BASIS: PCSB staff recommends conditional continuance due to SWD

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Even the worst performing DCPS would have high test scores if allowed to only serve the easiest students. Basis is a public school: if they want public money, they need to serve all students.

There is a cohort of people who send their kids to Basis in order to escape the "serve all students" trope which held their kids back in DCPS elementary schools.

This. I would argue that DC middle schools fail to serve all students because they don’t offer tracking of all subjects which is standard in most schools in this country including our neighbors next door in VA and MD

Not necessarily. I have a child in an Arlington MS, where my ex lives. The only subjects that are tracked at her school are math and non-ESL English. There are no test-in MS magnet programs in Arlington. Most of her classes are essentially easy As. I could have sent her to BASIS, but wanted the good facilities and enrichment offered at a VA school. Her school has an indoor track, great theater, playing fields, computer labs, library, school greenhouse and gardens etc. My ex and I actually supplement quite a bit, with outside book clubs, weekend language classes, a writing tutor etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My impression from outside is that BASIS is harder and does not adapt itself down to “meet students where they are.”

Obviously that is good for some students who are already hard workers or smart or have parent assistance. Some students can be brought up or catch up. Others cannot. And those who have disabilities that basically don’t really allow them to catch up without slowing down the whole ship are not brought along, and as a result they either fail or leave or both.

I assume that boosters will either agree with the above or dispute it only so they don’t get in trouble or quibble with the details so as to not have to admit it.

On one hand I have respect for a school that will operate along these lines without compromise and on another hand it’s pretty heartless, isn’t it?

But love it or hate it that’s basically BASIS.

Right?

It's just tacky to praise BASIS for it's good test scores when this is a big part of how they achieve it. Good scores on non-SPED, non-at-risk kids is not some impressive pedagogical breakthrough. And BASIS refusing to make changes to retain SWD just means other schools have to take more.

I'm OK with schools offering different things to different kids. There are plenty of schools that offer full inclusion and a mainstream curriculum. Basis is specialized and you make a choice to go there. My understanding is it's not a good fit for lots of kids (including without disability and SPED) and a very good fit for some kids (likely including some with disability and SPED).

That's like saying "it's just tacky" to praise TJ for high scores b/c they screen/accept only top notch students . . . .

It's different when a school is explicitly selective. To claim a school is nonselective when really it just pushes kids out is unfair to the kids, and it's an unfair comparison with other schools that are genuinely nonselective and serve and retain a lot of special needs students.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My impression from outside is that BASIS is harder and does not adapt itself down to “meet students where they are.”

Obviously that is good for some students who are already hard workers or smart or have parent assistance. Some students can be brought up or catch up. Others cannot. And those who have disabilities that basically don’t really allow them to catch up without slowing down the whole ship are not brought along, and as a result they either fail or leave or both.

I assume that boosters will either agree with the above or dispute it only so they don’t get in trouble or quibble with the details so as to not have to admit it.

On one hand I have respect for a school that will operate along these lines without compromise and on another hand it’s pretty heartless, isn’t it?

But love it or hate it that’s basically BASIS.

Right?

It's just tacky to praise BASIS for it's good test scores when this is a big part of how they achieve it. Good scores on non-SPED, non-at-risk kids is not some impressive pedagogical breakthrough. And BASIS refusing to make changes to retain SWD just means other schools have to take more.

I'm OK with schools offering different things to different kids. There are plenty of schools that offer full inclusion and a mainstream curriculum. Basis is specialized and you make a choice to go there. My understanding is it's not a good fit for lots of kids (including without disability and SPED) and a very good fit for some kids (likely including some with disability and SPED).

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My impression from outside is that BASIS is harder and does not adapt itself down to “meet students where they are.”

Obviously that is good for some students who are already hard workers or smart or have parent assistance. Some students can be brought up or catch up. Others cannot. And those who have disabilities that basically don’t really allow them to catch up without slowing down the whole ship are not brought along, and as a result they either fail or leave or both.

I assume that boosters will either agree with the above or dispute it only so they don’t get in trouble or quibble with the details so as to not have to admit it.

On one hand I have respect for a school that will operate along these lines without compromise and on another hand it’s pretty heartless, isn’t it?

But love it or hate it that’s basically BASIS.

Right?

