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

[Anonymous]

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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.

Actually I really dislike restorative justice, I find it ineffective and it consumes an enormous amount of instructional time if implemented to the model.

My question is whether BASIS' retention policy would violate IDEA if implemented at the elementary level. I honestly don't know the answer. But a lack of enforcement doesn't mean it's actually compliant, it just means the school is getting away with it.

Congratulations, you have entered election denial territory. Just because objective third parties can't find fraud/IDEA violations doesn't mean they don't exist.

[Anonymous]

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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".

Ha ha! So quintessentially DCUM. An obnoxious post calling out someone for being wrong while actually being totally wrong themselves!

Come back PP. Let us learn from your infinite wisdom! Tell me how I send my kid to Basis McLean for free!

Times like there I REALLY wish you had to sign your posts. BASIS McLean is not a BASIS Charter school. It is a BASIS Independent School. The former are free and lottery, the latter are for profit and charge tuition. If this concept is too hard for you I will help you out.

Charter Schools (free): https://enrollbasis.com/?src=logo
Independent Schools (tuition): https://basisindependent.com/about/

Your original post didn't say all Basis charter schools are charter schools. It said all BASIS schools are free. False. Come on now. Stop looking like an idiot.

The post to which you refer linked to a ranking of BASIS Charter schools in response to someone (you?) saying how do we know they are good. You seem like a small man.

[Anonymous]

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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.

You have conflated the BASIS charter schools with the private for profit BASIS Independent Schools (McLean). The schools on the list I linked to are the charter schools. THEY ARE NOT PRIVATE. Which is why when you misunderstand the difference and accuse someone (incorrectly) of referencing private schools, you look like a fool.

BASIS charter schools take all comers. They absolutely to a test to place kids where they belong. They do not refuse kids based on those results, merely place them appropriately. That is not an "admissions test".

Which BASIS schools have a high proportion of at-risk kids?

Why does BASIS DC perform so much worse than other BASIS schools?

That is a fair question, because it does. Ironically, one of the reasons is because it does not have an ES. All of the other campuses start in ES. I think part of the issue is also what you see here on DCUM. We spend a lot of time in DC on performative nonsense and faux equity that the environment isn't focused on academic excellence as much as other garbage. Look at this forum as an example. Anytime anyone points to BASIS's success people chime in to try and focus on the kids is isn't educating. In DC, people score points not for building things or succeeding, but for tearing them down. I think that makes it much harder for schools to succeed.

Oh come on. You have to understand the "focus on kids it isn't educating" isn't just to tear down BASIS. It's to point out that BASIS' demographics are different from many other schools', and that it isn't meaningful to do comparisons that don't account for that. Witness how Deal and Hardy parents are not exactly beating down BASIS' door or clamoring for a BASIS in their neighborhood. That's because it isn't actually better.

What this city needs is schools that can effectively educate a low-income, high-trauma, high-special needs student body. I think it would be a waste to dedicate a building to a school that, whether they admit it or not, focuses on UMC students without special needs. That's not what we're most in need of.

This is SUCH a toxic and ignorant statement. Do you think that only white parents care about education in DC? Only white kids have the ability to succeed at Basis? That a school system can just ignore the cause of educating kids who are going to go to college?? How does that serve DC, to gut education for the kids who will go on to become DC's educated professional class (nurses, police officers, teachers)? Also I bet dollars to donuts that on other threads, you lament about "white flight." Well, what do you expect?

I do not lament "white flight". And I definitely did not say anything about the race of any student or parent.

I continue to believe that our city has many schools that are adequate for UMC children without significant special needs, especially at the elementary level. I don't see why we need another one, and I think the need for a middle and high school that can effectively educate a low-income, high-trauma, high-special needs student body is very important.

[Anonymous]

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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.

