serving almost nobody with a Level 2, 3, or 4 IEP.

Source?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't have a dog in this fight but just laughing at these anti-Basis comments.

Look at the facts.

The last 10-year report for Washington Latin, the nearest competitor to Basis shows these numbers for disabled kids in grades 5-8.

Reading MGP: 33.9
Math MPG: 43.6

The 10-year report for Basis shows these numbers for disabled kids in grades 5-8:

Reading MGP: 55.3
Math MGP: 55.3

Note this is ONLY for kids with disabilities.

Who is doing a better job? If you have a smart disabled kid, where you want your kid to go?

Lots of unsupported opinions here by people who don't have kids at Basis and haven't done their research. Look at the data and talk to parents at Basis.

Oh ffs. I have a "smart disabled kid" and I would not enroll them in Basis based on what I know now. But keep trying. The report (and posters here) acknowledge that Basis does well with SOME kids with disabilities. But other data show it's not supporting all the kids that it should be. You are quite ignorant about the world of special needs (law and actuality) so maybe you should take a seat. BTW don't pretend you're doing any favors to the "smart" disabled kids at Basis who are doing well. Just because our kids are doing well at one point in time doesn't mean that can't change; and an atmosphere of hostility to special needs impacts all kids.

Great. Enjoy your other school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't have a dog in this fight but just laughing at these anti-Basis comments.

Look at the facts.

The last 10-year report for Washington Latin, the nearest competitor to Basis shows these numbers for disabled kids in grades 5-8.

Reading MGP: 33.9
Math MPG: 43.6

The 10-year report for Basis shows these numbers for disabled kids in grades 5-8:

Reading MGP: 55.3
Math MGP: 55.3

Note this is ONLY for kids with disabilities.

Who is doing a better job? If you have a smart disabled kid, where you want your kid to go?

Lots of unsupported opinions here by people who don't have kids at Basis and haven't done their research. Look at the data and talk to parents at Basis.

Both schools are serving such a tiny SN population that the statistics aren't very meaningful. And both schools are serving almost nobody with a Level 2, 3, or 4 IEP.

Source?

It's in the OSSE Enrollment Audit Data spreadsheet on one of the very last tabs. DCI has way more SPED students.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't have a dog in this fight but just laughing at these anti-Basis comments.

Look at the facts.

The last 10-year report for Washington Latin, the nearest competitor to Basis shows these numbers for disabled kids in grades 5-8.

Reading MGP: 33.9
Math MPG: 43.6

The 10-year report for Basis shows these numbers for disabled kids in grades 5-8:

Reading MGP: 55.3
Math MGP: 55.3

Note this is ONLY for kids with disabilities.

Who is doing a better job? If you have a smart disabled kid, where you want your kid to go?

Lots of unsupported opinions here by people who don't have kids at Basis and haven't done their research. Look at the data and talk to parents at Basis.

Both schools are serving such a tiny SN population that the statistics aren't very meaningful. And both schools are serving almost nobody with a Level 2, 3, or 4 IEP.

Source?

It's in the OSSE Enrollment Audit Data spreadsheet on one of the very last tabs. DCI has way more SPED students.

So what? It also has more international kids.

[Anonymous]

This whole thread is a dumpster fire.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Serious question: Why would BASIS parents fight this? If the BASIS model is so great and successful, why would parents be upset that BASIS provide additional supports for SN kids?

Fight what? No one is saying they shouldn't provide more supports or attract more kids with special needs. I think Basis parents are reacting to the idea that a school that has a different approach -- lots of work, no social promotion-- is problematic on its face.

I think the other thing is that all Basis parents know that the school isn't for everyone and doesn't try to be-- special needs or not. I have two kids, neither of them have special needs. Basis was a great fit for one and a terrible fit for the other. We pulled the second kid after 5th. It's a weird school. Because of that I think there is a worry that what posters are saying on this thread is that the Basis model isn't a viable option; that all schools have to suit (not be open to, but suit) all kids equally.

Additionally, (and I am speaking theoretically here) It's hard to imagine that a familiy with kid with academic struggles would knowingly choose the school. If a kid's disabilities, for instance, mean that the accomodations are, say, additional time with assignments and tests, Basis' already heavy workload might be impossible. A kid could have all the support in the world, but if the 2 hours of homework in middle school turns into 4 for your kid every night, why would you choose that?

Well maybe Basis parents need to educate themselves a little on federal disability law. The obligation to provide an education for kids with disabilities is NOT excused on the basis of being a poor "fit." For non-charters, it's clear that schools are not obligated to place children with disabilities in special programs that they don't otherwise qualify for. But Basis is an entire LEA, so it has no other program it can send kids to on the basis of "fit." Basis choses to be a charter and parents chose to attend a charter. That means the charter is an LEA and has to provide an education for all comers. BTW IEP accomodations can include reduced homework.

You keep saying that. No one is saying they don't have an obligation to educate nor is anyone, including the Charter Board, saying that they aren't or shouldn't be doing so.

"For non-charters, it's clear that schools are not obligated to place children with disabilities in special programs that they don't otherwise qualify for" What does this mean?

DP, but if DCPS can provide SN kids with an appropriate education or accommodations at another school, that's what they will do. (How well this happens is another topic.) BASIS and other charters only have one school in their LEA, so they need to accommodate the kids at that school.

So DCPS can deny a kid with SN attend a certain school but Charters can't? Hm.

There's no right to a particular school, but DCPS still has to provide a free and adequate public education in the least restrictive environment. Too all students who want it, including those with disabilities, those who arrive mid-year, and those who drop or are pushed out of charters. Would BASIS like to join in meeting this responsibility? Oh no, it's just not their "niche". What a coincidence that their niche is serving the easiest kind of kids.