It's just tacky to praise BASIS for it's good test scores when this is a big part of how they achieve it. Good scores on non-SPED, non-at-risk kids is not some impressive pedagogical breakthrough. And BASIS refusing to make changes to retain SWD just means other schools have to take more.

I'm OK with schools offering different things to different kids. There are plenty of schools that offer full inclusion and a mainstream curriculum. Basis is specialized and you make a choice to go there. My understanding is it's not a good fit for lots of kids (including without disability and SPED) and a very good fit for some kids (likely including some with disability and SPED).

That's like saying "it's just tacky" to praise TJ for high scores b/c they screen/accept only top notch students . . . .

It's different when a school is explicitly selective. To claim a school is nonselective when really it just pushes kids out is unfair to the kids, and it's an unfair comparison with other schools that are genuinely nonselective and serve and retain a lot of special needs students.

BASIS IS 100% lottery.

Every kid that applies has an equal chance of getting in (aside from sibling preference).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My impression from outside is that BASIS is harder and does not adapt itself down to “meet students where they are.”

Obviously that is good for some students who are already hard workers or smart or have parent assistance. Some students can be brought up or catch up. Others cannot. And those who have disabilities that basically don’t really allow them to catch up without slowing down the whole ship are not brought along, and as a result they either fail or leave or both.

I assume that boosters will either agree with the above or dispute it only so they don’t get in trouble or quibble with the details so as to not have to admit it.

On one hand I have respect for a school that will operate along these lines without compromise and on another hand it’s pretty heartless, isn’t it?

But love it or hate it that’s basically BASIS.

Right?

It's just tacky to praise BASIS for it's good test scores when this is a big part of how they achieve it. Good scores on non-SPED, non-at-risk kids is not some impressive pedagogical breakthrough. And BASIS refusing to make changes to retain SWD just means other schools have to take more.

I'm OK with schools offering different things to different kids. There are plenty of schools that offer full inclusion and a mainstream curriculum. Basis is specialized and you make a choice to go there. My understanding is it's not a good fit for lots of kids (including without disability and SPED) and a very good fit for some kids (likely including some with disability and SPED).

That's like saying "it's just tacky" to praise TJ for high scores b/c they screen/accept only top notch students . . . .

It's different when a school is explicitly selective. To claim a school is nonselective when really it just pushes kids out is unfair to the kids, and it's an unfair comparison with other schools that are genuinely nonselective and serve and retain a lot of special needs students.

BASIS IS 100% lottery.

Every kid that applies has an equal chance of getting in (aside from sibling preference).

It’s not about getting in. It’s about providing an education to all students once they are enrolled.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My impression from outside is that BASIS is harder and does not adapt itself down to “meet students where they are.”

Obviously that is good for some students who are already hard workers or smart or have parent assistance. Some students can be brought up or catch up. Others cannot. And those who have disabilities that basically don’t really allow them to catch up without slowing down the whole ship are not brought along, and as a result they either fail or leave or both.

I assume that boosters will either agree with the above or dispute it only so they don’t get in trouble or quibble with the details so as to not have to admit it.

On one hand I have respect for a school that will operate along these lines without compromise and on another hand it’s pretty heartless, isn’t it?

But love it or hate it that’s basically BASIS.

Right?

It's just tacky to praise BASIS for it's good test scores when this is a big part of how they achieve it. Good scores on non-SPED, non-at-risk kids is not some impressive pedagogical breakthrough. And BASIS refusing to make changes to retain SWD just means other schools have to take more.

I'm OK with schools offering different things to different kids. There are plenty of schools that offer full inclusion and a mainstream curriculum. Basis is specialized and you make a choice to go there. My understanding is it's not a good fit for lots of kids (including without disability and SPED) and a very good fit for some kids (likely including some with disability and SPED).

That's like saying "it's just tacky" to praise TJ for high scores b/c they screen/accept only top notch students . . . .

It's different when a school is explicitly selective. To claim a school is nonselective when really it just pushes kids out is unfair to the kids, and it's an unfair comparison with other schools that are genuinely nonselective and serve and retain a lot of special needs students.

BASIS IS 100% lottery.

Every kid that applies has an equal chance of getting in (aside from sibling preference).

