Anonymous
Post 09/13/2013 14:03     Subject: BASIS math placement
There are a range of math options at basis, based on incoming capabilities as determined by their placement tests - some 5th graders will be taking 7/6, some 8/7, some Algebra I and so on. And, depending on how they do as the year begins, some will be moved up, and some may be moved down. They try to accomodate kids' differing abilities.
Anonymous
Post 09/13/2013 12:24     Subject: BASIS math placement
I agree Math 7/6 is not remedial. The aim is to make sure kids have tightened up on the basics which may have been lost over the summer as evidenced by the first weeks test results. The same 8/7 subjects will be covered during the year. And these same kids will be in pre-algebra in the 6th grade along with those who are in 8/7 now. So basically foundation material is secured then the same subjects as the fewer kids in 8/7 are covered. And yes, most of the 5 graders are in Math 7/6 at BASIS. For my dear daughter, math will be on her plate over the summer.
Anonymous
Post 09/11/2013 14:27     Subject: BASIS math placement
Anonymous wrote:I was the person that feared I would be being helicoptering if I approached them-I am not saying they would feel that way, but as a new parent at a new school that values student accountability, I don't want to overstep my bounds on misstep so early on before they know my kid or me, and be "That" parent. It's not Basis being evil and non communicative, it's me not knowing the boundaries of my children's new community and me trying to respect them. I don't know the norm, as its one thing to read it on a website or handbook, but another thing to know what people expect in practice and I do not have any experience there.


Yes the school does foster independence but also warmly receives parent's questions and concerns based on my experience last year so I would not hesitate to ask questions or voice concerns at all. And yes, my kid has grown leaps and bounds in the responsibility department despite my good involvement as a parent.
Anonymous
Post 09/11/2013 13:25     Subject: Re:BASIS math placement
This is my understanding but I think these discussions should be on our listserve.

Most of my DC's class is in 7/6. It is not remedial. It also has BASIS's very highly regarded and most experienced math teacher (not to take anything away from the other math teachers). The 8/7 class has pre-algebra included. Students that do well in 8/7 can go straight to Algebra I because it includes a pre-algebra component (not sure how I feel about Algebra I in 6th grade). Thus, Students in 7/6 for 5th can be on track for Algebra I in the 7th grade. There is a separate pre-algebra class for students that did not do well in 8/7.
Anonymous
Post 09/11/2013 13:09     Subject: BASIS math placement
I was the person that feared I would be being helicoptering if I approached them-I am not saying they would feel that way, but as a new parent at a new school that values student accountability, I don't want to overstep my bounds on misstep so early on before they know my kid or me, and be "That" parent. It's not Basis being evil and non communicative, it's me not knowing the boundaries of my children's new community and me trying to respect them. I don't know the norm, as its one thing to read it on a website or handbook, but another thing to know what people expect in practice and I do not have any experience there.
Anonymous
Post 09/11/2013 09:20     Subject: BASIS math placement
Anonymous wrote:I personally feel you are being helicopter-ish because it's the first week in the new math class placements. There are both student hours and parent hours with the teachers, so please feel free to go bother the math teacher at the designated time.

However, if your child is having difficulty in class, they o encourage the children to meet with them directly, rather than have the parent as the go-between. Helps foster responsibility in the students. My DC had to do this last year and it was a very positive experience.

Whatever

My kid is doing just fine. I am just pointing out I have no problem meeting with a teacher to discuss any problems and I also encourage my kid to go to the teacher. There are happy mediums you know.
Anonymous
Post 09/11/2013 09:04     Subject: BASIS math placement
I personally feel you are being helicopter-ish because it's the first week in the new math class placements. There are both student hours and parent hours with the teachers, so please feel free to go bother the math teacher at the designated time.

