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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]

Thus, BASIS has chosen to provide a great deal of support to struggling students, e.g., the STARS program last spring, the summer program, the remedial math and reading programs, the peer tutoring program, extensive teacher hours, etc.

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I am a supporter of the school's concept and I want it to be successful for all students.  However, I'm tired of hearing about the STARS program and current Basis parents should stop referring to it.  I am the parent of an incoming 5th grader.  I have asked the school about the STARS program every since lottery day which is when we received notice that we were in.  I thought they may be starting it late but last month I was informed there is no STARS program at all this year, just the 2 week summer school option that doesn't seem to have aftercare or meet on Fridays.  Because my DC is ahead and I can work my work schedule for 2 weeks around this limited summer program option, I am less concerned.  I also am familiar with Saxon 7/8 which is considered the top text for that level of math, so I am less concerned about him being put in that level for math in 5th.  The PP was incorrect when she said that Pre-Algebra was the lowest level of math for 5th graders.

However, the point of this post is to point out that for the kids whose math is not up to Basis standards, they will not have the opportunity to do STARS and at best will get 8 days of morning only math instuction in the summer program if they can swing the schedule.  I would have been more comfortable with my DC in pre-algebra for 5th if we had access to STARS.  As the daughter of a mathematician I believe certain fraction, decimal and percent calculations should be able to be done mentally and for that a lot of practice is needed.

BTW - Saxon's Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1 text are not rated as the best text although from memory I think they were considered in the B range which is still very good - most texts at that level don't rate that high.  Saxon 7/8 was rated an A- and the only text to receive that designation from my research. My biggest concern is that by opting for a the lowest level math my DC may not receive the top level of instruction that others receive in his other courses since I was told that they determine classroom placement based on math level.  But we'll cross that bridge wwhen we get to it.[/quote]

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