Reply to BASIS DCPCSB to open two PK3-5 campuses

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I actually have a friend in Scottsdale whose DD attends BASIS primary there, via charter lottery.

The admin will unapologetically tell you that the model is teach for the test and drill, beginning the first week of kindergarten.  Her 5 year old  is tested every week (with actual tests and not friendly observational assessments).

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http://www.dcpcsb.org/sites/default/files/report/2016-09-02%20BASIS%20DC%20ES%20Amendment%20Application%20REDACTED.compressed.pdf

I read the parts of the application about curriculum and student placement and retention. The application does describe "high-stakes testing" for grades K-4. And this part made me smile: all K-4 children attend a week-long camp in which they "learn note-taking strategies and share ideas for time management..." after which they presumably head to the bar for a lunchtime martini before returning for an afternoon of delightful powerpoint presentations on...more high-stakes testing and time management strategies!

The part about 40% of DC kids likely being "at risk of not being BASIS Primary's expectations" is eye-opening. The application makes clear that such children will be placed in the grade appropriate for their academic level, regardless of age. Students (ages 5-9) who don't meet expectations during the year must follow these procedures:

"To be promoted to the next grade level in K–4, a student must earn a minimum cumulative average of
60% in each of the core courses (excluding the Arts, Mandarin, PE, All-Connections, Engineering, and
READ), and/or Grade P (Pass) in all courses or projects taken during the year.
Students who fail to meet this cumulative 60% requirement do not qualify for promotion status. To
remedy their promotion status, these students’ families must request formally, in writing, permission to
obtain conditional promotion status. The request must be submitted within two calendar weeks of the
receipt of the student’s Final Grade Report. Students who file a request before the deadline will be
awarded conditional promotion status and will receive an invitation to meet with the Director of Student
Affairs to discuss the conditions required before promotional status can be granted.
Students must then agree to complete work over the summer recess, which could take any of the
following forms: course packets compiled by teachers, projects overseen by teachers or administrators,
re-takes of important exams, etc. To advance from conditional promotion status to promotion status, the
student must satisfy all Special Summer Project assignment requirements.
Students who fail to earn promotion status, fail to obtain conditional promotion status, or fail to advance
from conditional promotion status to promotion status, are retained in the grade. They will be enrolled
in the same grade again for the next school year."

I'd suggest that anyone who is seriously interested in this school take the time to read the application.

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