Banneker versus School Without Walls

[Anonymous]

+100. Yes, the scores are very difficult to defend, period.

DCPS needs to come under intense political pressure to ratchet up academics at Banneker, and the public elementary and middle schools that provide its students. I don't think this will happen, but it certainly should.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Also only 5% of their students get the IB diploma and their scores are pretty low. I’m interested in this and comparing it to DCI. Banneker has been around for so much longer than DCI who just graduated their 2nd class. DCI has already surpassed Banneker in IB diploma scores.

This was discussed already.

Oh come on, if Banneker wanted to expand their IB diploma, DCPS would do it. It’s their favorite darling. The reality is if kids do not have the bandwidth and knowledge content to even score average on the SAT, no way are they going to get the IB diploma. It’s a diploma that is graded by a 3rd party so there is no grade inflation. If you don’t know the material, you get the grade you deserve. That is why the average IB diploma score for the few students who get it are low.

Getting the IB diploma is much more difficult than just taking AP courses and getting at best a 3. It also is writing intensive requiring an extended essay.

The IB diploma pass rate at Banneker was 72%. For the record, the pass rate at DCI for 19-20 was 33% for the students who completed the Diploma (versus career) program.

Yes, but the average PASS POINTS TOTAL at Banneker, on a scale of 24-45 points, has been stuck in the mid to high 20s since the program's inception almost two decades ago. That's the equivalent of C or D in IB Diploma terms.

Meanwhile, a few miles north in MoCo, there are 2 magnet school IB Diploma programs with pass points totals in the....high 30s.

Not impressive.

Look, DC does not have G&T, AAP, or real magnet high schools like the suburban school districts. If you want a RMIB caliber program, then you need to leave DC. The comparison should be made between DC schools - Banneker, Walls, DCI, Latin, Wilson. You're simply barking up the wrong tree if you expect DC to turn a school like Walls or Banneker into a Blair magnet or RMIB. They could, but they won't. It is what it is.

It certainly is what it is if every education-minded DC voter is as resigned to the mediocre status quo at the gal or guy above. We're all barking up the wrong tree if we're happy to accept that no real magnet high schools could ever operate in the District.

Walls is the closest we have to a suburban caliber program, mainly because so many strong students whose parents can't afford DC privates, or don't want to pay for them, test-in. Walls could be improved. For starters, their college counseling office needs to be upgraded, dramatically. The way it operates is a travesty, particularly for top students whose parents can't or won't hire private college counselors.

DC parents need to do what suburban parents have done for decades, organize to prevent city politicians who aren't serious about pressuring public education leaders to improve outcomes from being elected or reelected.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:+100. Yes, the scores are very difficult to defend, period.

DCPS needs to come under intense political pressure to ratchet up academics at Banneker, and the public elementary and middle schools that provide its students. I don't think this will happen, but it certainly should.

You can’t make this pronouncement with no first hand experience with the school. I’m mean you can but you sound like a moron to parents with kids there because it is very clear you don’t know what you’re talking about!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wound note that it’s a false narrative to say that Banneker is a school with majority low SES. It’s at risk ratio is similar to Wilson (24% vs 22%) and much lower than most DCPS high schools.

Add that to the picture along along with test in and the low SAT scores are very difficult to defend.

Incorrect about SES. Banneker is 46% economically disadvantaged; Wilson is 24%.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wound note that it’s a false narrative to say that Banneker is a school with majority low SES. It’s at risk ratio is similar to Wilson (24% vs 22%) and much lower than most DCPS high schools.

Add that to the picture along along with test in and the low SAT scores are very difficult to defend.

Incorrect about SES. Banneker is 46% economically disadvantaged; Wilson is 24%.

Banneker is a Title 1 school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:+100. Yes, the scores are very difficult to defend, period.

DCPS needs to come under intense political pressure to ratchet up academics at Banneker, and the public elementary and middle schools that provide its students. I don't think this will happen, but it certainly should.

You can’t make this pronouncement with no first hand experience with the school. I’m mean you can but you sound like a moron to parents with kids there because it is very clear you don’t know what you’re talking about!

Unfortunately, PP does know what her or she is talking about. Banneker's SAT scores are undeniably awful for a magnet, as are the AP scores. DC's public schools needs GT and AAP programs in in a big way.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wound note that it’s a false narrative to say that Banneker is a school with majority low SES. It’s at risk ratio is similar to Wilson (24% vs 22%) and much lower than most DCPS high schools.

Add that to the picture along along with test in and the low SAT scores are very difficult to defend.

Incorrect about SES. Banneker is 46% economically disadvantaged; Wilson is 24%.

