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

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m also concerned with attracting and retaining teachers for the ES. 2-4 grades can be tough from a classroom management standpoint and charters typically pay less and have less resources making it tough to retain. We have seen the impact that has had at other charter ES in the target area (TR and MV). Would hate to see a downward spiral for BASIS knowing that teacher retention is already a concern for the HS.

2nd grade teachers and HS teachers are not the same pool. These two things have nothing to do with each other. The "low pay" boogeyman doesn't play here; BASIS is matching DCPS scale. As has been explained, TR and MV are inapt analogies since they duplicated existing schools as matters of first impression. BASIS proposed to add K-4, something they have done across the country.

Other than that, you nailed it!

I am aware that they will be matching DCPS salaries, which is fantastic, I’m just waiting to see what resources they will have to scale back on and how much more families will have to contribute in fundraising. I understand that BASIS has K-4 in other states but I worry that they underestimate the dynamics in DC. While TR and MV differ from BASIS in their manner of expansion, they are still ES charters and at least from what is posted on DCUM, classroom management and retaining teachers in upper ES at several charters has been a challenge. I don’t see how this would not also be a challenge for BASIS ES. As we even see at the MS level (and likely even at other BASIS location) not every kid is a good fit for the BASIS model. Since acceptance is based on the lottery there will definitely be kids that won’t respond well in a more rigorous and structured classroom and will cause disruptions in class. Hopefully they will at least have dedicated aides for every upper ES classroom to assist the lead teachers so there are 2 teachers in the class at all times. There does not appear to be a surplus of qualified ES school teachers in the area so unless they will be filling the school with teachers from the other locations, staffing may still be a challenge. I hope my concerns are unfounded though, because I support school choice.

BASIS has the lowest percentage of students at-risk, the lowest percentage of students with disabilities and the lowest percentage of African American students of any charter high school operating in the District and the BASIS middle school is in the lowest three or four charters in each of those categories. They are serving a very distinct population. One can assume that there will be a similar self-selection among elementary families for those who are choosing BASIS elementary. Every kid won't be a good fit but shouldn't families be the judge of that?

Wow, is it an assumption or intention that the BASIS ES will not serve these populations. UMC white families have other options so I don’t see a demonstrated need for another public charter school that caters to the privileged class. This also alludes to BASIS DC doing well based on demographics rather than the actual curriculum. I most definitely want my kids in classrooms with other high performers and I was optimistic that the BASIS ES would help bring in some more socioeconomic and racial diversity by giving families the opportunity to lay the educational foundation sooner so they don’t self-select out of MS due to concerns of being behind. For those families that will be making the decision for their 4 or 5 year olds to start K, they have ideas for the level of rigor they would like for their child but no actual idea how their child will actually perform in the BASIS environment. We also haven’t had any families with experience at BASIS ES so how can they truly know what it will be like since the ES is different from the MS and HS.

Yes but is there a need for a school that caters to academically gifted students with parents motivated/prepared to support those students?

For BASIS ES to work the way you dream, perhaps they use the equitable access preference to ensure they have the average city-wide at-risk percentage of 50% at the proposed school. That would show that the BASIS ES model works to prepare all children well as long as they start early enough.

We already have BASIS MS that caters to the academically gifted with parents motivated/prepared to support. This past year’s 90s club % along with the overall average needed to make Honor Roll indicate the ESs these students are coming from are doing a good job preparing these students for success. The 2023 PCSB charter application guidelines talk about equity and inclusiveness being factors that will be evaluated during the review process. If the BASIS ES has to commit to a more diverse student body that more closely resembles the city, the concern is that they will encounter similar challenges that the other charters that were once highly regarded faced.

Their 2016 application got shot down because of equity and SPED issues… so they wait 7 years & then go public with a plan to locate near Capitol Hill? They seem to not understand DC politics very well.

[Anonymous]

The DCPS elementary schools in that area have class sizes nowhere near 30.

