Anyone in bound for Deal but choosing Basis?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No, Algebra 1 in fifth. Algebra 2 in sixth. This is the program for the most advanced math students (two years ahead).

The average BASIS student does "Math 7/8" in fifth, Pre-Algebra in sixth, Algebra 1 in seventh and Algebra 2 in eighth.

When do they take geometry?

They don't take geometry in the traditional sense. That is, there is no course that teaches the axiomatic method and the derivation of the theorems of geometry from a handful of postulates.

They do, however, learn properties of geometric figures and how to express those properties algebraically to solve problems, e.g., areas of 2D figures, volumes and surface areas of 3D figures, relationship between inscribed angles and arc lengths, etc. They also learn enough trigonometry to solve problems involving right triangles and unit circles.

I loved high school geometry and went on to take various logic courses in graduate school. I wonder sometimes if our DC at BASIS will miss out. On the other hand, many of my friends hated geometry. For them, a one-semester course on logic -- Boolean algebra, deductive reasoning, inductive proofs -- would been a better use of time than a year-long course on geometry in which logic was learned only by example rather than studied formally.

My understanding is that BASIS does offer a logic course as an elective.

[Anonymous]

Can someone tell me about the difference between the standard math curriculuum at Latin and BASIS? I know they both use Saxon Math and at BASIS, "normal" kids start with Saxon 8/7 in 5th grade. What does Latin start with and if the courses are different, does anyone know how they compare? I looked up the different books/courses on the Saxon website and I can't really tell. Finally, someone posted that Saxon incorporates geometry into the math curriculuum over several years so students don't take it as a separate class. On Latin's website, however, it looks like students do take a separate year of Geometry.

[Anonymous]

All grand sounding 21:58 but I'm waiting to see who's left in 12th grade (my kids are in preschool). If most of the white and Asian kids who started in 5th are gone by then, forget it. Linear algebra at age 15, fabulous, still don't want the ghetto social issues.

[Anonymous]

So they test at BASIS to see where each child is. But they all eventually need to be in the same place, right? So some kids are working much harder to catch up all year? That seems like it would be highly frustrating for all involved. Maybe it works differently, I would certainly be appreciative if someone who's there would weigh in.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So they test at BASIS to see where each child is. But they all eventually need to be in the same place, right? So some kids are working much harder to catch up all year? That seems like it would be highly frustrating for all involved. Maybe it works differently, I would certainly be appreciative if someone who's there would weigh in.

Not really. The kids who start out a year ahead in math stay a year ahead, unless they fall behind. The kids that start out two years ahead stay two years ahead. The kids who are ahead are expect to stay ahead. Their prize is the option of taking more classes in HS that rely on knowing calculus, e.g., AP Physics, Differential Equations, etc.

The other kids just have to keep up with the regular curriculum. They don't have to catch up with the kids who are one or two years ahead. They must pass the Pre Algebra comp by the end of sixth grade or be held back. They must pass the Algebra 1 comp by the end of seventh and the Algebra 2 by the end of eight or be held back.

[Anonymous]

The advanced kids get to stay that way instead of being brought down by slower classmates, unlike in the majority of DCPS and even some DCPCS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No, Algebra 1 in fifth. Algebra 2 in sixth. This is the program for the most advanced math students (two years ahead).

The average BASIS student does "Math 7/8" in fifth, Pre-Algebra in sixth, Algebra 1 in seventh and Algebra 2 in eighth.

When do they take geometry?

They don't take geometry in the traditional sense. That is, there is no course that teaches the axiomatic method and the derivation of the theorems of geometry from a handful of postulates.

They do, however, learn properties of geometric figures and how to express those properties algebraically to solve problems, e.g., areas of 2D figures, volumes and surface areas of 3D figures, relationship between inscribed angles and arc lengths, etc. They also learn enough trigonometry to solve problems involving right triangles and unit circles.

I loved high school geometry and went on to take various logic courses in graduate school. I wonder sometimes if our DC at BASIS will miss out. On the other hand, many of my friends hated geometry. For them, a one-semester course on logic -- Boolean algebra, deductive reasoning, inductive proofs -- would been a better use of time than a year-long course on geometry in which logic was learned only by example rather than studied formally.