Banneker is a Title 1 school.

Right. If at least 35% of students are eligible for free or reduced lunch, you are Title I.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:+100. Yes, the scores are very difficult to defend, period.

DCPS needs to come under intense political pressure to ratchet up academics at Banneker, and the public elementary and middle schools that provide its students. I don't think this will happen, but it certainly should.

You can’t make this pronouncement with no first hand experience with the school. I’m mean you can but you sound like a moron to parents with kids there because it is very clear you don’t know what you’re talking about!

Unfortunately, PP does know what her or she is talking about. Banneker's SAT scores are undeniably awful for a magnet, as are the AP scores. DC's public schools needs GT and AAP programs in in a big way.

No, not really. But you have made up your mind. I just don’t understand why y’all are so hellbent on running down a school. It’s fine if you choose not to send your kid there. But why fill up 20+ pages of how bad the test scores are when you have no intention of sending your kid? You have no first hand knowledge of the school and are basing your entire decision on test scores. You also seem to be critical of the parents who do have kids there and have post on this thread. Like their opinion doesn’t matter because the SAT scores are the sole voice on the topic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:+100. Yes, the scores are very difficult to defend, period.

DCPS needs to come under intense political pressure to ratchet up academics at Banneker, and the public elementary and middle schools that provide its students. I don't think this will happen, but it certainly should.

You can’t make this pronouncement with no first hand experience with the school. I’m mean you can but you sound like a moron to parents with kids there because it is very clear you don’t know what you’re talking about!

Unfortunately, PP does know what her or she is talking about. Banneker's SAT scores are undeniably awful for a magnet, as are the AP scores. DC's public schools needs GT and AAP programs in in a big way.

No, not really. But you have made up your mind. I just don’t understand why y’all are so hellbent on running down a school. It’s fine if you choose not to send your kid there. But why fill up 20+ pages of how bad the test scores are when you have no intention of sending your kid? You have no first hand knowledge of the school and are basing your entire decision on test scores. You also seem to be critical of the parents who do have kids there and have post on this thread. Like their opinion doesn’t matter because the SAT scores are the sole voice on the topic.

I have to agree. I don't know if I have seen this on dcurbanmom before which is saying a lot. The school's average SAT scores are 1111. That is not bad but yes may not be as high as one would want/expect. That said, if the school is Title 1 and you are high SES and wanted to give your kid a solid education with a higher performing cohort wouldn't this be a school to consider? Wouldn't you expect your high SES kids to be right up there with the kids exceeding the average SAT scores? Ironically folks never complain about basis being drill and kill so I don't see why that would be an argument to stop you from attending here. There seemed to be quite a bit of vitriol associated with a number of posts on this thread. It almost seemed you wanted/needed to trash the school so that anyone who might have considered it would no longer. Why?

[Anonymous]

24 pages of white folks tripping all over themselves to justify not considering Banneker for their kids when we all know the real reason why.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:+100. Yes, the scores are very difficult to defend, period.

DCPS needs to come under intense political pressure to ratchet up academics at Banneker, and the public elementary and middle schools that provide its students. I don't think this will happen, but it certainly should.

You can’t make this pronouncement with no first hand experience with the school. I’m mean you can but you sound like a moron to parents with kids there because it is very clear you don’t know what you’re talking about!

Unfortunately, PP does know what her or she is talking about. Banneker's SAT scores are undeniably awful for a magnet, as are the AP scores. DC's public schools needs GT and AAP programs in in a big way.

No, not really. But you have made up your mind. I just don’t understand why y’all are so hellbent on running down a school. It’s fine if you choose not to send your kid there. But why fill up 20+ pages of how bad the test scores are when you have no intention of sending your kid? You have no first hand knowledge of the school and are basing your entire decision on test scores. You also seem to be critical of the parents who do have kids there and have post on this thread. Like their opinion doesn’t matter because the SAT scores are the sole voice on the topic.

Pretty sad..but not a lot of applause for the colleges the kids are attending. The list is great for any school including $50K per year privates...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:+100. Yes, the scores are very difficult to defend, period.

DCPS needs to come under intense political pressure to ratchet up academics at Banneker, and the public elementary and middle schools that provide its students. I don't think this will happen, but it certainly should.

You can’t make this pronouncement with no first hand experience with the school. I’m mean you can but you sound like a moron to parents with kids there because it is very clear you don’t know what you’re talking about!

Unfortunately, PP does know what her or she is talking about. Banneker's SAT scores are undeniably awful for a magnet, as are the AP scores. DC's public schools needs GT and AAP programs in in a big way.

