BASIS DC will seek to expand to include K to 4th grade

Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Why are they so confident?

Are they going to make kids repeat grades, so each class will have some older kids in it?


I hope so. That's one of the things I like about the school. Disruptive kids who can't hack it don't continue to disrupt.


Having kids repeat grades doesn’t work. If a kid doesn’t understand the academics in a particular grade, they need specialized intervention. Just the kid sit through the same content twice won’t do a thing. Additionally, kids who are retained are more likely to drop out since they legally can on their 18th birthday. That’s why schools don’t do it anymore.


Works great for me and my kids. My kids' classes are filled with kids at or above grade level, and disruptive kids who want attention instead of to learn feel uncomfortable in an environment where academic success is prioritized and rewarded.


Well you, you, you. That's what really matters, right? Sounds like you want a school that doesn't comply with IDEA?
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:BASIS DC announced today that they want to open a new campus in the fall of 2025 that will be for K to 4th grade or possibly 5th grade.

Currently, the school is just 5th to 12th grade. It is the only BASIS school in the country that doesn't start in K.

In 2013, PCSB rejected a request from BASIS to expand but the network seems confident that they will be able to do accomplish the expansion now.

There is not enough room for K-4 in the current building so BASIS will have to find a second location.

https://www.usnews.com/education/k12/middle-s...district-of-columbia


It is always great for parents to have more options.

If you want to send your kid to a different school, great.

If you like BASIS--and it has a great track record--then this is awesome news.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I wish they would open up a second middle/high school instead because there are plenty of good elementary schools in DC already and a shortage of good middle and high school options. Also, the BASIS HOS mentioned the second school could potentially share outdoor space and a gym with the current school which would be amazing regardless but more ideal with students similarly aged.

Another thought: With a BASIS elementary school feeding into the middle/high school eventually, it seems eventually less Capitol Hill families would be at BASIS because they have great convenient elementary options already…


This. Hill families, your middle school seats are threatened!


This is a very real issue. Enrollment data shows us that Brent, Maurey and Watkins send a TON of kids to BASIS. There won't be 135 5th grade seats to fill of they are only backfilling from 4th grade BASIS kids. Will those Hill families choose BASIS in K instead of Brent, etc.? If BASIS had a good or great physical space for ES, does that change the answer? If they don't choose BASIS, what does the demographic of BASIS look like without all those white UMC families? Are there enough kids who can hack it at BASIS to fill those spots if the Hill school populations aren't filling them? Could this help the Hill MS to improve without the brain drain? Would people think twice about living on the Hill without the BASIS school safety valve?

I am asking these questions, but I would note that BASIS is not responsible for or to the CH schools. The CH families may think BASIS is "theirs" but it isn't.


This, exactly. Is BASIS really that great, or is it a meh school whose "success" is the result of demographics and of their social promotion policy (and don't forget, shirking on taking kids after 5th like other schools do).


I think this is a very interesting question. My guess is that most Brent/Maury/LT families will not move their kids to BASIS for K just to lock in 5th. They'll already have been at their local ES for 1-2 years and they'll by-and-large have had good experiences, because those schools are good. The kind of families who stick out the Hill are the kind of families who don't prioritize locking in a middle school (or they'd move to NW/Deal/Hardy). BASIS is close, but not close enough to be neighborhood-y for K-4; kids are very different by 5th. Also UMC Hill parents are by and large super involved in the Hill ESes and I just can't see BASIS allowing that, which I think would frustrate those parents. (I think Watkins could cut a bit differently. Families already have to move from Peabody to Watkins in 1st and as UMC families are increasingly reluctant to do that, I think those families might cut out for BASIS in K instead in higher numbers.)

If Brent/Maury/LT shared a middle school, I actually think this could have a positive effect on the local MS almost immediately... since they don't, it'll be a small trickle. SH could be the most affected the most immediately, since LT & Watkins both feed there and not all Watkins kids will bail, even if in larger numbers. I wonder what percentage of slots they'll hold for MS? At first it's going to be all sibling preference and newbies will be shut out entirely unless that percentage is huge. Middle school entry will get even crazier if this is approved.


I'm PP to whom you responded. I think I agree with much of what what you project. One of the things I find amusing is the reflexive responses on DCUM from people who immediately question whether BASIS is appropriate for ES. They have like 40 other schools that already offer K+.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I wish they would open up a second middle/high school instead because there are plenty of good elementary schools in DC already and a shortage of good middle and high school options. Also, the BASIS HOS mentioned the second school could potentially share outdoor space and a gym with the current school which would be amazing regardless but more ideal with students similarly aged.

