PARCC Scores for Charters

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We went with a language immersion charter for 2 main reasons: (1) our IB school is terrible and we didn't want to move; and (2) language immersion. I do wish the PARCC scores were better, but I am not overly concerned about them at this point. I am not a fan of "teaching to the test" and while it may have a time and a place, it's not something I'd like for my child if given the choice. Having said all of this, if it turns out that our charter isn't a good fit for my child or we start to have concerns, we will reevaluate.

I don't think you can explain the PARCC score differences by claiming certain schools are "teaching to the test." The test measures basic proficiency levels in reading/english and math. Yes, you can teach good test taking skills, but if a majority of the students are doing poorly I would question the schools approach and academics. And to another PP point, if all I wanted my child to learn was what I could teach him at home then he'd be home schooled.

How do we know which school are teaching to the test? I haven't heard DC talking about tests. I'd explain the difference with high SES. We are farm in high SES school. DC was better than 75% of kids in his grade level. He is very involved in class (had PT meeting today), says he does his homework, but I can't be sure.
I really don't believe they teach to the test. They have high SES kids who pay attention and will remember anything teacher explain them. Teacher teaches the content and can go beyond what dcps requires. The kids will remember what was taught and do well on Parcc. Most are moving at the same pace, not too many need help. That's not teaching to the test. That's teaching the curriculum and kids paying attention.
I truly believe DC wouldn't be doing as well in schools with lower Pracc scores. Peer group is important.
DC is an average kid from low SES family. We do nothing extra at home-none. He has done well on his Parcc in both years, all 5s. It can't be a hard test.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We went with a language immersion charter for 2 main reasons: (1) our IB school is terrible and we didn't want to move; and (2) language immersion. I do wish the PARCC scores were better, but I am not overly concerned about them at this point. I am not a fan of "teaching to the test" and while it may have a time and a place, it's not something I'd like for my child if given the choice. Having said all of this, if it turns out that our charter isn't a good fit for my child or we start to have concerns, we will reevaluate.

I don't think you can explain the PARCC score differences by claiming certain schools are "teaching to the test." The test measures basic proficiency levels in reading/english and math. Yes, you can teach good test taking skills, but if a majority of the students are doing poorly I would question the schools approach and academics. And to another PP point, if all I wanted my child to learn was what I could teach him at home then he'd be home schooled.

This is not true - you can absolutely explain some PARCC score differences by schools teaching to the test. Look at the test material and at the day to day experiences in those schools - time devoted to science and social studies and topics not tested, time spent doing practice tests, time talking about test-taking strategies, and more - and see for yourself.

I'm not totally sure about this. Based on my LIMITED experience, the DCPS we looked at is a year ahead of the HRCS in terms of teaching literacy and math, so there are real curriculum differences. I don't think that's "teaching to the test," but rather a focus on reading and math as the #1 priorities, starting in PK3. I also don't think the test-taking strategies stuff takes all that long, but may make a big difference if it's neglected. I imagine that the HRCS are going to start the test-taking skill work this year, so we should see if that has any impact soon.

[Anonymous]

I've always wondered about this notion that schools like KIPP that I guess have higher test scores that some of the HRCS (not sure about this as I haven't looked into it myself) must be teaching to the test. Yet, the DCPS schools in NW all have phenomenal test scores that far surpass both the HRCS and the DCPS schools on the Hill etc. I have never heard them be accused of teaching to the test.

[Anonymous]

OP, please also read the MANY other threads on here that parse this issue AD NAUSEUM. Usually turning it into a fight about race, demographics, and so forth.

[Anonymous]

No worries everyone - the DCPCSB is going to release its new Tier ratings on 11/8.

So we will have something new to fight about in just 48 hours.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:because those scores are higher than many if not most of the in-boundary public schools for the students who are attending the listed schools.

Yes.

PARCC Scores for my IB

PK3-8 16%/23%

PARCC Scores for my kids' charter

Elementary 52%/38%
MS 60%/59%

It's not that complicated. It comes down to choosing what's best for your kid among the available options. Sure, the scores at the listed schools aren't great, but compared to available options for most applicants, they are better. OP, are you trying to make a different point that I'm missing?