[Anonymous]

They are going to ruin BASIS with this. What a waste.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m also concerned with attracting and retaining teachers for the ES. 2-4 grades can be tough from a classroom management standpoint and charters typically pay less and have less resources making it tough to retain. We have seen the impact that has had at other charter ES in the target area (TR and MV). Would hate to see a downward spiral for BASIS knowing that teacher retention is already a concern for the HS.

2nd grade teachers and HS teachers are not the same pool. These two things have nothing to do with each other. The "low pay" boogeyman doesn't play here; BASIS is matching DCPS scale. As has been explained, TR and MV are inapt analogies since they duplicated existing schools as matters of first impression. BASIS proposed to add K-4, something they have done across the country.

Other than that, you nailed it!

I am aware that they will be matching DCPS salaries, which is fantastic, I’m just waiting to see what resources they will have to scale back on and how much more families will have to contribute in fundraising. I understand that BASIS has K-4 in other states but I worry that they underestimate the dynamics in DC. While TR and MV differ from BASIS in their manner of expansion, they are still ES charters and at least from what is posted on DCUM, classroom management and retaining teachers in upper ES at several charters has been a challenge. I don’t see how this would not also be a challenge for BASIS ES. As we even see at the MS level (and likely even at other BASIS location) not every kid is a good fit for the BASIS model. Since acceptance is based on the lottery there will definitely be kids that won’t respond well in a more rigorous and structured classroom and will cause disruptions in class. Hopefully they will at least have dedicated aides for every upper ES classroom to assist the lead teachers so there are 2 teachers in the class at all times. There does not appear to be a surplus of qualified ES school teachers in the area so unless they will be filling the school with teachers from the other locations, staffing may still be a challenge. I hope my concerns are unfounded though, because I support school choice.

BASIS has the lowest percentage of students at-risk, the lowest percentage of students with disabilities and the lowest percentage of African American students of any charter high school operating in the District and the BASIS middle school is in the lowest three or four charters in each of those categories. They are serving a very distinct population. One can assume that there will be a similar self-selection among elementary families for those who are choosing BASIS elementary. Every kid won't be a good fit but shouldn't families be the judge of that?

Wow, is it an assumption or intention that the BASIS ES will not serve these populations. UMC white families have other options so I don’t see a demonstrated need for another public charter school that caters to the privileged class. This also alludes to BASIS DC doing well based on demographics rather than the actual curriculum. I most definitely want my kids in classrooms with other high performers and I was optimistic that the BASIS ES would help bring in some more socioeconomic and racial diversity by giving families the opportunity to lay the educational foundation sooner so they don’t self-select out of MS due to concerns of being behind. For those families that will be making the decision for their 4 or 5 year olds to start K, they have ideas for the level of rigor they would like for their child but no actual idea how their child will actually perform in the BASIS environment. We also haven’t had any families with experience at BASIS ES so how can they truly know what it will be like since the ES is different from the MS and HS.

Yes but is there a need for a school that caters to academically gifted students with parents motivated/prepared to support those students?

For BASIS ES to work the way you dream, perhaps they use the equitable access preference to ensure they have the average city-wide at-risk percentage of 50% at the proposed school. That would show that the BASIS ES model works to prepare all children well as long as they start early enough.

We already have BASIS MS that caters to the academically gifted with parents motivated/prepared to support. This past year’s 90s club % along with the overall average needed to make Honor Roll indicate the ESs these students are coming from are doing a good job preparing these students for success. The 2023 PCSB charter application guidelines talk about equity and inclusiveness being factors that will be evaluated during the review process. If the BASIS ES has to commit to a more diverse student body that more closely resembles the city, the concern is that they will encounter similar challenges that the other charters that were once highly regarded faced.

Yes but if you believe that the BASIS ES model works because getting kids into a rigorous program earlier ensures they are ready for a rigorous middle program -- regardless of that kid's background -- then more closely resembling the city isn't a problem. In fact, it's a huge benefit and ideal. Committing to equitable access seats allows BASIS ES (and others) to meet the priorities of the PCSB for equity and inclusiveness that are part of the guidelines for a new charter.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:According to its website https://enrollbasis.com/about-basis-charter-schools/frequently-asked-questions/ BASIS elementary grades have 2 adults per classroom with an average class size of 30.