Another thought: With a BASIS elementary school feeding into the middle/high school eventually, it seems eventually less Capitol Hill families would be at BASIS because they have great convenient elementary options already…


This. Hill families, your middle school seats are threatened!


This is a very real issue. Enrollment data shows us that Brent, Maurey and Watkins send a TON of kids to BASIS. There won't be 135 5th grade seats to fill of they are only backfilling from 4th grade BASIS kids. Will those Hill families choose BASIS in K instead of Brent, etc.? If BASIS had a good or great physical space for ES, does that change the answer? If they don't choose BASIS, what does the demographic of BASIS look like without all those white UMC families? Are there enough kids who can hack it at BASIS to fill those spots if the Hill school populations aren't filling them? Could this help the Hill MS to improve without the brain drain? Would people think twice about living on the Hill without the BASIS school safety valve?

I am asking these questions, but I would note that BASIS is not responsible for or to the CH schools. The CH families may think BASIS is "theirs" but it isn't.


This, exactly. Is BASIS really that great, or is it a meh school whose "success" is the result of demographics and of their social promotion policy (and don't forget, shirking on taking kids after 5th like other schools do).


I think this is a very interesting question. My guess is that most Brent/Maury/LT families will not move their kids to BASIS for K just to lock in 5th. They'll already have been at their local ES for 1-2 years and they'll by-and-large have had good experiences, because those schools are good. The kind of families who stick out the Hill are the kind of families who don't prioritize locking in a middle school (or they'd move to NW/Deal/Hardy). BASIS is close, but not close enough to be neighborhood-y for K-4; kids are very different by 5th. Also UMC Hill parents are by and large super involved in the Hill ESes and I just can't see BASIS allowing that, which I think would frustrate those parents. (I think Watkins could cut a bit differently. Families already have to move from Peabody to Watkins in 1st and as UMC families are increasingly reluctant to do that, I think those families might cut out for BASIS in K instead in higher numbers.)

If Brent/Maury/LT shared a middle school, I actually think this could have a positive effect on the local MS almost immediately... since they don't, it'll be a small trickle. SH could be the most affected the most immediately, since LT & Watkins both feed there and not all Watkins kids will bail, even if in larger numbers. I wonder what percentage of slots they'll hold for MS? At first it's going to be all sibling preference and newbies will be shut out entirely unless that percentage is huge. Middle school entry will get even crazier if this is approved.


I'm PP to whom you responded. I think I agree with much of what what you project. One of the things I find amusing is the reflexive responses on DCUM from people who immediately question whether BASIS is appropriate for ES. They have like 40 other schools that already offer K+.


Everyone knows BASIS operates lots of elementary schools. But this country is filled with crappy schools. Existing doesn't mean it's actually good.
Anonymous
What are they going to teach the elementary kids about China? Inquiring minds want to know.
Anonymous
Why do they think their application will be approved this time?
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Why are they so confident?

Are they going to make kids repeat grades, so each class will have some older kids in it?


I hope so. That's one of the things I like about the school. Disruptive kids who can't hack it don't continue to disrupt.


Having kids repeat grades doesn’t work. If a kid doesn’t understand the academics in a particular grade, they need specialized intervention. Just the kid sit through the same content twice won’t do a thing. Additionally, kids who are retained are more likely to drop out since they legally can on their 18th birthday. That’s why schools don’t do it anymore.


Works great for me and my kids. My kids' classes are filled with kids at or above grade level, and disruptive kids who want attention instead of to learn feel uncomfortable in an environment where academic success is prioritized and rewarded.


We get it, you just want “those kids” out of the way. But having an individual kid repeat a grade isn’t going to improve that kid’s academic or life outcomes at all, and leaves the previous grade with those pesky retained kids. If your goal is to educate a kid, having them repeat a grade doesn’t do anything to accomplish that goal.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Why are they so confident?

Are they going to make kids repeat grades, so each class will have some older kids in it?


I hope so. That's one of the things I like about the school. Disruptive kids who can't hack it don't continue to disrupt.


Having kids repeat grades doesn’t work. If a kid doesn’t understand the academics in a particular grade, they need specialized intervention. Just the kid sit through the same content twice won’t do a thing. Additionally, kids who are retained are more likely to drop out since they legally can on their 18th birthday. That’s why schools don’t do it anymore.


I. Don't. Care. I am sick of people like you arguing that kids like this should tear down an entire class, school and system. I think there are a whole lot more people like me who are done sitting on the sidelines watching a vocal minority argue that the majority of well meaning, hard working kids should suffer because of some liberal guilt or misplaced belief that "equity" means hurting the masses in furtherance of a few. Your failed policies predominantly hurt kids of color. They are the ones without options who are forced to attend schools with disruptive a-holes. Your interest in equity extends only as far as a bumper sticker. You are fine hurting all the other kids in those classes who want to learn in order to burnish your equity bona fides.