I guess you could be trying to say that there are other options with higher PARCC scores that don't seem as popular, is that it?

OP here. I was actually just trying to figure out why parents choose and revere charters when the PARCC scores don't indicate the students are achieving basic proficiencies -- which to me (since the students taking the tests have been there a few years) indicates a potential issue with the academics there/ the school's teaching methods. I understand that for parents wanting to stay in their current neighborhood, who aren't interested in or can't afford private school, they don't have another option. For us, staying in our neighborhood isn't that important, so we're considering a move elsewhere.

I really wanted a charter to work, but I base my decisions on fact-based information (like test scores) and my gut feel at school visits. I'm going to go to the open houses to get a better feel for the schools, but if most of the students aren't meeting basic proficiencies I don't think I'll end up sending my kids there. One less name dropped in the lottery... I'm sure no one will miss us.

PUBLIC charter schools. Let me repeat that: PUBLIC. They take all comers who apply via the lottery. Perhaps you are aware that DC is a diverse city? And not all kids come from stable homes. Or received ECE. Or are read to at home. Or even live in homes where a parent/guardian can read or do math to an 8th grade level. Or is as concerned about school tests as, say, finding a meal or surviving another day. You are confusing a PCS with a private school in NW. Not the same thing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:because those scores are higher than many if not most of the in-boundary public schools for the students who are attending the listed schools.

Yes.

PARCC Scores for my IB

PK3-8 16%/23%

PARCC Scores for my kids' charter

Elementary 52%/38%
MS 60%/59%

It's not that complicated. It comes down to choosing what's best for your kid among the available options. Sure, the scores at the listed schools aren't great, but compared to available options for most applicants, they are better. OP, are you trying to make a different point that I'm missing?

I guess you could be trying to say that there are other options with higher PARCC scores that don't seem as popular, is that it?

OP here. I was actually just trying to figure out why parents choose and revere charters when the PARCC scores don't indicate the students are achieving basic proficiencies -- which to me (since the students taking the tests have been there a few years) indicates a potential issue with the academics there/ the school's teaching methods. I understand that for parents wanting to stay in their current neighborhood, who aren't interested in or can't afford private school, they don't have another option. For us, staying in our neighborhood isn't that important, so we're considering a move elsewhere.

I really wanted a charter to work, but I base my decisions on fact-based information (like test scores) and my gut feel at school visits. I'm going to go to the open houses to get a better feel for the schools, but if most of the students aren't meeting basic proficiencies I don't think I'll end up sending my kids there. One less name dropped in the lottery... I'm sure no one will miss us.

PUBLIC charter schools. Let me repeat that: PUBLIC. They take all comers who apply via the lottery. Perhaps you are aware that DC is a diverse city? And not all kids come from stable homes. Or received ECE. Or are read to at home. Or even live in homes where a parent/guardian can read or do math to an 8th grade level. Or is as concerned about school tests as, say, finding a meal or surviving another day. You are confusing a PCS with a private school in NW. Not the same thing.

Oh please. OP is referring to the HRCSs. How many of them have notable populations as described above? And the scores still stink at many of them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:



OP here. I was actually just trying to figure out why parents choose and revere charters when the PARCC scores don't indicate the students are achieving basic proficiencies -- which to me (since the students taking the tests have been there a few years) indicates a potential issue with the academics there/ the school's teaching methods. I understand that for parents wanting to stay in their current neighborhood, who aren't interested in or can't afford private school, they don't have another option. For us, staying in our neighborhood isn't that important, so we're considering a move elsewhere.

I really wanted a charter to work, but I base my decisions on fact-based information (like test scores) and my gut feel at school visits. I'm going to go to the open houses to get a better feel for the schools, but if most of the students aren't meeting basic proficiencies I don't think I'll end up sending my kids there. One less name dropped in the lottery... I'm sure no one will miss us.

PUBLIC charter schools. Let me repeat that: PUBLIC. They take all comers who apply via the lottery. Perhaps you are aware that DC is a diverse city? And not all kids come from stable homes. Or received ECE. Or are read to at home. Or even live in homes where a parent/guardian can read or do math to an 8th grade level. Or is as concerned about school tests as, say, finding a meal or surviving another day. You are confusing a PCS with a private school in NW. Not the same thing.