It’s not about getting in. It’s about providing an education to all students once they are enrolled.

exactly. and there are many models for supporting kids with SN academically - MoCo has aspergers programs, GT/LD, and there is an HFA MS program at SWW-FS. these are mainstreaming programs where the kids have a resource class and additional supports as needed. specifically for SN kids on or above grade level. SN kids below grade level would probably need a reduction in the Basis workload/test structure. Then Basis could do what other charters do - pay for private placement for the kids for whom it really isn’t a good fit.

[Anonymous]

SPED percentages at Basis are 3.5-4.5%, compared to 8.5% for other DCPS charters.

Basis is 100% lottery (except for sibling preference) and all kids have an equal chance of getting in. Basis isn’t a good fit for every kid, regardless of whether they have a disability or not. If they don’t apply because they think Basis is too rigorous or don’t like the physical layout or whatever, that is their choice. Same, if they choose to drop out and enroll elsewhere.

Many charters and other public schools in wards 7 and 8 are 0% white and Janney is 72% white and all receive public funds, but let’s criticize Basis because they have 28 SPED kids and other DC charters of similar size have an average of 54 SPED kids. Really?

Fact: The education system in DC needs to be fixed. Look at where DC ranks compared to the 50 states:

• Highest Dropout Rate: 51
• Lowest Math Test Score: 47
• Lowest Reading Test Score: 49
• Lowest Median SAT Score: 51
• Highest Percentage of Threatened/Injured HS Students: 41

Fact: Basis is a rare success story in DC. In only a decade, its results have been excellent. Based on the numbers, it is now the top charter school in the city.

Fact: For those SPED kids who stick it out (many non-SPED and SPED kids don’t), the results have been similarly impressive.

Fact: Basis is a last-resort option for parents who would otherwise flee to the burbs for better education.

PCSB, please don’t kill the goose that laid the golden egg.

[Anonymous]

Guess what? Many of us with kids who don't have special needs- which is most families- would like an option that is focused on academics and achievement.

Would I like it if Basis or other schools did better with SN kids? Sure. Am I much more concerned about my own kids' academic opportunities and outcomes? Absolutely.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:SPED percentages at Basis are 3.5-4.5%, compared to 8.5% for other DCPS charters.

Basis is 100% lottery (except for sibling preference) and all kids have an equal chance of getting in. Basis isn’t a good fit for every kid, regardless of whether they have a disability or not. If they don’t apply because they think Basis is too rigorous or don’t like the physical layout or whatever, that is their choice. Same, if they choose to drop out and enroll elsewhere.

Many charters and other public schools in wards 7 and 8 are 0% white and Janney is 72% white and all receive public funds, but let’s criticize Basis because they have 28 SPED kids and other DC charters of similar size have an average of 54 SPED kids. Really?

Fact: The education system in DC needs to be fixed. Look at where DC ranks compared to the 50 states:

• Highest Dropout Rate: 51
• Lowest Math Test Score: 47
• Lowest Reading Test Score: 49
• Lowest Median SAT Score: 51
• Highest Percentage of Threatened/Injured HS Students: 41

Fact: Basis is a rare success story in DC. In only a decade, its results have been excellent. Based on the numbers, it is now the top charter school in the city.

Fact: For those SPED kids who stick it out (many non-SPED and SPED kids don’t), the results have been similarly impressive.

Fact: Basis is a last-resort option for parents who would otherwise flee to the burbs for better education.

PCSB, please don’t kill the goose that laid the golden egg.

yes, really, I will criticize Basis for pushing out SN kids and making it clear they shouldn’t apply.

signed,
SN mom

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:SPED percentages at Basis are 3.5-4.5%, compared to 8.5% for other DCPS charters.

Basis is 100% lottery (except for sibling preference) and all kids have an equal chance of getting in. Basis isn’t a good fit for every kid, regardless of whether they have a disability or not. If they don’t apply because they think Basis is too rigorous or don’t like the physical layout or whatever, that is their choice. Same, if they choose to drop out and enroll elsewhere.

Many charters and other public schools in wards 7 and 8 are 0% white and Janney is 72% white and all receive public funds, but let’s criticize Basis because they have 28 SPED kids and other DC charters of similar size have an average of 54 SPED kids. Really?

Fact: The education system in DC needs to be fixed. Look at where DC ranks compared to the 50 states:

• Highest Dropout Rate: 51
• Lowest Math Test Score: 47
• Lowest Reading Test Score: 49
• Lowest Median SAT Score: 51
• Highest Percentage of Threatened/Injured HS Students: 41

Fact: Basis is a rare success story in DC. In only a decade, its results have been excellent. Based on the numbers, it is now the top charter school in the city.

