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

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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.

This. With Latin Cooper taking a bite as well, and Stuart-Hobson continuing it's slow-yet-real path of improvement. Plus some idealists will be giving the new Shaw middle a try in a few years.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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.

I don't think BASIS will go down the tubes. BASIS has a system that works in various different places around the country. BUT many of those schools have entrance/placement exams (which will not be allowed) or are in majority UMC areas or are private schools. I don't know how many schools they operate that are totally lottery admission with no entrance/placement exams in non-majority UMC areas. I absolutely think they could not have an understanding of the nuances of the Hill MS phenomenon and that the average Ker they will draw will be substantially less well off than the average MSer they draw. That said, I think the average Ker they draw will be from a family that prioritizes academic achievement, because there are so many more good K options than MS options that fewer people are taking spots because it's their only decent option (even if they hate the BASIS model), so maybe it will even out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Will they be doing all grades at once, or building up from K?

Asking because I'm wondering about sibling preference for kids who have siblings in the high school. Are we going to be able to get in, or are we SOL?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

There you go again with false choices. You frame the issue in such a way as to prevent honest discussion of issues. You immediately flee to your corner with: 15 year olds in K!!! Warehousing kids!!!

You spend a lot of time on these topics and yet seem woefully disinterested in solving the problems. You favor bumper stickers and talking points. Why are trade schools not a better option than social promotion? Why can't we consider the deleterious impact of these precious few on the larger population or kids? Why must you conflate special needs with disruptive a-holes who are perpetually truant and disruptive and violent? We are also just one bullet or botched robbery away from dying or trauma because some "HS grad" with a 5th grade education is in and out of prison, but thank the lord he wasn't held back.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

https://enrollbasis.com/about-basis-charter-schools/awards-and-rankings/

Objective data says they thrive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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.

White savior complex has entered the discussion. They seem to do fine in 40 or so other places. Or do you think UMC white folks from CH are just more special here?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

There you go again with false choices. You frame the issue in such a way as to prevent honest discussion of issues. You immediately flee to your corner with: 15 year olds in K!!! Warehousing kids!!!

You spend a lot of time on these topics and yet seem woefully disinterested in solving the problems. You favor bumper stickers and talking points. Why are trade schools not a better option than social promotion? Why can't we consider the deleterious impact of these precious few on the larger population or kids? Why must you conflate special needs with disruptive a-holes who are perpetually truant and disruptive and violent? We are also just one bullet or botched robbery away from dying or trauma because some "HS grad" with a 5th grade education is in and out of prison, but thank the lord he wasn't held back.

Because trade schools aren't appropriate for elementary age. And because all children have the right to a real education, not "trade school". "Holding back" kids does not actually address their needs and makes them far more likely to drop out, that is why I don't support it. If a student is disruptive, they should be diagnosed with whatever is applicable and receive services for that. Sometimes that means a different school placement, but students have the right to the least restrictive environment. Even if you don't like it, it's the law. So what you're proposing is that BASIS not follow IDEA. Right? It seems like you wish these children would just disappear.

I don't care if you call me names, but to say things like that about children is really tasteless. Adolescents are truant, disruptive, and violent for reasons-- because of special needs, life circumstances, or traumatic experiences. If you don't see the connection, that's unfortunate, because it's real. Those things can be addressed and helped, it takes time and doesn't work perfectly but it's worth it and pays off in the long run. I believe all children should have their needs met and a peaceful learning environment, and I'm sorry to hear you don't believe that is possible at BASIS. Perhaps the staff at BASIS is not doing a good job?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

https://enrollbasis.com/about-basis-charter-schools/awards-and-rankings/

Objective data says they thrive.

Oh please, let's definitely compare private and selective admissions schools as if they're pure lottery in a high-needs area.

[Anonymous]

I would have preferred that they start in 6th, so my kids could have finished up at their elementary, but I understand that starting at 5th is helpful to help kids at sub-par elementaries. This seems like the logical progression, but I am very curious as how it would integrate with the MS. Ideally, they'd have more space in MS so that people like us could still go to our neighborhood elementary, but it seems more likely that they'd fill a lot (all?) of the MS spaces with kids from the elementary.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Will they be doing all grades at once, or building up from K?

Asking because I'm wondering about sibling preference for kids who have siblings in the high school. Are we going to be able to get in, or are we SOL?