You (like so many others who chime in here) also present a false choice. As if the only options are social promotion or drop outs. If kids can't or won't hack it in traditional schools then there should be trade schools and non-traditional schools to divert them to. Your holy grail of social promotion through 12th grade is intellectually dishonest. Congrats, SJW! You have successfully created a system where hundreds (thousands?) of kids "graduate" from DCPS schools with 6th or 8th grade level math and and English skills and without having learned a trade. Now what? You think those kids are going to be able to get and keep jobs? You think they are going to show up and do the work at 18 because you gave them a fake diploma?

These are hard and serious issues and there are no easy solutions. People like you who dismiss alternatives and pretend like there is only one answer are part of the problem. You stifle open and honest discussion and lose sight of what and who you are actually seeking to help. Your policies are failing. All the high minded peer reviewed hogwash in the world won't change that.


It's sad that you don't care. Personally, I care about all the kids, and I also care that their rights under IDEA are observed, including the right to services and the right to the least restrictive placement. It seems you feel BASIS cannot comply with IDEA? Or that the staff at BASIS cannot maintain orderly classrooms? Sorry to hear it.


I think it telling that you didn't address any of the substantive criticisms of your "social promotions for all" and false binary outcome positioning. You fall back on bumper sticker platitudes that "personally, I care about all the kids" and try and divert this to a smaller discussion about IDEA (the details of which I could not care less about). What's your answer to socially promoting kids to a useless HS diploma with MS educations and a work ethic informed by having never had to work or be held to account? What's your answer to how your policies hurt poor kids and kids of color who don't have options to move or pay and end up with poor school environments? How does hurting all those other kids to cater to a small number of disruptive kids years behind grade level illustrate caring about "all" the kids?

When you want to have a discussion about these issues. let me know.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Why are they so confident?

Are they going to make kids repeat grades, so each class will have some older kids in it?


I hope so. That's one of the things I like about the school. Disruptive kids who can't hack it don't continue to disrupt.


Having kids repeat grades doesn’t work. If a kid doesn’t understand the academics in a particular grade, they need specialized intervention. Just the kid sit through the same content twice won’t do a thing. Additionally, kids who are retained are more likely to drop out since they legally can on their 18th birthday. That’s why schools don’t do it anymore.


Works great for me and my kids. My kids' classes are filled with kids at or above grade level, and disruptive kids who want attention instead of to learn feel uncomfortable in an environment where academic success is prioritized and rewarded.


We get it, you just want “those kids” out of the way. But having an individual kid repeat a grade isn’t going to improve that kid’s academic or life outcomes at all, and leaves the previous grade with those pesky retained kids. If your goal is to educate a kid, having them repeat a grade doesn’t do anything to accomplish that goal.


JFC. You continue to fall back on a false choice.

P.S. Yes, I want disruptive kids who don't care about learning the hell away from my kids and all other kids who want to learn. What's funny is you spend so much time around SJW who suffer liberal guilt that you don't quite know how to respond when people don't scurry away at being accused of "not caring" or in response to veiled accusations of racism (see, "those kids").
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Why are they so confident?

Are they going to make kids repeat grades, so each class will have some older kids in it?


I hope so. That's one of the things I like about the school. Disruptive kids who can't hack it don't continue to disrupt.


Having kids repeat grades doesn’t work. If a kid doesn’t understand the academics in a particular grade, they need specialized intervention. Just the kid sit through the same content twice won’t do a thing. Additionally, kids who are retained are more likely to drop out since they legally can on their 18th birthday. That’s why schools don’t do it anymore.


I. Don't. Care. I am sick of people like you arguing that kids like this should tear down an entire class, school and system. I think there are a whole lot more people like me who are done sitting on the sidelines watching a vocal minority argue that the majority of well meaning, hard working kids should suffer because of some liberal guilt or misplaced belief that "equity" means hurting the masses in furtherance of a few. Your failed policies predominantly hurt kids of color. They are the ones without options who are forced to attend schools with disruptive a-holes. Your interest in equity extends only as far as a bumper sticker. You are fine hurting all the other kids in those classes who want to learn in order to burnish your equity bona fides.

You (like so many others who chime in here) also present a false choice. As if the only options are social promotion or drop outs. If kids can't or won't hack it in traditional schools then there should be trade schools and non-traditional schools to divert them to. Your holy grail of social promotion through 12th grade is intellectually dishonest. Congrats, SJW! You have successfully created a system where hundreds (thousands?) of kids "graduate" from DCPS schools with 6th or 8th grade level math and and English skills and without having learned a trade. Now what? You think those kids are going to be able to get and keep jobs? You think they are going to show up and do the work at 18 because you gave them a fake diploma?