Fact: For those SPED kids who stick it out (many non-SPED and SPED kids don’t), the results have been similarly impressive.

Fact: Basis is a last-resort option for parents who would otherwise flee to the burbs for better education.

PCSB, please don’t kill the goose that laid the golden egg.

yes, really, I will criticize Basis for pushing out SN kids and making it clear they shouldn’t apply.

signed,
SN mom

Great. Enjoy making it all about your kid's needs. I will do the same for my NT kid and support the existing structure that helps my kid.

See how that works?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Guess what? Many of us with kids who don't have special needs- which is most families- would like an option that is focused on academics and achievement.

Would I like it if Basis or other schools did better with SN kids? Sure. Am I much more concerned about my own kids' academic opportunities and outcomes? Absolutely.

SN mom here. Totally fine with you being more concerned with your own kid - that’s natural. And that’s why a law exists (IDEA) to project SN kids, and why the charter board’s oversight here is appropriate. Your rights don’t negate my kid’s rights.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:SPED percentages at Basis are 3.5-4.5%, compared to 8.5% for other DCPS charters.

Basis is 100% lottery (except for sibling preference) and all kids have an equal chance of getting in. Basis isn’t a good fit for every kid, regardless of whether they have a disability or not. If they don’t apply because they think Basis is too rigorous or don’t like the physical layout or whatever, that is their choice. Same, if they choose to drop out and enroll elsewhere.

Many charters and other public schools in wards 7 and 8 are 0% white and Janney is 72% white and all receive public funds, but let’s criticize Basis because they have 28 SPED kids and other DC charters of similar size have an average of 54 SPED kids. Really?

Fact: The education system in DC needs to be fixed. Look at where DC ranks compared to the 50 states:

• Highest Dropout Rate: 51
• Lowest Math Test Score: 47
• Lowest Reading Test Score: 49
• Lowest Median SAT Score: 51
• Highest Percentage of Threatened/Injured HS Students: 41

Fact: Basis is a rare success story in DC. In only a decade, its results have been excellent. Based on the numbers, it is now the top charter school in the city.

Fact: For those SPED kids who stick it out (many non-SPED and SPED kids don’t), the results have been similarly impressive.

Fact: Basis is a last-resort option for parents who would otherwise flee to the burbs for better education.

PCSB, please don’t kill the goose that laid the golden egg.

It's not a golden egg! It's not a success story. "Fact:" Good test scores on upper-income, non-SPED, non-at-risk kids is not an amazing breakthrough. There's no special sauce here.
It's taking the easy road and patting yourself on the back for it. Calling itself "better" when it's actually just avoiding the hard work.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:SPED percentages at Basis are 3.5-4.5%, compared to 8.5% for other DCPS charters.

Basis is 100% lottery (except for sibling preference) and all kids have an equal chance of getting in. Basis isn’t a good fit for every kid, regardless of whether they have a disability or not. If they don’t apply because they think Basis is too rigorous or don’t like the physical layout or whatever, that is their choice. Same, if they choose to drop out and enroll elsewhere.

Many charters and other public schools in wards 7 and 8 are 0% white and Janney is 72% white and all receive public funds, but let’s criticize Basis because they have 28 SPED kids and other DC charters of similar size have an average of 54 SPED kids. Really?

Fact: The education system in DC needs to be fixed. Look at where DC ranks compared to the 50 states:

• Highest Dropout Rate: 51
• Lowest Math Test Score: 47
• Lowest Reading Test Score: 49
• Lowest Median SAT Score: 51
• Highest Percentage of Threatened/Injured HS Students: 41

Fact: Basis is a rare success story in DC. In only a decade, its results have been excellent. Based on the numbers, it is now the top charter school in the city.

Fact: For those SPED kids who stick it out (many non-SPED and SPED kids don’t), the results have been similarly impressive.

Fact: Basis is a last-resort option for parents who would otherwise flee to the burbs for better education.

PCSB, please don’t kill the goose that laid the golden egg.

yes, really, I will criticize Basis for pushing out SN kids and making it clear they shouldn’t apply.

signed,
SN mom

Great. Enjoy making it all about your kid's needs. I will do the same for my NT kid and support the existing structure that helps my kid.