Oh please. OP is referring to the HRCSs. How many of them have notable populations as described above? And the scores still stink at many of them.

OP cited 4 schools and subsequently dubbed them HRCs.

The demographics of those 4 schools, with 'lousy' scores are:

CMI
Spec Needs 29.5%
Econ Disadvantaged 22.8%
ELL 5.5%

Inspired Teaching
Spec Needs 13.9%
Econ Disadvantaged 20.4%
ELL 3.3%

EL Haynes Elementary
Spec Needs 15.6%
Econ Disadvantaged 66.7%
ELL 28.5%

Mundo Verde
Spec Needs 8.4%
Econ Disadvantaged 13.4%
ELL 35.3%

[Anonymous]

Outside of EL Haynes, those are not high Economically Disadvantaged Rates, in fact they are lower than the many schools in the suburbs. 13% in particular does not indicate most of the students are too busy wondering when they'll get their next meal to focus on academics.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Outside of EL Haynes, those are not high Economically Disadvantaged Rates, in fact they are lower than the many schools in the suburbs. 13% in particular does not indicate most of the students are too busy wondering when they'll get their next meal to focus on academics.

True - they aren't hungry, but 1/3 don't know English when they start school.

The point, for OP if she's still around, is that test scores don't tell the whole story.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Outside of EL Haynes, those are not high Economically Disadvantaged Rates, in fact they are lower than the many schools in the suburbs. 13% in particular does not indicate most of the students are too busy wondering when they'll get their next meal to focus on academics.

And the suburban PARCC scores aren't any better than theirs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Outside of EL Haynes, those are not high Economically Disadvantaged Rates, in fact they are lower than the many schools in the suburbs. 13% in particular does not indicate most of the students are too busy wondering when they'll get their next meal to focus on academics.

And the suburban PARCC scores aren't any better than theirs.

Really? There are poorer schools in DC with better PARCC scores

[Anonymous]

This is what you all need: http://www.empowerk12.org/2017-dc-parcc-dashboard.html

Slice and dice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:



OP here. I was actually just trying to figure out why parents choose and revere charters when the PARCC scores don't indicate the students are achieving basic proficiencies -- which to me (since the students taking the tests have been there a few years) indicates a potential issue with the academics there/ the school's teaching methods. I understand that for parents wanting to stay in their current neighborhood, who aren't interested in or can't afford private school, they don't have another option. For us, staying in our neighborhood isn't that important, so we're considering a move elsewhere.

I really wanted a charter to work, but I base my decisions on fact-based information (like test scores) and my gut feel at school visits. I'm going to go to the open houses to get a better feel for the schools, but if most of the students aren't meeting basic proficiencies I don't think I'll end up sending my kids there. One less name dropped in the lottery... I'm sure no one will miss us.

PUBLIC charter schools. Let me repeat that: PUBLIC. They take all comers who apply via the lottery. Perhaps you are aware that DC is a diverse city? And not all kids come from stable homes. Or received ECE. Or are read to at home. Or even live in homes where a parent/guardian can read or do math to an 8th grade level. Or is as concerned about school tests as, say, finding a meal or surviving another day. You are confusing a PCS with a private school in NW. Not the same thing.

Oh please. OP is referring to the HRCSs. How many of them have notable populations as described above? And the scores still stink at many of them.

OP cited 4 schools and subsequently dubbed them HRCs.

The demographics of those 4 schools, with 'lousy' scores are:

CMI
Spec Needs 29.5%
Econ Disadvantaged 22.8%
ELL 5.5%

Inspired Teaching
Spec Needs 13.9%
Econ Disadvantaged 20.4%
ELL 3.3%

EL Haynes Elementary
Spec Needs 15.6%
Econ Disadvantaged 66.7%
ELL 28.5%

Mundo Verde
Spec Needs 8.4%
Econ Disadvantaged 13.4%
ELL 35.3%

Two Rivers
Spec Ed 22.4
Econ Disad 50.8
At Risk 24.9
Ell 3.6

And that school has been Tier 1 since the beginning of time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No worries everyone - the DCPCSB is going to release its new Tier ratings on 11/8.

So we will have something new to fight about in just 48 hours.

So did this happen? Anyone know?