These are hard and serious issues and there are no easy solutions. People like you who dismiss alternatives and pretend like there is only one answer are part of the problem. You stifle open and honest discussion and lose sight of what and who you are actually seeking to help. Your policies are failing. All the high minded peer reviewed hogwash in the world won't change that.


It's sad that you don't care. Personally, I care about all the kids, and I also care that their rights under IDEA are observed, including the right to services and the right to the least restrictive placement. It seems you feel BASIS cannot comply with IDEA? Or that the staff at BASIS cannot maintain orderly classrooms? Sorry to hear it.


I think it telling that you didn't address any of the substantive criticisms of your "social promotions for all" and false binary outcome positioning. You fall back on bumper sticker platitudes that "personally, I care about all the kids" and try and divert this to a smaller discussion about IDEA (the details of which I could not care less about). What's your answer to socially promoting kids to a useless HS diploma with MS educations and a work ethic informed by having never had to work or be held to account? What's your answer to how your policies hurt poor kids and kids of color who don't have options to move or pay and end up with poor school environments? How does hurting all those other kids to cater to a small number of disruptive kids years behind grade level illustrate caring about "all" the kids?

When you want to have a discussion about these issues. let me know.


It doesn't matter if you care about IDEA. It's the law. BASIS has to care about it. I would like to know, and I hope the PCSB would also like to know, how BASIS plans to comply with IDEA. It's not a "smaller discussion", it's the law. It's not "catering", it's the law.

My answer would be that keeping kids with their age cohort is developmentally appropriate, and that they should receive services and intensive remediation so that they have their special needs addressed and catch up academically to the extent possible. Unfortunately this is expensive, but I believe the city should fund it because it'll pay off in the long term. Academic retention at BASIS does not address students' special needs, and is merely a way of motivating them to leave BASIS so that BASIS can claim to be "successful" and point to its good test scores, which are really achieved through demographics and attrition rather than anything particularly great about the teaching.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Why are they so confident?

Are they going to make kids repeat grades, so each class will have some older kids in it?


I hope so. That's one of the things I like about the school. Disruptive kids who can't hack it don't continue to disrupt.


Having kids repeat grades doesn’t work. If a kid doesn’t understand the academics in a particular grade, they need specialized intervention. Just the kid sit through the same content twice won’t do a thing. Additionally, kids who are retained are more likely to drop out since they legally can on their 18th birthday. That’s why schools don’t do it anymore.


Works great for me and my kids. My kids' classes are filled with kids at or above grade level, and disruptive kids who want attention instead of to learn feel uncomfortable in an environment where academic success is prioritized and rewarded.


We get it, you just want “those kids” out of the way. But having an individual kid repeat a grade isn’t going to improve that kid’s academic or life outcomes at all, and leaves the previous grade with those pesky retained kids. If your goal is to educate a kid, having them repeat a grade doesn’t do anything to accomplish that goal.


JFC. You continue to fall back on a false choice.

P.S. Yes, I want disruptive kids who don't care about learning the hell away from my kids and all other kids who want to learn. What's funny is you spend so much time around SJW who suffer liberal guilt that you don't quite know how to respond when people don't scurry away at being accused of "not caring" or in response to veiled accusations of racism (see, "those kids").


Wow your genius plan to warehouse kids with special needs is so ethical, and so very IDEA-compliant. What a nice, caring, empathetic person you must be.

Did you ever think about how we're all one car accident away from having special needs? Life can change in an instant. Be careful what you wish for.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:I wish they would open up a second middle/high school instead because there are plenty of good elementary schools in DC already and a shortage of good middle and high school options. Also, the BASIS HOS mentioned the second school could potentially share outdoor space and a gym with the current school which would be amazing regardless but more ideal with students similarly aged.

Another thought: With a BASIS elementary school feeding into the middle/high school eventually, it seems eventually less Capitol Hill families would be at BASIS because they have great convenient elementary options already…


I agree with this. The city needs more middle school seats, not elementary seats. That said, if it opens on time that’s great news for my current first grader. I’d expect the first year to be slightly easier entry and fourth would be a good year to switch from our EOTP DCPS.
Anonymous
Haven't they already missed the application window for new charters this year?
Anonymous
TBH... there is a real risk that BASIS goes down the tubes if it doesn't have a big population of UMC families coming in at 5th.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:Haven't they already missed the application window for new charters this year?


They're not seeking to open until Fall 2025. So, no.
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