Reply to Moving to Capitol Hill/2017 PARCC scores

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]OP here. Thanks, this is all super helpful! I wasn't aware of the demographic distinctions a couple people mentioned. It's extra impressive that Maury and Ludlow have improved so much and reached the Brent levels given those factors. [/quote]

Ludlow and Maury haven't reached Brent level demographics. Brent is around 70% white and in-boundary, with a FARMs percentage that's dropped into the single digits this year (after nearly 15 years of steady change). Maury is more than half white with around 30% FARMs. Ludlow is still majority FARMs and around 25% white this year.

You can look at test scores all you want, but changing demographics and FARMs rates probably tell you more about the viability of a school for neighborhood newcomers.  You can find high test scores at schools you wouldn't touch, like KIPP, SEED and DC Prep.  The real difference between Brent and Maury and Ludlow is PTA bucks.  The former have the dough to pay for teachers aides past K, which can make all the difference to parents seeking adequate differentiation in the classroom.  Ludlow's PTA will raise six figures eventually, enough to start paying for classroom aides, but not for a few years.  Ludlow is still a Title 1 school (40%+ FARMs) getting around 100K a year from the federal government to cover costs.  [/quote]

so what makes a school "viable" for "newcomers" in your opinion?

[/quote]
You're being cute or want an honest answer?  [b]Answer: two instructors in the classroom (the second paid for by the PTA) most of the time in all classes, [/b]along with strong art, music, performing arts, PE and a designated science teacher (paid for by the PTA for the first couple of years, now by DCPS).  Also advanced math from 3rd grade up, one-two years above grade level.  DC is probably math gifted (did Johns Hopkins CTY math camp this summer).  Yes, we're at Brent.  I'd also use Maury if in-boundary.

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Aides in upper elementary are overrated.  Good teachers can handle adequately sized classrooms in upper elementary and deal with a range of learning abilities.  Some schools have had success with graduate students doing practicum for credit from Catholic and Gallaudet.  It's more important to have supports for children with learning differences which is an entirely different pot of funding.

Brent had 20 students in 3rd grade score 5 (35% of 3rd as 41% of overall test takers). Compare with 6 4th graders (10% 5 for 4th as 43% of overall test takers) and 5 5th graders (23% 5  for 5th as 16% of overall test takers).  Brent's hyper gentrification has simply reached the lower testing grades. 
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