Lol, kids seeking challenge are not the easiest kind of kids. If they were, they wouldn't not be routinely failed in public education everywhere.

[Anonymous]

^^I’m a so-called BASIS booster, and even I don’t take issue with the assertion that BASIS’ niche is serving the easier kids.

But bright, hard-working kids deserve an education too. DCPS could easily serve them if they wanted—through tracking—they just find it more politically feasible to solve the achievement gap by bringing down the top.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Serious question: Why would BASIS parents fight this? If the BASIS model is so great and successful, why would parents be upset that BASIS provide additional supports for SN kids?

Because BASIS’s resources are limited just like everyone else’s.

\

basis parents believe basis should be exempt from serving children with disability.

BASIS has the same resources that other charters do. Why does DCI have so many more kids with higher level IEPs?

Because DCI doesn’t put any resources towards helping advanced kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Serious question: Why would BASIS parents fight this? If the BASIS model is so great and successful, why would parents be upset that BASIS provide additional supports for SN kids?

Because BASIS’s resources are limited just like everyone else’s.

\

basis parents believe basis should be exempt from serving children with disability.

BASIS has the same resources that other charters do. Why does DCI have so many more kids with higher level IEPs?

Because DCI doesn’t put any resources towards helping advanced kids.

+1. We need a law to ensure that advanced kids get an appropriate education.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What SN supports does BASIS allegedly fail to provide? From my experience, they provide a lot of organizational/executive functioning support, before and after school time to get help from individual teachers. The general structure of the school is helpful for kids with ASD or ADHD.

It doesn’t fail to provide anything. All the report said is that it should do a better job advertising to SN students and show what supports it provides. That’s it. It can (and will) still claim to be a very rigorous school that demands a lot of its students. Nothing will really change here. BASIS is a lottery school— if level 4 SN parents choose not to lottery in, that’s not the school’s fault.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
But bright, hard-working kids deserve an education too. DCPS could easily serve them if they wanted—through tracking—they just find it more politically feasible to solve the achievement gap by bringing down the top.

Anonymous wrote:Lol, kids seeking challenge are not the easiest kind of kids. If they were, they wouldn't not be routinely failed in public education everywhere.

Yes, to both of these. My supposedly "easy to educate" kids were not educated very much when they were in public schools. Mostly, the teachers knew they would pass any tests, and then ignored them or put them on awful computer programs, like Dreambox or ST Math. The plan for bright kids shouldn't be to ignore them and more or less use their per student allotment to fund other children in the room, rather than actually trying to teach the bright kids at their level.

BASIS has been a godsend for my kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
But bright, hard-working kids deserve an education too. DCPS could easily serve them if they wanted—through tracking—they just find it more politically feasible to solve the achievement gap by bringing down the top.

Anonymous wrote:Lol, kids seeking challenge are not the easiest kind of kids. If they were, they wouldn't not be routinely failed in public education everywhere.

Yes, to both of these. My supposedly "easy to educate" kids were not educated very much when they were in public schools. Mostly, the teachers knew they would pass any tests, and then ignored them or put them on awful computer programs, like Dreambox or ST Math. The plan for bright kids shouldn't be to ignore them and more or less use their per student allotment to fund other children in the room, rather than actually trying to teach the bright kids at their level.

BASIS has been a godsend for my kids.

100 percent this. The fact that we even call the academically inclined well behaved kids “easy to educate” is part of the problem. In fact, they are easy to ignore because their test scores will always be “fine” and “fine” is good enough for most dcps schools outside jklm. Basis is one of the few places that even tries to educate these kids. I wish the public schools did a better job with these students but given today’s realities, I’m glad that basis is an option for some.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What SN supports does BASIS allegedly fail to provide? From my experience, they provide a lot of organizational/executive functioning support, before and after school time to get help from individual teachers. The general structure of the school is helpful for kids with ASD or ADHD.

It doesn’t fail to provide anything. All the report said is that it should do a better job advertising to SN students and show what supports it provides. That’s it. It can (and will) still claim to be a very rigorous school that demands a lot of its students. Nothing will really change here. BASIS is a lottery school— if level 4 SN parents choose not to lottery in, that’s not the school’s fault.

totally wrong. the charter board clearly said they have to staff up and show how they are going to support all SN. they can’t just shrug and say “oh well nobody lotteried in”. at this point they have to create new programs for SN kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
But bright, hard-working kids deserve an education too. DCPS could easily serve them if they wanted—through tracking—they just find it more politically feasible to solve the achievement gap by bringing down the top.

Anonymous wrote:Lol, kids seeking challenge are not the easiest kind of kids. If they were, they wouldn't not be routinely failed in public education everywhere.

Yes, to both of these. My supposedly "easy to educate" kids were not educated very much when they were in public schools. Mostly, the teachers knew they would pass any tests, and then ignored them or put them on awful computer programs, like Dreambox or ST Math. The plan for bright kids shouldn't be to ignore them and more or less use their per student allotment to fund other children in the room, rather than actually trying to teach the bright kids at their level.

BASIS has been a godsend for my kids.

100 percent this. The fact that we even call the academically inclined well behaved kids “easy to educate” is part of the problem. In fact, they are easy to ignore because their test scores will always be “fine” and “fine” is good enough for most dcps schools outside jklm. Basis is one of the few places that even tries to educate these kids. I wish the public schools did a better job with these students but given today’s realities, I’m glad that basis is an option for some.

this is the sound of the world’s tiniest violin playing for your academically inclined well behaved kids. seriously.