I. Don't. Care. I am sick of people like you arguing that kids like this should tear down an entire class, school and system. I think there are a whole lot more people like me who are done sitting on the sidelines watching a vocal minority argue that the majority of well meaning, hard working kids should suffer because of some liberal guilt or misplaced belief that "equity" means hurting the masses in furtherance of a few. Your failed policies predominantly hurt kids of color. They are the ones without options who are forced to attend schools with disruptive a-holes. Your interest in equity extends only as far as a bumper sticker. You are fine hurting all the other kids in those classes who want to learn in order to burnish your equity bona fides.

You (like so many others who chime in here) also present a false choice. As if the only options are social promotion or drop outs. If kids can't or won't hack it in traditional schools then there should be trade schools and non-traditional schools to divert them to. Your holy grail of social promotion through 12th grade is intellectually dishonest. Congrats, SJW! You have successfully created a system where hundreds (thousands?) of kids "graduate" from DCPS schools with 6th or 8th grade level math and and English skills and without having learned a trade. Now what? You think those kids are going to be able to get and keep jobs? You think they are going to show up and do the work at 18 because you gave them a fake diploma?

These are hard and serious issues and there are no easy solutions. People like you who dismiss alternatives and pretend like there is only one answer are part of the problem. You stifle open and honest discussion and lose sight of what and who you are actually seeking to help. Your policies are failing. All the high minded peer reviewed hogwash in the world won't change that.

It's sad that you don't care. Personally, I care about all the kids, and I also care that their rights under IDEA are observed, including the right to services and the right to the least restrictive placement. It seems you feel BASIS cannot comply with IDEA? Or that the staff at BASIS cannot maintain orderly classrooms? Sorry to hear it.

I think it telling that you didn't address any of the substantive criticisms of your "social promotions for all" and false binary outcome positioning. You fall back on bumper sticker platitudes that "personally, I care about all the kids" and try and divert this to a smaller discussion about IDEA (the details of which I could not care less about). What's your answer to socially promoting kids to a useless HS diploma with MS educations and a work ethic informed by having never had to work or be held to account? What's your answer to how your policies hurt poor kids and kids of color who don't have options to move or pay and end up with poor school environments? How does hurting all those other kids to cater to a small number of disruptive kids years behind grade level illustrate caring about "all" the kids?

When you want to have a discussion about these issues. let me know.

It doesn't matter if you care about IDEA. It's the law. BASIS has to care about it. I would like to know, and I hope the PCSB would also like to know, how BASIS plans to comply with IDEA. It's not a "smaller discussion", it's the law. It's not "catering", it's the law.

My answer would be that keeping kids with their age cohort is developmentally appropriate, and that they should receive services and intensive remediation so that they have their special needs addressed and catch up academically to the extent possible. Unfortunately this is expensive, but I believe the city should fund it because it'll pay off in the long term. Academic retention at BASIS does not address students' special needs, and is merely a way of motivating them to leave BASIS so that BASIS can claim to be "successful" and point to its good test scores, which are really achieved through demographics and attrition rather than anything particularly great about the teaching.

DP. IDEA does not forbid holding kids back. It also does not forbid failing kids out or giving them hard tests. What happens with BASIS is not that BASIS kicks kids out; it's that kids and their parents figure out the school isn't working for them. Because nobody actually wants to fail. All IDEA does is guarantee "access to the curriculum." It does not guarantee access to a particular curriculum, or that they child will not fail. I suppose if BASIS families did not self-select (insisted on staying in BASIS despite the fact that their kids cannot or will not step up academically) AND these kids legitimately had IEPs (unclear) then BASIS would have to provide some way to show the kids were learning something under the IDEA. But BASIS absolutely could still give them failing grades and retain them.

I am the poster who keeps pushing back against the person who thinks if they scream "IDEA violation!" enough times it will make people ignore they refuse to address the larger issues referenced in my replies. As I have said repeatedly, I don't know anything about IDEA (and I don't care, except to say that only the poster seems to know about the secret but unaddressed violations). That said, assuming you know what you are talking about, LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL.

[Anonymous]

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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.

You have conflated the BASIS charter schools with the private for profit BASIS Independent Schools (McLean). The schools on the list I linked to are the charter schools. THEY ARE NOT PRIVATE. Which is why when you misunderstand the difference and accuse someone (incorrectly) of referencing private schools, you look like a fool.