I don't see many DCPS teachers signing up for classes averaging 30.I think it likely that many of the teachers will be recent college grads with an interest in teaching but without certification.

That’s what lots of charters get in terms of teachers, including Basis MS and HS. After a few years of experience most leave for DCPS schools or Moco.

And yet many charters are better options for DC parents than IB schools with those teachers about which you speak so highly of. As I have said a dozen times on this thread, funny how people who have access to good ES are so quick to lecture those that don't about how their choices are invalid or incorrect. If people like you with your WTU talk track had their way there'd be no YY, no BASIS, no Latin and no DCI.

PP and that was the first time I posted this on this thread and what I wrote is fact. Why you are so aggressive and defensive is beyond me. And the ES I send my kid to is one you would never send yours so just take a break from posting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m also concerned with attracting and retaining teachers for the ES. 2-4 grades can be tough from a classroom management standpoint and charters typically pay less and have less resources making it tough to retain. We have seen the impact that has had at other charter ES in the target area (TR and MV). Would hate to see a downward spiral for BASIS knowing that teacher retention is already a concern for the HS.

2nd grade teachers and HS teachers are not the same pool. These two things have nothing to do with each other. The "low pay" boogeyman doesn't play here; BASIS is matching DCPS scale. As has been explained, TR and MV are inapt analogies since they duplicated existing schools as matters of first impression. BASIS proposed to add K-4, something they have done across the country.

Other than that, you nailed it!

I am aware that they will be matching DCPS salaries, which is fantastic, I’m just waiting to see what resources they will have to scale back on and how much more families will have to contribute in fundraising. I understand that BASIS has K-4 in other states but I worry that they underestimate the dynamics in DC. While TR and MV differ from BASIS in their manner of expansion, they are still ES charters and at least from what is posted on DCUM, classroom management and retaining teachers in upper ES at several charters has been a challenge. I don’t see how this would not also be a challenge for BASIS ES. As we even see at the MS level (and likely even at other BASIS location) not every kid is a good fit for the BASIS model. Since acceptance is based on the lottery there will definitely be kids that won’t respond well in a more rigorous and structured classroom and will cause disruptions in class. Hopefully they will at least have dedicated aides for every upper ES classroom to assist the lead teachers so there are 2 teachers in the class at all times. There does not appear to be a surplus of qualified ES school teachers in the area so unless they will be filling the school with teachers from the other locations, staffing may still be a challenge. I hope my concerns are unfounded though, because I support school choice.

BASIS has the lowest percentage of students at-risk, the lowest percentage of students with disabilities and the lowest percentage of African American students of any charter high school operating in the District and the BASIS middle school is in the lowest three or four charters in each of those categories. They are serving a very distinct population. One can assume that there will be a similar self-selection among elementary families for those who are choosing BASIS elementary. Every kid won't be a good fit but shouldn't families be the judge of that?

Wow, is it an assumption or intention that the BASIS ES will not serve these populations. UMC white families have other options so I don’t see a demonstrated need for another public charter school that caters to the privileged class. This also alludes to BASIS DC doing well based on demographics rather than the actual curriculum. I most definitely want my kids in classrooms with other high performers and I was optimistic that the BASIS ES would help bring in some more socioeconomic and racial diversity by giving families the opportunity to lay the educational foundation sooner so they don’t self-select out of MS due to concerns of being behind. For those families that will be making the decision for their 4 or 5 year olds to start K, they have ideas for the level of rigor they would like for their child but no actual idea how their child will actually perform in the BASIS environment. We also haven’t had any families with experience at BASIS ES so how can they truly know what it will be like since the ES is different from the MS and HS.

Yes but is there a need for a school that caters to academically gifted students with parents motivated/prepared to support those students?

For BASIS ES to work the way you dream, perhaps they use the equitable access preference to ensure they have the average city-wide at-risk percentage of 50% at the proposed school. That would show that the BASIS ES model works to prepare all children well as long as they start early enough.

