Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:One thing I always find intriguing is the comment or negative connotation that seems to be levied at certain schools re. Teaching to the test. The upper NW schools seem to have high test scores but are never accused of teaching to the test. I went to an extremely strong school abroad that had the International Baccalaureate degree program. We did practice exams all the time in all subjects. Writing essays from past years exams all the time. Our school was not unique and was a historically very strong IB program. Somehow I doubt such schools would ever be accused of teaching to the test. So what gives? Truly what gives?

I imagine you can see that there's a difference between working on thought provoking essays for an IB exam for a high schooler and holding multiple practice sessions and a pep rally for a multiple choice PARC test for a fourth grader.

Anonymous wrote:One thing I always find intriguing is the comment or negative connotation that seems to be levied at certain schools re. Teaching to the test. The upper NW schools seem to have high test scores but are never accused of teaching to the test. I went to an extremely strong school abroad that had the International Baccalaureate degree program. We did practice exams all the time in all subjects. Writing essays from past years exams all the time. Our school was not unique and was a historically very strong IB program. Somehow I doubt such schools would ever be accused of teaching to the test. So what gives? Truly what gives?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Personally I'd take feedback from teachers or people who worked there over parents. Reason being that educational experts and folks that are in the building all day will see more and have more to tell you. Of course parents will see a different side.

I'm a teacher, also Black, and have done educational walk throughs at the school when I was a graduate student. I find the militant and rigid way that students are taught and expected to behave to be both highly offensive and harmful to children of color. Such extreme behavioral norms would never fly at a predominantly white school. As others have mentioned test scores are high because that is the sole objective and mission of the school. Teachers follow scripted lesson plans and students are taught to a test.

Every colleague that I have had that worked there quit as soon as they could.

I'm curious to hear as an educational professional who has seen tons of schools in DC, which schools would you recommend? I often feel that the "highly regarded schools" on here are often so because of a large white population. I often wonder if they are truly great schools. For example SWS is a much beloved school on here. While test scores aren't everything, from what I recall a few years ago they weren't too impressive. Yet that didn't seem to matter and from the outside to me it seems that's the case because it is predominantly white. I'd love to hear from an educator like yourself who has seen many schools first hand.

Not the PP, but I am an educator with experience in several types of schools, and have friends and former colleagues in all types of schools. Here is my general take on the landscape:

1. Some families (mostly families of color in various parts of the city or White families in Ward 3) are fine with their neighborhood schools, and stick with those. It's hard to generalize DCPS schools since each one can be quite different.

2. Some families of color choose "no-excuses" type schools (KIPP, DC Prep, etc). These schools tend to be regimented, non-chaotic, and spend lots of time on test prep. The strict style of discipline is also comfortable for many of these families since it's similar to the schools they went to and possibly how they raise their children.

3. Most white families in DC are not comfortable with strict styles of discipline. If they don't like their neighborhood school, they tend to go for the "HRCS" schools that place an emphasis on social-emotional learning. They also like the diversity of the schools (including significant numbers of white students). So, it's a bit of a chicken and egg situation. White families pick these schools because they feel comfortable with the style, and the increasing numbers of white families make other white families feel comfortable there.

4. Other families of color are NOT comfortable with strict discipline and a heavy focus on test prep, so they will often choose HRCS schools as well. Many of these families of color also highly prize diversity. HRCS schools also tend to attract some students in upper grades who didn't do very well in, or enjoy, more regimented environments.

While I have my opinions, that's my non-judgmental take. Educators at all of these schools are mostly doing what they think is best for kids, and most families at each school have valid reasons for attending the school they choose to attend.

Good summary but.... what's your actual opinion?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Personally I'd take feedback from teachers or people who worked there over parents. Reason being that educational experts and folks that are in the building all day will see more and have more to tell you. Of course parents will see a different side.

I'm a teacher, also Black, and have done educational walk throughs at the school when I was a graduate student. I find the militant and rigid way that students are taught and expected to behave to be both highly offensive and harmful to children of color. Such extreme behavioral norms would never fly at a predominantly white school. As others have mentioned test scores are high because that is the sole objective and mission of the school. Teachers follow scripted lesson plans and students are taught to a test.

Every colleague that I have had that worked there quit as soon as they could.

I'm curious to hear as an educational professional who has seen tons of schools in DC, which schools would you recommend? I often feel that the "highly regarded schools" on here are often so because of a large white population. I often wonder if they are truly great schools. For example SWS is a much beloved school on here. While test scores aren't everything, from what I recall a few years ago they weren't too impressive. Yet that didn't seem to matter and from the outside to me it seems that's the case because it is predominantly white. I'd love to hear from an educator like yourself who has seen many schools first hand.

Not the PP, but I am an educator with experience in several types of schools, and have friends and former colleagues in all types of schools. Here is my general take on the landscape:

1. Some families (mostly families of color in various parts of the city or White families in Ward 3) are fine with their neighborhood schools, and stick with those. It's hard to generalize DCPS schools since each one can be quite different.

2. Some families of color choose "no-excuses" type schools (KIPP, DC Prep, etc). These schools tend to be regimented, non-chaotic, and spend lots of time on test prep. The strict style of discipline is also comfortable for many of these families since it's similar to the schools they went to and possibly how they raise their children.