BASIS charter schools take all comers. They absolutely to a test to place kids where they belong. They do not refuse kids based on those results, merely place them appropriately. That is not an "admissions test".

Which BASIS schools have a high proportion of at-risk kids?

Why does BASIS DC perform so much worse than other BASIS schools?

That is a fair question, because it does. Ironically, one of the reasons is because it does not have an ES. All of the other campuses start in ES. I think part of the issue is also what you see here on DCUM. We spend a lot of time in DC on performative nonsense and faux equity that the environment isn't focused on academic excellence as much as other garbage. Look at this forum as an example. Anytime anyone points to BASIS's success people chime in to try and focus on the kids is isn't educating. In DC, people score points not for building things or succeeding, but for tearing them down. I think that makes it much harder for schools to succeed.

Oh come on. You have to understand the "focus on kids it isn't educating" isn't just to tear down BASIS. It's to point out that BASIS' demographics are different from many other schools', and that it isn't meaningful to do comparisons that don't account for that. Witness how Deal and Hardy parents are not exactly beating down BASIS' door or clamoring for a BASIS in their neighborhood. That's because it isn't actually better.

What this city needs is schools that can effectively educate a low-income, high-trauma, high-special needs student body. I think it would be a waste to dedicate a building to a school that, whether they admit it or not, focuses on UMC students without special needs. That's not what we're most in need of.

This is SUCH a toxic and ignorant statement. Do you think that only white parents care about education in DC? Only white kids have the ability to succeed at Basis? That a school system can just ignore the cause of educating kids who are going to go to college?? How does that serve DC, to gut education for the kids who will go on to become DC's educated professional class (nurses, police officers, teachers)? Also I bet dollars to donuts that on other threads, you lament about "white flight." Well, what do you expect?

I do not lament "white flight". And I definitely did not say anything about the race of any student or parent.

I continue to believe that our city has many schools that are adequate for UMC children without significant special needs, especially at the elementary level. I don't see why we need another one, and I think the need for a middle and high school that can effectively educate a low-income, high-trauma, high-special needs student body is very important.

Some jurisdictions strive to provide a world class education. You are the first person I've ever met advocating to be merely adequate.

Query: When the tax base moves out of DC because they want excellent, and not merely adequate, schools for their kids, where do you think funding is going to come from?

[Anonymous]

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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.

You have conflated the BASIS charter schools with the private for profit BASIS Independent Schools (McLean). The schools on the list I linked to are the charter schools. THEY ARE NOT PRIVATE. Which is why when you misunderstand the difference and accuse someone (incorrectly) of referencing private schools, you look like a fool.

BASIS charter schools take all comers. They absolutely to a test to place kids where they belong. They do not refuse kids based on those results, merely place them appropriately. That is not an "admissions test".

Which BASIS schools have a high proportion of at-risk kids?

Why does BASIS DC perform so much worse than other BASIS schools?

That is a fair question, because it does. Ironically, one of the reasons is because it does not have an ES. All of the other campuses start in ES. I think part of the issue is also what you see here on DCUM. We spend a lot of time in DC on performative nonsense and faux equity that the environment isn't focused on academic excellence as much as other garbage. Look at this forum as an example. Anytime anyone points to BASIS's success people chime in to try and focus on the kids is isn't educating. In DC, people score points not for building things or succeeding, but for tearing them down. I think that makes it much harder for schools to succeed.

Oh come on. You have to understand the "focus on kids it isn't educating" isn't just to tear down BASIS. It's to point out that BASIS' demographics are different from many other schools', and that it isn't meaningful to do comparisons that don't account for that. Witness how Deal and Hardy parents are not exactly beating down BASIS' door or clamoring for a BASIS in their neighborhood. That's because it isn't actually better.

What this city needs is schools that can effectively educate a low-income, high-trauma, high-special needs student body. I think it would be a waste to dedicate a building to a school that, whether they admit it or not, focuses on UMC students without special needs. That's not what we're most in need of.