However, if your child is having difficulty in class, they o encourage the children to meet with them directly, rather than have the parent as the go-between. Helps foster responsibility in the students. My DC had to do this last year and it was a very positive experience.
Anonymous
Post 09/11/2013 06:15     Subject: BASIS math placement
Anonymous wrote:Question about Basis frowning upon helicopter parenting that a pp mentioned. Do they really consider reaching out to administrators or teachers to inquire about class placement to be helicopter-ish? For a 10-yr-old just starting out at the school? It's one thing when you have a high school student, but at this rate we'll be expecting our pre-K kids to be starting a student union to advocate for lower potty seats!!


I have had no problems from BASIS when inquiring about placements, etc. at all.
Anonymous
Post 09/10/2013 23:15     Subject: BASIS math placement
Question about Basis frowning upon helicopter parenting that a pp mentioned. Do they really consider reaching out to administrators or teachers to inquire about class placement to be helicopter-ish? For a 10-yr-old just starting out at the school? It's one thing when you have a high school student, but at this rate we'll be expecting our pre-K kids to be starting a student union to advocate for lower potty seats!!
Anonymous
Post 09/10/2013 13:17     Subject: BASIS math placement
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:DC is in 7/6 and has always done well in math at DC's JKLM alma mater and had 100% proficiency on the DC CAS math section this year-should DC ask why they were placed there? Can children re-take the placement test later on in the year?


I guess what one considers remedial is, up to a certain level, a subjective matter. I have the feeling that 7/6 is not considered remedial by BASIS, but somebody maybe could explain the actual meaning to the rest of us.


It's remedial only in the sense that BASIS has certain expectations for each grade -- Algebra 1 in 7th, Pre-Algebra in 6th, etc. If it's possible for a 5th grader in 7/6 to move on to Pre-Algebra in 6th, then I suppose it's not remedial at all.


Also, keep in mind there is no hurry and all of the math classes are accelerated compared to other schools generally. Secondly, even though a student starts out in Saxon 7/6, it is possible they could learn enough to accelerate to Algebra 1 the next year.
Anonymous
Post 09/10/2013 13:15     Subject: BASIS math placement
Anonymous wrote:What does Math 7/6 mean? Ignorant parent of a kindergartener here.


saxon 7/6 is generally used in 6th or 7th grade so it is not remedial math at all. BASIS uses saxon in an accelerated manor.
Anonymous
Post 09/10/2013 13:11     Subject: BASIS math placement
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:DC is in 7/6 and has always done well in math at DC's JKLM alma mater and had 100% proficiency on the DC CAS math section this year-should DC ask why they were placed there? Can children re-take the placement test later on in the year?


I guess what one considers remedial is, up to a certain level, a subjective matter. I have the feeling that 7/6 is not considered remedial by BASIS, but somebody maybe could explain the actual meaning to the rest of us.


It's remedial only in the sense that BASIS has certain expectations for each grade -- Algebra 1 in 7th, Pre-Algebra in 6th, etc. If it's possible for a 5th grader in 7/6 to move on to Pre-Algebra in 6th, then I suppose it's not remedial at all.
Anonymous
Post 09/10/2013 11:04     Subject: BASIS math placement
7/6 just goes a little slower. If your student is rocking 7/6, he/she will be moved to 8/7. They will happily move students who need more challenge. DCCAS results mean nothing to BASIS -- placement is based on the evaluation tests the students took the first week and are based on Saxon's lessons.
Anonymous
Post 09/10/2013 11:00     Subject: BASIS math placement
Anonymous wrote:DC is in 7/6 and has always done well in math at DC's JKLM alma mater and had 100% proficiency on the DC CAS math section this year-should DC ask why they were placed there? Can children re-take the placement test later on in the year?


I guess what one considers remedial is, up to a certain level, a subjective matter. I have the feeling that 7/6 is not considered remedial by BASIS, but somebody maybe could explain the actual meaning to the rest of us.
Anonymous
Post 09/10/2013 10:55     Subject: BASIS math placement
Anonymous wrote:If 7/6 is the lowest level math class, then the most disruptive less interested/achieving kids will be in that class.


This thread is already attracting the BASIS bashers.