No, not really. But you have made up your mind. I just don’t understand why y’all are so hellbent on running down a school. It’s fine if you choose not to send your kid there. But why fill up 20+ pages of how bad the test scores are when you have no intention of sending your kid? You have no first hand knowledge of the school and are basing your entire decision on test scores. You also seem to be critical of the parents who do have kids there and have post on this thread. Like their opinion doesn’t matter because the SAT scores are the sole voice on the topic.

I have to agree. I don't know if I have seen this on dcurbanmom before which is saying a lot. The school's average SAT scores are 1111. That is not bad but yes may not be as high as one would want/expect. That said, if the school is Title 1 and you are high SES and wanted to give your kid a solid education with a higher performing cohort wouldn't this be a school to consider? Wouldn't you expect your high SES kids to be right up there with the kids exceeding the average SAT scores? Ironically folks never complain about basis being drill and kill so I don't see why that would be an argument to stop you from attending here. There seemed to be quite a bit of vitriol associated with a number of posts on this thread. It almost seemed you wanted/needed to trash the school so that anyone who might have considered it would no longer. Why?

The ONLY reason parents don't find drill and kill at Basis unacceptable is that it is offering math to everyone that is much more advanced than what DCPS is offering. Also many parents reject basis or use it only for a couple of years because of this approach. Banneker only goes up to AB Calculus not even offering the highest level math that is typical in an average high school. So there is a fundamental issue here, but I also agree with posters that SAT scores are being given too much weight. They likely do not reflect the true aptitude of the students.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:24 pages of white folks tripping all over themselves to justify not considering Banneker for their kids when we all know the real reason why.

Ding ding ding ding! Correct.

[Anonymous]

This 20 pages of fuss is about 1111 average SAT scores? Honestly, I think I got an 1100 back in the day -- I got into a good college and have done just fine. If your student puts in the work at Banneker I'm sure they'll score very well.

Also huge overreaction to students not finishing the full IB Diploma. Achieving that is a Navy Seal worthy accomplishment. My high school also had the IB diploma and in most cases the IB kids who did not pursue the full diploma were the smarter ones. They had other things to do with their time like music, student government, sports, etc. They also had a healthier social life, which is important.

I hope no one uses this thread to inform their choice about Banneker. Always best thing is to talk students, families, and teachers, and get a real feel for the school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:+100. Yes, the scores are very difficult to defend, period.

DCPS needs to come under intense political pressure to ratchet up academics at Banneker, and the public elementary and middle schools that provide its students. I don't think this will happen, but it certainly should.

You can’t make this pronouncement with no first hand experience with the school. I’m mean you can but you sound like a moron to parents with kids there because it is very clear you don’t know what you’re talking about!

Unfortunately, PP does know what her or she is talking about. Banneker's SAT scores are undeniably awful for a magnet, as are the AP scores. DC's public schools needs GT and AAP programs in in a big way.

No, not really. But you have made up your mind. I just don’t understand why y’all are so hellbent on running down a school. It’s fine if you choose not to send your kid there. But why fill up 20+ pages of how bad the test scores are when you have no intention of sending your kid? You have no first hand knowledge of the school and are basing your entire decision on test scores. You also seem to be critical of the parents who do have kids there and have post on this thread. Like their opinion doesn’t matter because the SAT scores are the sole voice on the topic.

I have to agree. I don't know if I have seen this on dcurbanmom before which is saying a lot. The school's average SAT scores are 1111. That is not bad but yes may not be as high as one would want/expect. That said, if the school is Title 1 and you are high SES and wanted to give your kid a solid education with a higher performing cohort wouldn't this be a school to consider? Wouldn't you expect your high SES kids to be right up there with the kids exceeding the average SAT scores? Ironically folks never complain about basis being drill and kill so I don't see why that would be an argument to stop you from attending here. There seemed to be quite a bit of vitriol associated with a number of posts on this thread. It almost seemed you wanted/needed to trash the school so that anyone who might have considered it would no longer. Why?

The ONLY reason parents don't find drill and kill at Basis unacceptable is that it is offering math to everyone that is much more advanced than what DCPS is offering. Also many parents reject basis or use it only for a couple of years because of this approach. Banneker only goes up to AB Calculus not even offering the highest level math that is typical in an average high school. So there is a fundamental issue here, but I also agree with posters that SAT scores are being given too much weight. They likely do not reflect the true aptitude of the students.

You are an idiot. This thread has nothing to do with Basis DC and you have no idea what you are jabbering about. Basis DC is the #1 ranked middle school in the city and has the highest SAT scores in the city. Take your vitriol and go someplace else.