This is SUCH a toxic and ignorant statement. Do you think that only white parents care about education in DC? Only white kids have the ability to succeed at Basis? That a school system can just ignore the cause of educating kids who are going to go to college?? How does that serve DC, to gut education for the kids who will go on to become DC's educated professional class (nurses, police officers, teachers)? Also I bet dollars to donuts that on other threads, you lament about "white flight." Well, what do you expect?

I do not lament "white flight". And I definitely did not say anything about the race of any student or parent.

I continue to believe that our city has many schools that are adequate for UMC children without significant special needs, especially at the elementary level. I don't see why we need another one, and I think the need for a middle and high school that can effectively educate a low-income, high-trauma, high-special needs student body is very important.

Some jurisdictions strive to provide a world class education. You are the first person I've ever met advocating to be merely adequate.

Query: When the tax base moves out of DC because they want excellent, and not merely adequate, schools for their kids, where do you think funding is going to come from?

The tax base that cares so much about that is gone already. It left in the 80s. One more elementary school isn't going to change it. It's not like the public school system is getting worse and authorizing a BASIS elementary is going to save it FFS. The school system is very slowly improving, at least at the elementary level.

I do think that DC should strive to be world-class-- but for *all* the kids. Not just the UMC kids. We have enough schools that meet their needs, it's not as high a priority in my view.

[Anonymous]

Why are we talking about “white flight”? It’s not 1975. White enrollment in DCPS doubled over the last decade.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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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.

You have conflated the BASIS charter schools with the private for profit BASIS Independent Schools (McLean). The schools on the list I linked to are the charter schools. THEY ARE NOT PRIVATE. Which is why when you misunderstand the difference and accuse someone (incorrectly) of referencing private schools, you look like a fool.

BASIS charter schools take all comers. They absolutely to a test to place kids where they belong. They do not refuse kids based on those results, merely place them appropriately. That is not an "admissions test".

Which BASIS schools have a high proportion of at-risk kids?

Why does BASIS DC perform so much worse than other BASIS schools?

That is a fair question, because it does. Ironically, one of the reasons is because it does not have an ES. All of the other campuses start in ES. I think part of the issue is also what you see here on DCUM. We spend a lot of time in DC on performative nonsense and faux equity that the environment isn't focused on academic excellence as much as other garbage. Look at this forum as an example. Anytime anyone points to BASIS's success people chime in to try and focus on the kids is isn't educating. In DC, people score points not for building things or succeeding, but for tearing them down. I think that makes it much harder for schools to succeed.

Oh come on. You have to understand the "focus on kids it isn't educating" isn't just to tear down BASIS. It's to point out that BASIS' demographics are different from many other schools', and that it isn't meaningful to do comparisons that don't account for that. Witness how Deal and Hardy parents are not exactly beating down BASIS' door or clamoring for a BASIS in their neighborhood. That's because it isn't actually better.

What this city needs is schools that can effectively educate a low-income, high-trauma, high-special needs student body. I think it would be a waste to dedicate a building to a school that, whether they admit it or not, focuses on UMC students without special needs. That's not what we're most in need of.

This is SUCH a toxic and ignorant statement. Do you think that only white parents care about education in DC? Only white kids have the ability to succeed at Basis? That a school system can just ignore the cause of educating kids who are going to go to college?? How does that serve DC, to gut education for the kids who will go on to become DC's educated professional class (nurses, police officers, teachers)? Also I bet dollars to donuts that on other threads, you lament about "white flight." Well, what do you expect?

I do not lament "white flight". And I definitely did not say anything about the race of any student or parent.

I continue to believe that our city has many schools that are adequate for UMC children without significant special needs, especially at the elementary level. I don't see why we need another one, and I think the need for a middle and high school that can effectively educate a low-income, high-trauma, high-special needs student body is very important.

Some jurisdictions strive to provide a world class education. You are the first person I've ever met advocating to be merely adequate.