We already have BASIS MS that caters to the academically gifted with parents motivated/prepared to support. This past year’s 90s club % along with the overall average needed to make Honor Roll indicate the ESs these students are coming from are doing a good job preparing these students for success. The 2023 PCSB charter application guidelines talk about equity and inclusiveness being factors that will be evaluated during the review process. If the BASIS ES has to commit to a more diverse student body that more closely resembles the city, the concern is that they will encounter similar challenges that the other charters that were once highly regarded faced.

Yes but if you believe that the BASIS ES model works because getting kids into a rigorous program earlier ensures they are ready for a rigorous middle program -- regardless of that kid's background -- then more closely resembling the city isn't a problem. In fact, it's a huge benefit and ideal. Committing to equitable access seats allows BASIS ES (and others) to meet the priorities of the PCSB for equity and inclusiveness that are part of the guidelines for a new charter.

If BASIS wanted inclusiveness and equity it wouldn't start by locating in a high-income area.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They are going to ruin BASIS with this. What a waste.

How will it ruin BASIS?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:According to its website https://enrollbasis.com/about-basis-charter-schools/frequently-asked-questions/ BASIS elementary grades have 2 adults per classroom with an average class size of 30.

I don't see many DCPS teachers signing up for classes averaging 30.I think it likely that many of the teachers will be recent college grads with an interest in teaching but without certification.

That’s what lots of charters get in terms of teachers, including Basis MS and HS. After a few years of experience most leave for DCPS schools or Moco.

And yet many charters are better options for DC parents than IB schools with those teachers about which you speak so highly of. As I have said a dozen times on this thread, funny how people who have access to good ES are so quick to lecture those that don't about how their choices are invalid or incorrect. If people like you with your WTU talk track had their way there'd be no YY, no BASIS, no Latin and no DCI.

PP and that was the first time I posted this on this thread and what I wrote is fact. Why you are so aggressive and defensive is beyond me. And the ES I send my kid to is one you would never send yours so just take a break from posting.

You have the right to send your kid to a lousy ES. It is your choice. What pisses me and others off is that you and others seem to think everyone should have to make the same choice you did. One of the reasons UMC white folks seem so happy to lecture others about how they shouldn't have options is because those UMC white folks have both the benefit of whiteness (presumed academic success) and financial options if MS and HS lotteries don't work out.

P.S. I know, I know. You are going to chime in to tell us all you are now magically a POC. It is so weird how every poster who is called out ends up being a POC!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They are going to ruin BASIS with this. What a waste.

How will it ruin BASIS?

NP. The quiet part they aren't saying out loud is that BASIS can't survive without the Brent and Maurey kids who come in 5th. These people can't contemplate a universe where Larla isn't the much in demand star. The idea that "other kinds of kids" could enter BASIS in K and be coached and supported to succeed just like their snowflake would crash their entire world view.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They are going to ruin BASIS with this. What a waste.

How will it ruin BASIS?

NP. The quiet part they aren't saying out loud is that BASIS can't survive without the Brent and Maurey kids who come in 5th. These people can't contemplate a universe where Larla isn't the much in demand star. The idea that "other kinds of kids" could enter BASIS in K and be coached and supported to succeed just like their snowflake would crash their entire world view.

Unrelated PP. Maybe it's this precise unrealistic expectation bordering on magical thinking that could destroy a model that works now. There obviously are limits to the resources that any one school can devote to individual coaching. If the proportion of kids needing that coaching tips betond available resources, everybody loses.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They are going to ruin BASIS with this. What a waste.

How will it ruin BASIS?

NP. The quiet part they aren't saying out loud is that BASIS can't survive without the Brent and Maurey kids who come in 5th. These people can't contemplate a universe where Larla isn't the much in demand star. The idea that "other kinds of kids" could enter BASIS in K and be coached and supported to succeed just like their snowflake would crash their entire world view.

Unrelated PP. Maybe it's this precise unrealistic expectation bordering on magical thinking that could destroy a model that works now. There obviously are limits to the resources that any one school can devote to individual coaching. If the proportion of kids needing that coaching tips betond available resources, everybody loses.

If BASIS elementary can't prepare kids to do well at BASIS middle and high school, maybe BASIS elementary isn't a very good school.