3. Most white families in DC are not comfortable with strict styles of discipline. If they don't like their neighborhood school, they tend to go for the "HRCS" schools that place an emphasis on social-emotional learning. They also like the diversity of the schools (including significant numbers of white students). So, it's a bit of a chicken and egg situation. White families pick these schools because they feel comfortable with the style, and the increasing numbers of white families make other white families feel comfortable there.

4. Other families of color are NOT comfortable with strict discipline and a heavy focus on test prep, so they will often choose HRCS schools as well. Many of these families of color also highly prize diversity. HRCS schools also tend to attract some students in upper grades who didn't do very well in, or enjoy, more regimented environments.

While I have my opinions, that's my non-judgmental take. Educators at all of these schools are mostly doing what they think is best for kids, and most families at each school have valid reasons for attending the school they choose to attend.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Personally I'd take feedback from teachers or people who worked there over parents. Reason being that educational experts and folks that are in the building all day will see more and have more to tell you. Of course parents will see a different side.

I'm a teacher, also Black, and have done educational walk throughs at the school when I was a graduate student. I find the militant and rigid way that students are taught and expected to behave to be both highly offensive and harmful to children of color. Such extreme behavioral norms would never fly at a predominantly white school. As others have mentioned test scores are high because that is the sole objective and mission of the school. Teachers follow scripted lesson plans and students are taught to a test.

Every colleague that I have had that worked there quit as soon as they could.

I'm curious to hear as an educational professional who has seen tons of schools in DC, which schools would you recommend? I often feel that the "highly regarded schools" on here are often so because of a large white population. I often wonder if they are truly great schools. For example SWS is a much beloved school on here. While test scores aren't everything, from what I recall a few years ago they weren't too impressive. Yet that didn't seem to matter and from the outside to me it seems that's the case because it is predominantly white. I'd love to hear from an educator like yourself who has seen many schools first hand.

Anonymous wrote:Personally I'd take feedback from teachers or people who worked there over parents. Reason being that educational experts and folks that are in the building all day will see more and have more to tell you. Of course parents will see a different side.

I'm a teacher, also Black, and have done educational walk throughs at the school when I was a graduate student. I find the militant and rigid way that students are taught and expected to behave to be both highly offensive and harmful to children of color. Such extreme behavioral norms would never fly at a predominantly white school. As others have mentioned test scores are high because that is the sole objective and mission of the school. Teachers follow scripted lesson plans and students are taught to a test.

Every colleague that I have had that worked there quit as soon as they could.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have two children that attend the school. My kids love going to school and the teachers are warm and attentive. They also did a great job with distance learning. The families come from a range of socioeconomic statuses, but all parents want the best for their children and want them to succeed academically. People claim that they sweat the small stuff, but if you sign your child up for a school that has a published uniform policy, then you are of course expected to adhere to the uniform. If you are not afraid of or uncomfortable around black people, primarily DC natives, then give it a try.

Thank you for clarifying and providing your prospective as a parent! I am in fact Black, and live in NE (close to the MD state line) and was considering sending our son to that school. However, the school is a bit far (20 mins w/out traffic) and we drove by the other day and parking seems horrible! But if we're distance learning, I guess we don't have to worry about that for short term. We just want a school that not only focuses on academics, but helps educate the whole child. Arts, Music, etc....Reading different comments, it's making us second guessing on enrolling.

Anonymous wrote:I have two children that attend the school. My kids love going to school and the teachers are warm and attentive. They also did a great job with distance learning. The families come from a range of socioeconomic statuses, but all parents want the best for their children and want them to succeed academically. People claim that they sweat the small stuff, but if you sign your child up for a school that has a published uniform policy, then you are of course expected to adhere to the uniform. If you are not afraid of or uncomfortable around black people, primarily DC natives, then give it a try.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a friend who has a child there and has no complaints so far. The structure at a school like that is not the most developmentally appropriate but may yield good test scores because that is the main focus, not educating the whole child.

I have heard some first hand horror stories from current and former teachers about things that go on and are swept under the rug/ kept from the public to preserve reputation.

A few have said "I know someone" or "I have a friend"....are there any parents that actually have sent their child there?

Clearly you don't understand that the "no excuses" approach was designed for low-income children of color. DC Prep parents are not likely to be on DCUM.

What does DCUM stand for?

Ohh!!! Haaaa.... very interesting. Wonder why?

DC Urban Moms and Dads - the forum you are currently using.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a friend who has a child there and has no complaints so far. The structure at a school like that is not the most developmentally appropriate but may yield good test scores because that is the main focus, not educating the whole child.

I have heard some first hand horror stories from current and former teachers about things that go on and are swept under the rug/ kept from the public to preserve reputation.

A few have said "I know someone" or "I have a friend"....are there any parents that actually have sent their child there?

Clearly you don't understand that the "no excuses" approach was designed for low-income children of color. DC Prep parents are not likely to be on DCUM.

What does DCUM stand for?

Ohh!!! Haaaa.... very interesting. Wonder why?

DC Urban Moms and Dads - the forum you are currently using.