Anonymous wrote:Just saying, this person is asking at the wrong place AND THEN dissing when the answers aren't forthcoming. Dumb and probably doing it for some rhetorical purpose rather than real interest.

I say it's not dissing - just a request for info similar to the many requests made and responded to on this board. People can contact the school directly as well, but asking for info is not dissing - unless perhaps that's what BASIS calls any question it deigns not to answer.

Anonymous wrote:Just saying, this person is asking at the wrong place AND THEN dissing when the answers aren't forthcoming. Dumb and probably doing it for some rhetorical purpose rather than real interest.

Just saying, someone is hyping on an anonymous board AND THEN acting offended when others ask for some substance. Dumber than shit and not exactly inspiring confidence.

We get that there's some Scottsdale-flavored frosting here, but is there any cake? Scottsdale is a resort/golf/shopping wealthy adjunct to Phoenix. DCPS is majority Title One.

Yes, it's very exciting that kids in Scottsdale have a H.S. which Jay Matthews' Challenge Index loves even better than TJ. But, the BASIS proposed for DC is going to average < 50% proficiency in 5th grade and no guaranteed school at all for the vaunted AP decathlon - should the kids even make it that far (because the "how tos" of that are about as clear as mud).

It's just so unreasonable, isn't it? To ask for actual information - from the very boosters who can't seem to shut up about it.

Just saying, this person is asking at the wrong place AND THEN dissing when the answers aren't forthcoming. Dumb and probably doing it for some rhetorical purpose rather than real interest.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No, I think most - if not all - of us genuinely wish the school well. But there's a creepy "Just you WAIT!" element to some of the posts that is off-putting.

Instead of telling that we will "be SHOCKED!" how about answering some legitimate questions? When 60% of the student body for 5th grade shows up unable to read at the 3rd grade level, exactly what plans are there to get these kids up to speed such that they can take AP classes (for the HS, which as yet, has not been approved)?

The lack of ability to answer some basic and important questions doesn't really lend itself to credibility.

But what do you care if some people who post on an anonymous board answer these questions in a vague way? Why are you asking these perfecly legit questions HERE of all places. Call up the school and ask. Don't judge the school because you are relying on anonymous know nothings to answer your questions. Just call somebody: The Charter Board, Mary, the Basis office of school expansion. Let is all know when you get the answers.

Dude, why does one take to an anonymous board dissing BASIS? Isn't that the equivalent of boosting BASIS?

Really, is it dissing Basis to point out that anonymous postings seem to be boosting it without providing an explanation of how it's going to get kids up to speed for AP?

It seems like a plea for useful information to me. ANd it seems just like a cultist to call a plea for information dissing, as a way to cut off legitimate inquiry

Anonymous wrote:I was with a bunch of other parents in a meeting with Mary a few weeks ago. She seemed like a thoughtful, dedicated woman. There's room in the DC market for what she is a part of. I hope BASIS succeeds.

Hi, Mary

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No, I think most - if not all - of us genuinely wish the school well. But there's a creepy "Just you WAIT!" element to some of the posts that is off-putting.

Instead of telling that we will "be SHOCKED!" how about answering some legitimate questions? When 60% of the student body for 5th grade shows up unable to read at the 3rd grade level, exactly what plans are there to get these kids up to speed such that they can take AP classes (for the HS, which as yet, has not been approved)?

The lack of ability to answer some basic and important questions doesn't really lend itself to credibility.

But what do you care if some people who post on an anonymous board answer these questions in a vague way? Why are you asking these perfecly legit questions HERE of all places. Call up the school and ask. Don't judge the school because you are relying on anonymous know nothings to answer your questions. Just call somebody: The Charter Board, Mary, the Basis office of school expansion. Let is all know when you get the answers.

Dude, why does one take to an anonymous board dissing BASIS? Isn't that the equivalent of boosting BASIS?

Anonymous wrote:No, I think most - if not all - of us genuinely wish the school well. But there's a creepy "Just you WAIT!" element to some of the posts that is off-putting.

Instead of telling that we will "be SHOCKED!" how about answering some legitimate questions? When 60% of the student body for 5th grade shows up unable to read at the 3rd grade level, exactly what plans are there to get these kids up to speed such that they can take AP classes (for the HS, which as yet, has not been approved)?

The lack of ability to answer some basic and important questions doesn't really lend itself to credibility.

But what do you care if some people who post on an anonymous board answer these questions in a vague way?

Why are you asking these perfecly legit questions HERE of all places. Call up the school and ask. Don't judge the school because you are relying on anonymous know nothings to answer your questions. Just call somebody: The Charter Board, Mary, the Basis office of school expansion. Let is all know when you get the answers.

Johnny DC is always Mr. Negative and he always has a heaping spoonful of gloom and doom and a side of conspiracy.

Thank god Mayor Gray is moving towards charter.

Hyperactive? The school is ranked number two math and science high school by US News and World Report - ahead of Thomas Jefferson in Fairfax.

A balanced assessment at this early stage would would have one questioning an Arizona charter can successfully implement their strategy in with a DC demographic. That is a tall order.

A balanced assessment would also include the BASIS track record of success, major financial and organizational backers, and a substantial pent up demand for its product.

You might be able to get away with labeling the consideration of BASIS as giddy, but only an ass clown would dismiss it outright.

No, I think most - if not all - of us genuinely wish the school well. But there's a creepy "Just you WAIT!" element to some of the posts that is off-putting.

Instead of telling that we will "be SHOCKED!" how about answering some legitimate questions? When 60% of the student body for 5th grade shows up unable to read at the 3rd grade level, exactly what plans are there to get these kids up to speed such that they can take AP classes (for the HS, which as yet, has not been approved)?

The lack of ability to answer some basic and important questions doesn't really lend itself to credibility.

Anonymous wrote:The hyperactive defense of a school that doesn't yet exist and an administrator who is wholly untested really does have a bit of a Scientology vibe to it. Taking it on faith isn't enough for me. Maybe it's because I don't drink Kool-aid.

Allrighty, then. You stick with the status quo here in DC and the USA. See where that gets you. Your reflexive attacking of a school that does not exist yet and an untested administrator who is trying something different is unfortunate. God forbid we have visionaries, hope, people willing to take risks and all that. All people have been expressing on this thread is enthusiasm and high hopes and some posters are jaded and small enough to equate that with joining a cult. Sheesh.

The hyperactive defense of a school that doesn't yet exist and an administrator who is wholly untested really does have a bit of a Scientology vibe to it. Taking it on faith isn't enough for me. Maybe it's because I don't drink Kool-aid.

Check out BASIS's web site:

www.basisschools.org

I was with a bunch of other parents in a meeting with Mary a few weeks ago. She seemed like a thoughtful, dedicated woman. There's room in the DC market for what she is a part of. I hope BASIS succeeds.

Anonymous wrote:

Not that Reese Witherspoon needs a Mary Sidallbatross around her neck, but ever since the dirty homeless guy flipping the double-bird, I feel duty bound to approve all funny pics.

lol