Query: When the tax base moves out of DC because they want excellent, and not merely adequate, schools for their kids, where do you think funding is going to come from?

Yes, ones where the average home price is over $1M, multifamily housing is banned & property taxes are $20k/year on a rambler.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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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.

You have conflated the BASIS charter schools with the private for profit BASIS Independent Schools (McLean). The schools on the list I linked to are the charter schools. THEY ARE NOT PRIVATE. Which is why when you misunderstand the difference and accuse someone (incorrectly) of referencing private schools, you look like a fool.

BASIS charter schools take all comers. They absolutely to a test to place kids where they belong. They do not refuse kids based on those results, merely place them appropriately. That is not an "admissions test".

Which BASIS schools have a high proportion of at-risk kids?

Why does BASIS DC perform so much worse than other BASIS schools?

That is a fair question, because it does. Ironically, one of the reasons is because it does not have an ES. All of the other campuses start in ES. I think part of the issue is also what you see here on DCUM. We spend a lot of time in DC on performative nonsense and faux equity that the environment isn't focused on academic excellence as much as other garbage. Look at this forum as an example. Anytime anyone points to BASIS's success people chime in to try and focus on the kids is isn't educating. In DC, people score points not for building things or succeeding, but for tearing them down. I think that makes it much harder for schools to succeed.

Oh come on. You have to understand the "focus on kids it isn't educating" isn't just to tear down BASIS. It's to point out that BASIS' demographics are different from many other schools', and that it isn't meaningful to do comparisons that don't account for that. Witness how Deal and Hardy parents are not exactly beating down BASIS' door or clamoring for a BASIS in their neighborhood. That's because it isn't actually better.

What this city needs is schools that can effectively educate a low-income, high-trauma, high-special needs student body. I think it would be a waste to dedicate a building to a school that, whether they admit it or not, focuses on UMC students without special needs. That's not what we're most in need of.

This is SUCH a toxic and ignorant statement. Do you think that only white parents care about education in DC? Only white kids have the ability to succeed at Basis? That a school system can just ignore the cause of educating kids who are going to go to college?? How does that serve DC, to gut education for the kids who will go on to become DC's educated professional class (nurses, police officers, teachers)? Also I bet dollars to donuts that on other threads, you lament about "white flight." Well, what do you expect?

I do not lament "white flight". And I definitely did not say anything about the race of any student or parent.

I continue to believe that our city has many schools that are adequate for UMC children without significant special needs, especially at the elementary level. I don't see why we need another one, and I think the need for a middle and high school that can effectively educate a low-income, high-trauma, high-special needs student body is very important.

Some jurisdictions strive to provide a world class education. You are the first person I've ever met advocating to be merely adequate.

Query: When the tax base moves out of DC because they want excellent, and not merely adequate, schools for their kids, where do you think funding is going to come from?

The tax base that cares so much about that is gone already. It left in the 80s. One more elementary school isn't going to change it. It's not like the public school system is getting worse and authorizing a BASIS elementary is going to save it FFS. The school system is very slowly improving, at least at the elementary level.

I do think that DC should strive to be world-class-- but for *all* the kids. Not just the UMC kids. We have enough schools that meet their needs, it's not as high a priority in my view.

You are ignorant of "facts". DC's population has exploded. Enrollments are way up. Tax base has steadily increased. What you are proposing is regressive as against the trend lines, and it will lead to population and decline in tax base.

[Anonymous]

The linked charter school rankings make it incredibly clear how much of an outlier Basis DC is from other Basis charter schools in a bad way.

How would anyone look at that list and not think PPs are correct that the admission/placement test plays a huge role in other jurisdictions?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

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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.

You have conflated the BASIS charter schools with the private for profit BASIS Independent Schools (McLean). The schools on the list I linked to are the charter schools. THEY ARE NOT PRIVATE. Which is why when you misunderstand the difference and accuse someone (incorrectly) of referencing private schools, you look like a fool.