As to "resources", the UPSFF provides additional funding for students with IEPs. Other schools manage to handle it, so why couldn't BASIS?

It feels like y'all just want a school without low-income kids and kids with special needs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They are going to ruin BASIS with this. What a waste.

How will it ruin BASIS?

NP. The quiet part they aren't saying out loud is that BASIS can't survive without the Brent and Maurey kids who come in 5th. These people can't contemplate a universe where Larla isn't the much in demand star. The idea that "other kinds of kids" could enter BASIS in K and be coached and supported to succeed just like their snowflake would crash their entire world view.

Unrelated PP. Maybe it's this precise unrealistic expectation bordering on magical thinking that could destroy a model that works now. There obviously are limits to the resources that any one school can devote to individual coaching. If the proportion of kids needing that coaching tips betond available resources, everybody loses.

The concern is that the current demographics of the school largely contribute to the success of the model. It’s yet to be determined what a change in demographics would have on the success of the model. From what we have seen at other charters, we know that all it takes is for 1 or 2 kids without adequate support to cause disruption in the class at a level that learning and safety is impacted. This in turn leads to attrition of high performing students and teachers. At my kids’ prior schools, many of these kids did not get IEPs until 2nd grade and the schools did not provide much support for those kids until those IEPs were in place.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They are going to ruin BASIS with this. What a waste.

How will it ruin BASIS?

NP. The quiet part they aren't saying out loud is that BASIS can't survive without the Brent and Maurey kids who come in 5th. These people can't contemplate a universe where Larla isn't the much in demand star. The idea that "other kinds of kids" could enter BASIS in K and be coached and supported to succeed just like their snowflake would crash their entire world view.

Unrelated PP. Maybe it's this precise unrealistic expectation bordering on magical thinking that could destroy a model that works now. There obviously are limits to the resources that any one school can devote to individual coaching. If the proportion of kids needing that coaching tips betond available resources, everybody loses.

The concern is that the current demographics of the school largely contribute to the success of the model. It’s yet to be determined what a change in demographics would have on the success of the model. From what we have seen at other charters, we know that all it takes is for 1 or 2 kids without adequate support to cause disruption in the class at a level that learning and safety is impacted. This in turn leads to attrition of high performing students and teachers. At my kids’ prior schools, many of these kids did not get IEPs until 2nd grade and the schools did not provide much support for those kids until those IEPs were in place.

Ooh, you said the quiet part loud! BASIS can only do well if it doesn't have to do what other schools do-- serve low-income kids and kids with special needs. Right?

Wouldn't BASIS elementary just make them repeat grades until they leave "voluntarily"?

[Anonymous]

I think the main question is how will BASIS get through the PCSB application process without saying the quiet part loud.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They are going to ruin BASIS with this. What a waste.

How will it ruin BASIS?

NP. The quiet part they aren't saying out loud is that BASIS can't survive without the Brent and Maurey kids who come in 5th. These people can't contemplate a universe where Larla isn't the much in demand star. The idea that "other kinds of kids" could enter BASIS in K and be coached and supported to succeed just like their snowflake would crash their entire world view.

Unrelated PP. Maybe it's this precise unrealistic expectation bordering on magical thinking that could destroy a model that works now. There obviously are limits to the resources that any one school can devote to individual coaching. If the proportion of kids needing that coaching tips betond available resources, everybody loses.

The concern is that the current demographics of the school largely contribute to the success of the model. It’s yet to be determined what a change in demographics would have on the success of the model. From what we have seen at other charters, we know that all it takes is for 1 or 2 kids without adequate support to cause disruption in the class at a level that learning and safety is impacted. This in turn leads to attrition of high performing students and teachers. At my kids’ prior schools, many of these kids did not get IEPs until 2nd grade and the schools did not provide much support for those kids until those IEPs were in place.

But BASIS is a super good school with great teachers, so it will handle it well, riiiiiight? And BASIS complies with all applicable laws re special needs, so they'll get an IEP and support, riiiiiiight?

Listen to yourself! The argument "Allowing us to operate an elementary school would wreck our middle school" does not make BASIS look good.