My understanding is that BASIS does offer a logic course as an elective.

BASIS students will not miss out on a full year of geometry including formal since all of geometry including formal proofs are included across Algebra1, Algebra2, and Pre-Calculus (Advanced Mathematics). All BASIS students will complete these courses and more before they graduate.

This article is written by a Saxon math teacher:
http://homeschoolwithsaxon.com/review-credit.php

Also, Saxon math has been successfully used and vetted by many public schools.

[Anonymous]

My post above should read that Saxon math's geometry includes formal proofs as well as a full year of geometry after completing the texts mentioned above.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can someone tell me about the difference between the standard math curriculuum at Latin and BASIS? I know they both use Saxon Math and at BASIS, "normal" kids start with Saxon 8/7 in 5th grade. What does Latin start with and if the courses are different, does anyone know how they compare? I looked up the different books/courses on the Saxon website and I can't really tell. Finally, someone posted that Saxon incorporates geometry into the math curriculuum over several years so students don't take it as a separate class. On Latin's website, however, it looks like students do take a separate year of Geometry.

Saxon math has different editions of their math texts. The editions that BASIS uses incorporates Geometry across Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and Pre-Calculus (Advanced Mathematics).

The other, newer editions of Saxon Math do not incorporate geometry and therefore a separate geometry course would be required. John Saxon, the author of Saxon math believed geometry should be incorporated across several texts as explained in the article I referenced above.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:All grand sounding 21:58 but I'm waiting to see who's left in 12th grade (my kids are in preschool). If most of the white and Asian kids who started in 5th are gone by then, forget it. Linear algebra at age 15, fabulous, still don't want the ghetto social issues.

I wouldn't want my child around you dirty white people that smell like dogs!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:All grand sounding 21:58 but I'm waiting to see who's left in 12th grade (my kids are in preschool). If most of the white and Asian kids who started in 5th are gone by then, forget it. Linear algebra at age 15, fabulous, still don't want the ghetto social issues.

I understand the concern about "ghetto" issues. Issues such as: cursing at inappropriate times and to adults, extreme violence (knives, guns 5 against 1) and poor language skills are a concern for me as well.

However, by the time kids go through 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grade the extreme violence kids are likely to be gone from BASIS via poor study habits or expulsions. But from my experience as a graduate of a top private high school in my home state, most kids use excessive foul language just not in public. So one that issue your child will get it at every school they go to. The language issues are less related to poor behavior /study habits and may persist.

If the poster is referring to other "ghetto" issues of drug use, cursing among classmates, underage drinking, sexual activities etc. again I found these to be prevalent at my 99% white, upper middle class high school and similar colleges.

I think the chief concern beyond safety, is the quality of the classmates. Do they challenge your child academically? Are there more than one or two kids working hard? Many of my friends are middle to upper-middle class blacks and their kids are working hard and behaving. I would be glad to send my child to a school full of them.

Now in reference to BASIS the black kids and parents I see are not "ghetto" and from a cursory glance more than half seem to come from a solidly middle class environment. Every black kid you see is not a monster. Yes kids have tussled but this occurs at most any school. Really, I would suggest folks lighten up on the stereotypes and see how things really are regardless of the school. No need to be PC but check the real situation. Among the whites at my other child's west-of-the-park elementary school I have seen some spoiled slackers, kids with bad behavior (on par to holding to stereotypes) and really mean kids. However, I would never expect this of all whites. Mainly because I have experienced many others with wonderful character and real humanity.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All grand sounding 21:58 but I'm waiting to see who's left in 12th grade (my kids are in preschool). If most of the white and Asian kids who started in 5th are gone by then, forget it. Linear algebra at age 15, fabulous, still don't want the ghetto social issues.

I understand the concern about "ghetto" issues. Issues such as: cursing at inappropriate times and to adults, extreme violence (knives, guns 5 against 1) and poor language skills are a concern for me as well.

