BASIS: PCSB staff recommends conditional continuance due to SWD

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Great. Well the board recommended it continue. So job done.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Great. Well the board recommended it continue. So job done.

It's a conditional continuance.

By February 15, 2022, BASIS DC PCS shall:
a. Submit for DC PCSB’s review a draft recruitment and retention plan
targeted toward students with disabilities. At a minimum, the plan
must include specific strategies the school will use to 1) publicize its
program to the community as inclusive for all learners, and 2) target
recruitment efforts for families of students with disabilities.
b. Submit for DC PCSB’s review a draft special education plan in support
of an increased volume of students with disabilities in the school that
describes the academic programming, strategies, and personnel
required to ensure the school's capacity to offer special education
services across all settings and needs.
By March 29, 2022, the school shall submit final versions of each plan that
incorporate and address, to DC PCSB’s satisfaction, any feedback DC PCSB
provides. The school must reflect on its progress in implementing the plans
and enrolling and retaining students with disabilities in its annual report
every year leading up to its 15-year charter renewal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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?

so you actually can find somewhere online the number of private placements per LEA, and it’s clear that some use private placements as an option instead of providing more services in the school. I know of at least one that seems to be very generous with services up to a point then does private placements. Since charters are small and can’t offer self-contained or manage more difficult needs, this makes sense as an option. I am not sure what Basis does.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.)

I don't get how this works in reality. If I have a 5th grader who reads at a 1st grade level because of disabilities, I should be able to lottery into BASIS and ask for adequate supports so that he can be in the same class as everyone else. But why would I want to do that?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Great. Well the board recommended it continue. So job done.

It's a conditional continuance.

By February 15, 2022, BASIS DC PCS shall:
a. Submit for DC PCSB’s review a draft recruitment and retention plan
targeted toward students with disabilities. At a minimum, the plan
must include specific strategies the school will use to 1) publicize its
program to the community as inclusive for all learners, and 2) target
recruitment efforts for families of students with disabilities.
b. Submit for DC PCSB’s review a draft special education plan in support
of an increased volume of students with disabilities in the school that
describes the academic programming, strategies, and personnel
required to ensure the school's capacity to offer special education
services across all settings and needs.
By March 29, 2022, the school shall submit final versions of each plan that
incorporate and address, to DC PCSB’s satisfaction, any feedback DC PCSB
provides. The school must reflect on its progress in implementing the plans
and enrolling and retaining students with disabilities in its annual report
every year leading up to its 15-year charter renewal.

I would LOVE to see them take this to heart and consultw with Ivymount to create a GT/LD program that they proactively establish and advertise. I doubt they will.

[Anonymous]

Reading the Attachment A document on the meeting website, it seems like BASIS was out of IDEA compliance in 2013-14, got a continuance in 2016, and it still isn't so great. Compliance problems were identified even into the most recent school year, and BASIS scored worse than most charters on these metrics.

https://www.livebinders.com/b/2891815 see pages 31-34.

Is it some big coincidence that IDEA compliance is poor, and also recruitment and retention of SWDs is low? Come on. Crap services is the fastest and cheapest way to get rid of kids you don't want. To be out of IDEA compliance, have few SWD, and then pat yourself on the back for excellent test scores, is repellent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.)

I don't get how this works in reality. If I have a 5th grader who reads at a 1st grade level because of disabilities, I should be able to lottery into BASIS and ask for adequate supports so that he can be in the same class as everyone else. But why would I want to do that?

Do you have a kid with SN? At a certain point if the child cannot be on grade level, they typically get placed in a more restrictive setting, but there are specific rules and procedural steps for that. Charters are so small that they may accomplish this by a "private placement" (paying for the child to go to a SN private). But there are plenty of kids, particularly in DC, who have IEPs/504s for autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities who have normal or above-average IQs and test scores. Those kids get a variety of supports to access the curriculum, like a social worker for social skills, executive function support, etc. More forward-thinking school districts like MoCo have programs specifically for grade-level kids with disabilities that allow them to be mostly mainstreamed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.)

I don't get how this works in reality. If I have a 5th grader who reads at a 1st grade level because of disabilities, I should be able to lottery into BASIS and ask for adequate supports so that he can be in the same class as everyone else. But why would I want to do that?

You might if it's the best option that you got in the lottery. If you want your child to go to a well-performing school with good teachers and not too much behavior issuies, and you want a metro-accessible location, and to be on track for a good high school, BASIS could definitely be your best option.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.)

No one said anything about wanting your kid excluded or that they shouldn't help all kids. But you are obsessing about a school with a handfull fewer SN kids than others. Basis is small and it is new and presents a model that is different than most DC schools, particularly about social promotion.

I support adovating for special ed resources but perhaps if its so easy make SN kids sucessful, you should write them a letter and tell them how.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.)

No one said anything about wanting your kid excluded or that they shouldn't help all kids. But you are obsessing about a school with a handfull fewer SN kids than others. Basis is small and it is new and presents a model that is different than most DC schools, particularly about social promotion.

I support adovating for special ed resources but perhaps if its so easy make SN kids sucessful, you should write them a letter and tell them how.

It's not a "handful fewer." It's half as many as they should have. That's a big deal. And yes I do know how they could better serve kids with SN and I posted it repeatedly, but I'm sure BASIS has no actual commitment to helping SN kids. You appear to just believe that Basis is "special" and shouldn't have to follow the law.

[Anonymous]

I don’t get some of the parents on here. Basis is not a good fit for my child so we will not be applying. But I don’t want to shut it down. It seems like a good option for some other kids. DCPS needs to be raked over the coals for failing to provide good options in every ward. I’m less bothered by Basis. They are a small niche school

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Great. Well the board recommended it continue. So job done.

It's a conditional continuance.

By February 15, 2022, BASIS DC PCS shall:
a. Submit for DC PCSB’s review a draft recruitment and retention plan
targeted toward students with disabilities. At a minimum, the plan
must include specific strategies the school will use to 1) publicize its
program to the community as inclusive for all learners, and 2) target
recruitment efforts for families of students with disabilities.
b. Submit for DC PCSB’s review a draft special education plan in support
of an increased volume of students with disabilities in the school that
describes the academic programming, strategies, and personnel
required to ensure the school's capacity to offer special education
services across all settings and needs.
By March 29, 2022, the school shall submit final versions of each plan that
incorporate and address, to DC PCSB’s satisfaction, any feedback DC PCSB
provides. The school must reflect on its progress in implementing the plans
and enrolling and retaining students with disabilities in its annual report
every year leading up to its 15-year charter renewal.

Great. So what's the issue you still have?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don’t get some of the parents on here. Basis is not a good fit for my child so we will not be applying. But I don’t want to shut it down. It seems like a good option for some other kids. DCPS needs to be raked over the coals for failing to provide good options in every ward. I’m less bothered by Basis. They are a small niche school

This.

[Anonymous]

To compare the SPED options at BASIS with Montgomery County is ridiculous - the school only has 650 students and that counts as its entire universe. It would be very hard to create multiple types of SPED classrooms/programs for such a small amount of students, especially when it is given less funding than public schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don’t get some of the parents on here. Basis is not a good fit for my child so we will not be applying. But I don’t want to shut it down. It seems like a good option for some other kids. DCPS needs to be raked over the coals for failing to provide good options in every ward. I’m less bothered by Basis. They are a small niche school

What's not to get? Basis and every charter has to follow the law, including IDEA. There could be plenty of kids with IEPs who could do well at Basis with appropriate supports. Public schools can't define a "niche" that excludes kids with disabilities.