The application has not yet been filed yet, but I can't imagine they'd want to go k-4 all at once. BASIS 5th grade year is a lot about building executive function and indoctrinating the kids into an academics and success first mindset. I imagine they'd want to build that from the ground up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would have preferred that they start in 6th, so my kids could have finished up at their elementary, but I understand that starting at 5th is helpful to help kids at sub-par elementaries. This seems like the logical progression, but I am very curious as how it would integrate with the MS. Ideally, they'd have more space in MS so that people like us could still go to our neighborhood elementary, but it seems more likely that they'd fill a lot (all?) of the MS spaces with kids from the elementary.

My thought is that BASIS DGAF about people like you, it isn't their problem, they don't care how it meshes with DCPS, and you're about to lose your spot at BASIS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

https://enrollbasis.com/about-basis-charter-schools/awards-and-rankings/

Objective data says they thrive.

Oh please, let's definitely compare private and selective admissions schools as if they're pure lottery in a high-needs area.

What are you talking about? All BASIS schools are free and lottery. The rankings I pointed to are for BASIS schools. Stop typing; you look more foolish evert time you "contribute".

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

https://enrollbasis.com/about-basis-charter-schools/awards-and-rankings/

Objective data says they thrive.

Oh please, let's definitely compare private and selective admissions schools as if they're pure lottery in a high-needs area.

What are you talking about? All BASIS schools are free and lottery. The rankings I pointed to are for BASIS schools. Stop typing; you look more foolish evert time you "contribute".

LOLOL. "All BASIS schools", so BASIS Independent McLean is free and lottery?

The assertion is that BASIS achieves its "success" by pushing out students with special needs, and by sometimes choosing locations in higher-income areas. And by refusing new kids after 5th, which makes it inaccurate to compare with schools like DCPS that have to take new kids at all times of year and in all grades-- other schools have to take more new arrivals because BASIS is shirking.

Perhaps you can explain why BASIS DC ranks so low compared to other BASIS locations. Is BASIS not sending its best?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

https://enrollbasis.com/about-basis-charter-schools/awards-and-rankings/

Objective data says they thrive.

Oh please, let's definitely compare private and selective admissions schools as if they're pure lottery in a high-needs area.

What are you talking about? All BASIS schools are free and lottery. The rankings I pointed to are for BASIS schools. Stop typing; you look more foolish evert time you "contribute".

You are 100% wrong and look really foolish because of your tone in this post. Even in the DMV, Basis McLean is a private school. Basis Brooklyn is a private school. In almost all BASIS locations, students have to pass a placement test (post-lottery) to be placed in a grade and, if a student doesn't pass, their admission is contingent on being willing to repeat the prior grade. You have ABSOLUTELY no idea what you're talking about.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

There you go again with false choices. You frame the issue in such a way as to prevent honest discussion of issues. You immediately flee to your corner with: 15 year olds in K!!! Warehousing kids!!!

You spend a lot of time on these topics and yet seem woefully disinterested in solving the problems. You favor bumper stickers and talking points. Why are trade schools not a better option than social promotion? Why can't we consider the deleterious impact of these precious few on the larger population or kids? Why must you conflate special needs with disruptive a-holes who are perpetually truant and disruptive and violent? We are also just one bullet or botched robbery away from dying or trauma because some "HS grad" with a 5th grade education is in and out of prison, but thank the lord he wasn't held back.

Because trade schools aren't appropriate for elementary age. And because all children have the right to a real education, not "trade school". "Holding back" kids does not actually address their needs and makes them far more likely to drop out, that is why I don't support it. If a student is disruptive, they should be diagnosed with whatever is applicable and receive services for that. Sometimes that means a different school placement, but students have the right to the least restrictive environment. Even if you don't like it, it's the law. So what you're proposing is that BASIS not follow IDEA. Right? It seems like you wish these children would just disappear.

I don't care if you call me names, but to say things like that about children is really tasteless. Adolescents are truant, disruptive, and violent for reasons-- because of special needs, life circumstances, or traumatic experiences. If you don't see the connection, that's unfortunate, because it's real. Those things can be addressed and helped, it takes time and doesn't work perfectly but it's worth it and pays off in the long run. I believe all children should have their needs met and a peaceful learning environment, and I'm sorry to hear you don't believe that is possible at BASIS. Perhaps the staff at BASIS is not doing a good job?

I think some of them are this way because people like you have created an environment where there is no accountability. You make excuses for everything. A kid is violent, let's not blame the kid. Let's not blame the parents. You spend more time worrying about the violent, truant ill-mannered kids than the ones they victimize. Of course, when a kids witnesses violence in the classroom from one of these kids, we've now got 35 more kids who witnesed violence. I bet you are a big proponent of restorative justice.

P.S. You talk a lot about IDEA and BASIS violating it. The people who enforce it don't think they do. If you want to be an expert, know what the heck you are talking about.