However, by the time kids go through 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grade the extreme violence kids are likely to be gone from BASIS via poor study habits or expulsions. But from my experience as a graduate of a top private high school in my home state, most kids use excessive foul language just not in public. So one that issue your child will get it at every school they go to. The language issues are less related to poor behavior /study habits and may persist.

If the poster is referring to other "ghetto" issues of drug use, cursing among classmates, underage drinking, sexual activities etc. again I found these to be prevalent at my 99% white, upper middle class high school and similar colleges.

I think the chief concern beyond safety, is the quality of the classmates. Do they challenge your child academically? Are there more than one or two kids working hard? Many of my friends are middle to upper-middle class blacks and their kids are working hard and behaving. I would be glad to send my child to a school full of them.

Now in reference to BASIS the black kids and parents I see are not "ghetto" and from a cursory glance more than half seem to come from a solidly middle class environment. Every black kid you see is not a monster. Yes kids have tussled but this occurs at most any school. Really, I would suggest folks lighten up on the stereotypes and see how things really are regardless of the school. No need to be PC but check the real situation. Among the whites at my other child's west-of-the-park elementary school I have seen some spoiled slackers, kids with bad behavior (on par to holding to stereotypes) and really mean kids. However, I would never expect this of all whites. Mainly because I have experienced many others with wonderful character and real humanity.

Thank you for taking the trouble of responding civilly and reasonably to someone who probably does not deserve such a thoughtful answer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:All grand sounding 21:58 but I'm waiting to see who's left in 12th grade (my kids are in preschool). If most of the white and Asian kids who started in 5th are gone by then, forget it. Linear algebra at age 15, fabulous, still don't want the ghetto social issues.

My kids will all be left but they are Hispanic so maybe you would not consider them appropriate peers for your child even tho we live in Wesley Heights. I know I shouldn't stoop but the former migrant worker in me could not help it.

Seriously, we think Latin has much more of a problem with that because the cream as you would recognize it is still leaving after 8th and going private, and their charter lets in 9th graders. Basis technically will let in 10th graders, but they reserve the right to do diagnostic testing and would probably place any kid not from Eton in 7th grade, and no kid would go for that.

So as a practical matter, sixth is the last year most kids can get in.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No, Algebra 1 in fifth. Algebra 2 in sixth. This is the program for the most advanced math students (two years ahead).

The average BASIS student does "Math 7/8" in fifth, Pre-Algebra in sixth, Algebra 1 in seventh and Algebra 2 in eighth.

When do they take geometry?

They don't take geometry in the traditional sense. That is, there is no course that teaches the axiomatic method and the derivation of the theorems of geometry from a handful of postulates.

They do, however, learn properties of geometric figures and how to express those properties algebraically to solve problems, e.g., areas of 2D figures, volumes and surface areas of 3D figures, relationship between inscribed angles and arc lengths, etc. They also learn enough trigonometry to solve problems involving right triangles and unit circles.

I loved high school geometry and went on to take various logic courses in graduate school. I wonder sometimes if our DC at BASIS will miss out. On the other hand, many of my friends hated geometry. For them, a one-semester course on logic -- Boolean algebra, deductive reasoning, inductive proofs -- would been a better use of time than a year-long course on geometry in which logic was learned only by example rather than studied formally.

My understanding is that BASIS does offer a logic course as an elective.

I hated geometry and did not go on to trig. Logic would have helped me with the LSATS and quite a few liberal arts courses in college OTOH

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All grand sounding 21:58 but I'm waiting to see who's left in 12th grade (my kids are in preschool). If most of the white and Asian kids who started in 5th are gone by then, forget it. Linear algebra at age 15, fabulous, still don't want the ghetto social issues.

Hopefully you'll figure out you don't want to be there long before 5th... I feel sorry for your kids but to have you as a fellow parent in the BASIS community all those long years sounds awful and traumatic for everyone else. And since often kids absorb their parents problems as well as their strengths... your kids are probably no joy to be around either.

Win-win if you find somewhere else ASAP and your and your kids are happy, and the rest of us can go on with one less ignorant awful parent at BASIS. Although, obviously, some school will still have to deal with you... feeling sorry for them as well.