See how that works?

yes, I will continue to fight for my child’s needs and legal rights. Any other questions? Plenty of private schools around if your snowflake is so tender that they can’t be around “those kids.”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:SPED percentages at Basis are 3.5-4.5%, compared to 8.5% for other DCPS charters.

Basis is 100% lottery (except for sibling preference) and all kids have an equal chance of getting in. Basis isn’t a good fit for every kid, regardless of whether they have a disability or not. If they don’t apply because they think Basis is too rigorous or don’t like the physical layout or whatever, that is their choice. Same, if they choose to drop out and enroll elsewhere.

Many charters and other public schools in wards 7 and 8 are 0% white and Janney is 72% white and all receive public funds, but let’s criticize Basis because they have 28 SPED kids and other DC charters of similar size have an average of 54 SPED kids. Really?

Fact: The education system in DC needs to be fixed. Look at where DC ranks compared to the 50 states:

• Highest Dropout Rate: 51
• Lowest Math Test Score: 47
• Lowest Reading Test Score: 49
• Lowest Median SAT Score: 51
• Highest Percentage of Threatened/Injured HS Students: 41

Fact: Basis is a rare success story in DC. In only a decade, its results have been excellent. Based on the numbers, it is now the top charter school in the city.

Fact: For those SPED kids who stick it out (many non-SPED and SPED kids don’t), the results have been similarly impressive.

Fact: Basis is a last-resort option for parents who would otherwise flee to the burbs for better education.

PCSB, please don’t kill the goose that laid the golden egg.

yes, really, I will criticize Basis for pushing out SN kids and making it clear they shouldn’t apply.

signed,
SN mom

Great. Enjoy making it all about your kid's needs. I will do the same for my NT kid and support the existing structure that helps my kid.

See how that works?

yes, I will continue to fight for my child’s needs and legal rights. Any other questions? Plenty of private schools around if your snowflake is so tender that they can’t be around “those kids.”

(also - the difference between me and you is that I’m just asking for my child to be included with your kid with appropriate supports - and there are plenty of models for how to do that without detracting from the Basis strengths. You apparently want my kid excluded so you get gets access to all the benefits.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My impression from outside is that BASIS is harder and does not adapt itself down to “meet students where they are.”

Obviously that is good for some students who are already hard workers or smart or have parent assistance. Some students can be brought up or catch up. Others cannot. And those who have disabilities that basically don’t really allow them to catch up without slowing down the whole ship are not brought along, and as a result they either fail or leave or both.

I assume that boosters will either agree with the above or dispute it only so they don’t get in trouble or quibble with the details so as to not have to admit it.

On one hand I have respect for a school that will operate along these lines without compromise and on another hand it’s pretty heartless, isn’t it?

But love it or hate it that’s basically BASIS.

Right?

It's just tacky to praise BASIS for it's good test scores when this is a big part of how they achieve it. Good scores on non-SPED, non-at-risk kids is not some impressive pedagogical breakthrough. And BASIS refusing to make changes to retain SWD just means other schools have to take more.

I'm OK with schools offering different things to different kids. There are plenty of schools that offer full inclusion and a mainstream curriculum. Basis is specialized and you make a choice to go there. My understanding is it's not a good fit for lots of kids (including without disability and SPED) and a very good fit for some kids (likely including some with disability and SPED).

That's like saying "it's just tacky" to praise TJ for high scores b/c they screen/accept only top notch students . . . .

It's different when a school is explicitly selective. To claim a school is nonselective when really it just pushes kids out is unfair to the kids, and it's an unfair comparison with other schools that are genuinely nonselective and serve and retain a lot of special needs students.

BASIS IS 100% lottery.

Every kid that applies has an equal chance of getting in (aside from sibling preference).

It’s not about getting in. It’s about providing an education to all students once they are enrolled.

exactly. and there are many models for supporting kids with SN academically - MoCo has aspergers programs, GT/LD, and there is an HFA MS program at SWW-FS. these are mainstreaming programs where the kids have a resource class and additional supports as needed. specifically for SN kids on or above grade level. SN kids below grade level would probably need a reduction in the Basis workload/test structure. Then Basis could do what other charters do - pay for private placement for the kids for whom it really isn’t a good fit.

So would it be a good idea for me to lottery into Basis knowing it's not a good fit for my kid, in the hopes of getting them to pay for a private placement?