BASIS charter schools take all comers. They absolutely to a test to place kids where they belong. They do not refuse kids based on those results, merely place them appropriately. That is not an "admissions test".

Which BASIS schools have a high proportion of at-risk kids?

Why does BASIS DC perform so much worse than other BASIS schools?

That is a fair question, because it does. Ironically, one of the reasons is because it does not have an ES. All of the other campuses start in ES. I think part of the issue is also what you see here on DCUM. We spend a lot of time in DC on performative nonsense and faux equity that the environment isn't focused on academic excellence as much as other garbage. Look at this forum as an example. Anytime anyone points to BASIS's success people chime in to try and focus on the kids is isn't educating. In DC, people score points not for building things or succeeding, but for tearing them down. I think that makes it much harder for schools to succeed.

Oh come on. You have to understand the "focus on kids it isn't educating" isn't just to tear down BASIS. It's to point out that BASIS' demographics are different from many other schools', and that it isn't meaningful to do comparisons that don't account for that. Witness how Deal and Hardy parents are not exactly beating down BASIS' door or clamoring for a BASIS in their neighborhood. That's because it isn't actually better.

What this city needs is schools that can effectively educate a low-income, high-trauma, high-special needs student body. I think it would be a waste to dedicate a building to a school that, whether they admit it or not, focuses on UMC students without special needs. That's not what we're most in need of.

This is SUCH a toxic and ignorant statement. Do you think that only white parents care about education in DC? Only white kids have the ability to succeed at Basis? That a school system can just ignore the cause of educating kids who are going to go to college?? How does that serve DC, to gut education for the kids who will go on to become DC's educated professional class (nurses, police officers, teachers)? Also I bet dollars to donuts that on other threads, you lament about "white flight." Well, what do you expect?

I do not lament "white flight". And I definitely did not say anything about the race of any student or parent.

I continue to believe that our city has many schools that are adequate for UMC children without significant special needs, especially at the elementary level. I don't see why we need another one, and I think the need for a middle and high school that can effectively educate a low-income, high-trauma, high-special needs student body is very important.

Some jurisdictions strive to provide a world class education. You are the first person I've ever met advocating to be merely adequate.

Query: When the tax base moves out of DC because they want excellent, and not merely adequate, schools for their kids, where do you think funding is going to come from?

The tax base that cares so much about that is gone already. It left in the 80s. One more elementary school isn't going to change it. It's not like the public school system is getting worse and authorizing a BASIS elementary is going to save it FFS. The school system is very slowly improving, at least at the elementary level.

I do think that DC should strive to be world-class-- but for *all* the kids. Not just the UMC kids. We have enough schools that meet their needs, it's not as high a priority in my view.

You are ignorant of "facts". DC's population has exploded. Enrollments are way up. Tax base has steadily increased. What you are proposing is regressive as against the trend lines, and it will lead to population and decline in tax base.

All that would stem from authorizing a charter that effectively meets the needs of at-risk kids instead of a BASIS elementary? I was thinking a good education for the most at-risk kids would make the city a better place to live. Genuinely did not realize DC's well-being as a city rested on the shoulders of one elementary school that doesn't exist yet. Godspeed, BASIS!

[Anonymous]

source? the link provided points to just Basis rankings and doesn't say anything about expansion in DC

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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".

Ha ha! So quintessentially DCUM. An obnoxious post calling out someone for being wrong while actually being totally wrong themselves!

Come back PP. Let us learn from your infinite wisdom! Tell me how I send my kid to Basis McLean for free!

Times like there I REALLY wish you had to sign your posts. BASIS McLean is not a BASIS Charter school. It is a BASIS Independent School. The former are free and lottery, the latter are for profit and charge tuition. If this concept is too hard for you I will help you out.

Charter Schools (free): https://enrollbasis.com/?src=logo
Independent Schools (tuition): https://basisindependent.com/about/

Your original post didn't say all Basis charter schools are charter schools. It said all BASIS schools are free. False. Come on now. Stop looking like an idiot.

The post to which you refer linked to a ranking of BASIS Charter schools in response to someone (you?) saying how do we know they are good. You seem like a small man.

