PP here-- we did use a math tutor in elementary school for math and writing. Since moving onto Deal (now in 8th grade) we haven't used any tutoring. There hasn't been a need since the teachers have all worked with my child extensively. In fact I don't really know of any friends using tutors. I know a few who got language tutors but none having math tutors.

And if your kid is lucky enough to get Ms. Milikin for math, you will be forever grateful. She is amazing.

Anonymous wrote:No. Deal has a range. I just don't think it's the best education for low average or below average kids, especially if you feel there is untapped aptitude.

This is not true at all. I have a low performer who does really well. In fact he is in an algebra class of 15. I didn't think he was ready for algebra and they assured me they knew he could do it. And he is doing it! The teacher works with the kids who want to stay once a week to provide extra support (in addition to team tutoring time). It is a big school which does a great job of making it feel small.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:By average I mean she would get a B on a test or project if she put all her effort into it.

Are you saying that Deal only has above average students? Not being snarky, just trying to understand.

It has a lot of students that have parents that have been able to get them help and do continue to get them tutoring so a kid that needs more but has a parent without the ability to hire tutoring may find their kid struggling. Also since I have one of these kids what I have found is that it is very hard for that kid to feel success. We have persevered but I wonder if the social issues we have struggled with have been amplified by the fact that Deal has a lot of well off, high achieving kids.

That's an excellent point. Part of the appeal of Deal is that I hoped it would offer a better range of abilities so that she wouldn't keep feeling like the only one not getting it. I want her to feel successful.

Anonymous wrote:By average I mean she would get a B on a test or project if she put all her effort into it.

Are you saying that Deal only has above average students? Not being snarky, just trying to understand.

It has a lot of students that have parents that have been able to get them help and do continue to get them tutoring so a kid that needs more but has a parent without the ability to hire tutoring may find their kid struggling. Also since I have one of these kids what I have found is that it is very hard for that kid to feel success. We have persevered but I wonder if the social issues we have struggled with have been amplified by the fact that Deal has a lot of well off, high achieving kids.

No. Deal has a range. I just don't think it's the best education for low average or below average kids, especially if you feel there is untapped aptitude.

By average I mean she would get a B on a test or project if she put all her effort into it.

Are you saying that Deal only has above average students? Not being snarky, just trying to understand.

What do you mean by average to below average? I personally would not send an average child to Deal -- it's too big and the kids don't get enough attention. The homework load, which is pretty light, is not the issue. You want a place where the teachers have time to work with kids who are struggling. Deal is not that place.

This so defines Deal.

McFarland drew his conclusions after studying school-level data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health and classroom-level data (surveys asking students who they "hung around with as friends," observations, and school records) he collected at two high schools in 2001. He analyzed student responses and observations about social interactions in light of various school traits, including size; diversity, and "electivity," which is defined as a student's freedom to make choices in areas like course selection.

The prevalence of social clustering, hierarchy, and segregation increased in schools that are larger and more diverse, the study found.


http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/rulesforengagement/2014/11/cliques_thrive_in_schools_that_give_students_more_choices_study_says.html?cmp=ENL-EU-NEWS3

This is great feedback. Thank you

Homework-- maybe an hour an evening. I don't find it a massive amounts. They do like projects though and those can be very time consuming.

PP is right. English is demanding. They have a reading 180 class to support those that need it. This class is in addition to the regular English class and replaces art/music/PE in the schedule. I would say that while they don't differentiate the have very high standards and will make your child meet them. We have never had a teacher who wouldn't stay after or meet with ours to offer extra support.

Deal does not differentiate outside of Math. This may mean that your child that needs more supports and will not get them. In contrast to complaints about some schools teaching down, they are a bit less likely to do so.

I also found that the leap between the 6th & 7th grade very difficult for my child due to deficits from a learning disablity and elementary school lapses.

Do you mean for next year? If so your child will take a math placement test. I have had one in Math 6 and one who placed into pre-algebra. Both have had excellent teachers regardless of level. Both of mine have loved a Deal. One isn't very social and on the small side. No bullying issues. I think the school is so big that each kid can find a niche. He does an after school club and hangs with those kids during the day-- none of whom he knew before Deal. The teachers are also very flexible about retakes and working with kids to get work done. Each team has a day of the week after school where your child can make up work, get help with homework, etc. which has really helped my completely unorganized one.

I will tell you that the assistant principal runs a very tight ship. When there is a fight they are quick to break it up but also the kids get a stern talking to. All of them get it.

bump

We're thinking about sending our academically average to below average DD to Deal for 6th grade during the 2014-2015 year.

Is you child overly challenged?

Is there differentiation?

How much homework does your child get each night?

Any observations about how the school has handled bullying?