But the previous posters were talking about BASIS having this huge number of successful schools. Many of those schools are not free or do have admissions/placement requirements. Your linked list (which they probably never opened) has 11 total schools and all except DC are in Arizona. I actually don't think we should assume that because BASIS can operate charter schools successfully in one state their model necessarily works here. The statement you made was way too broad if what you meant was that the 10 other schools on the link I provided are free and don't have admissions tests (but do, in fact, have placement exams which operate as de facto admissions tests).

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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.

You have conflated the BASIS charter schools with the private for profit BASIS Independent Schools (McLean). The schools on the list I linked to are the charter schools. THEY ARE NOT PRIVATE. Which is why when you misunderstand the difference and accuse someone (incorrectly) of referencing private schools, you look like a fool.

BASIS charter schools take all comers. They absolutely to a test to place kids where they belong. They do not refuse kids based on those results, merely place them appropriately. That is not an "admissions test".

Which BASIS schools have a high proportion of at-risk kids?

Why does BASIS DC perform so much worse than other BASIS schools?

That is a fair question, because it does. Ironically, one of the reasons is because it does not have an ES. All of the other campuses start in ES. I think part of the issue is also what you see here on DCUM. We spend a lot of time in DC on performative nonsense and faux equity that the environment isn't focused on academic excellence as much as other garbage. Look at this forum as an example. Anytime anyone points to BASIS's success people chime in to try and focus on the kids is isn't educating. In DC, people score points not for building things or succeeding, but for tearing them down. I think that makes it much harder for schools to succeed.

You are wrong. You obviously don't have a kid at BASIS.

The BASIS network tracks how all the schools compare, and BASIS DC is in the top group.

The US News link posted earlier (https://enrollbasis.com/about-basis-charter-schools/awards-and-rankings/) has BASIS DC at #274. How is that "top group"? I know BASIS does its own scoring but I dont really buy it, knowing they want to expand.

It looks like BASIS DC's ranking is so low because its PARCC scores are low: https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/district-of-columbia/districts/basis-dc-public-school-system/basis-dc-200247

Why are its PARCC scores low? And what would BASIS DC's scores be like if it took the Arizona state test?

[Anonymous]

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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.

You have conflated the BASIS charter schools with the private for profit BASIS Independent Schools (McLean). The schools on the list I linked to are the charter schools. THEY ARE NOT PRIVATE. Which is why when you misunderstand the difference and accuse someone (incorrectly) of referencing private schools, you look like a fool.

BASIS charter schools take all comers. They absolutely to a test to place kids where they belong. They do not refuse kids based on those results, merely place them appropriately. That is not an "admissions test".

Which BASIS schools have a high proportion of at-risk kids?

Why does BASIS DC perform so much worse than other BASIS schools?

That is a fair question, because it does. Ironically, one of the reasons is because it does not have an ES. All of the other campuses start in ES. I think part of the issue is also what you see here on DCUM. We spend a lot of time in DC on performative nonsense and faux equity that the environment isn't focused on academic excellence as much as other garbage. Look at this forum as an example. Anytime anyone points to BASIS's success people chime in to try and focus on the kids is isn't educating. In DC, people score points not for building things or succeeding, but for tearing them down. I think that makes it much harder for schools to succeed.

You are wrong. You obviously don't have a kid at BASIS.

The BASIS network tracks how all the schools compare, and BASIS DC is in the top group.

No, it isn't. Alex is open about how BASIS DC was last or almost last in most metrics for years. They have improved in recent years but DC is still near the bottom. I know this because Alex said it as recently the working session held a few Fridays ago to talk about the next strategic plan. Did you not attend?

I am very happy with BASIS. My kids thrive there. That doesn't prevent me from being objective. BASIS DC is objectively near the bottom the BASIS charter school rankings and metrics.

Did Alex say the reasons for the performance disparity?

I really question why BASIS should be allowed to expand here of their school here can't do as well as their other schools. Are they not sending their best staff?