Anonymous
Post 12/23/2013 08:58     Subject: Re:Common Lottery Algorithm
PP, I understand your wish for neighborhood preference for charters...I feel the same way when I see EL Haynes from my backyard and now that my child was in the 300s on the waitlist. But, I personally believe the charters should not adopt neighborhood preference. I know all the arguments, most of which are very logical...I mean, it sure would be easier and healthier and better for the environment to have children in this city walking to school rather than driving across it. But because most charters are intended to provide specialized education (immersion, Montesorri, IB, etc.) they really must be left open to the entire city. And don't argue that they can still apply...sure, yes. But for the desirable charters the kids for Anacostia won't have a chance.


All very good points, and I agree they should be open to everyone. I think my real frustration is the dearth of options EOTP for middle school and beyond. I don't know why DCPS isn't throwing more resources and policy at that problem, because it's the make or break point. Who cares if Powell (my IB) is turning into the next Oyster--where does my kid go after 5th grade?
Anonymous
Post 12/23/2013 08:48     Subject: Common Lottery Algorithm
PP, I understand your wish for neighborhood preference for charters...I feel the same way when I see EL Haynes from my backyard and now that my child was in the 300s on the waitlist. But, I personally believe the charters should not adopt neighborhood preference. I know all the arguments, most of which are very logical...I mean, it sure would be easier and healthier and better for the environment to have children in this city walking to school rather than driving across it. But because most charters are intended to provide specialized education (immersion, Montesorri, IB, etc.) they really must be left open to the entire city. And don't argue that they can still apply...sure, yes. But for the desirable charters the kids for Anacostia won't have a chance.
Anonymous
Post 12/23/2013 08:35     Subject: Re:Common Lottery Algorithm
Anonymous wrote:So, after slogging through these 23 pages it's become clear to me that there's no way to game the system, and there's no advantage to trying. Even if sibling and IB preferences give us no shot at WOTP schools, the worst case scenario is that we're on the wait lists. And those lists are likely to be shorter than they were in previous years because there won't be families holding on to seats they don't really want while they wait to hear about other schools.

It makes sense to rank the schools in your true preference, even if you think you have no chance at getting in.

I only wish the charters also gave boundary preference, because that would be the one east of the park advantage.


No, there's no trick to this. They've been transparent about how to do this from the beginning: rank in order of YOUR preferences.
Anonymous
Post 12/23/2013 08:31     Subject: Re:Common Lottery Algorithm
So, after slogging through these 23 pages it's become clear to me that there's no way to game the system, and there's no advantage to trying. Even if sibling and IB preferences give us no shot at WOTP schools, the worst case scenario is that we're on the wait lists. And those lists are likely to be shorter than they were in previous years because there won't be families holding on to seats they don't really want while they wait to hear about other schools.

It makes sense to rank the schools in your true preference, even if you think you have no chance at getting in.

I only wish the charters also gave boundary preference, because that would be the one east of the park advantage.
Anonymous
Post 12/22/2013 21:49     Subject: Common Lottery Algorithm
thanks for clarifying.
Anonymous
Post 12/22/2013 21:41     Subject: Common Lottery Algorithm
^. No. The lottery is by birthdate. The only option you gave is to gain admittance by age and then speak with the individual school you get into about your child's specific needs.
Anonymous
Post 12/22/2013 21:25     Subject: Common Lottery Algorithm
anyone know what happens if you want your child to repeat a grade? say, for example, your child is not ready for K. can you apply for a preK spot even though s/he is already 5?
Anonymous
Post 12/22/2013 21:05     Subject: Common Lottery Algorithm
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Yu Ying, may be transparent but its illegal to preference queue standers the way they do. But that is a debate for another thread.


You have every right to not like the waitlist process YY uses, but it is entirely legal under the rules and laws that govern the charter school board. Protest it if you like, complain about it if you like, but don't try to deceive people that it's in any way illegal because it is TOTALLY LEGAL. Many will argue whether it's fair or not, and that is also another thread, but again, no, not illegal. And you calling it that doesn't make it true. It's legal.


+1.
I see. But you calling it legal and your friend plus 1ing it are authoritative...


Yes, and you calling it illegal is authoritative? It is legal. Many threads on this already. Do a little research.
Anonymous
Post 12/22/2013 20:55     Subject: Common Lottery Algorithm
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Yu Ying, may be transparent but its illegal to preference queue standers the way they do. But that is a debate for another thread.


You have every right to not like the waitlist process YY uses, but it is entirely legal under the rules and laws that govern the charter school board. Protest it if you like, complain about it if you like, but don't try to deceive people that it's in any way illegal because it is TOTALLY LEGAL. Many will argue whether it's fair or not, and that is also another thread, but again, no, not illegal. And you calling it that doesn't make it true. It's legal.


+1.
I see. But you calling it legal and your friend plus 1ing it are authoritative...


??? Alrighty then...
Anonymous
Post 12/22/2013 19:40     Subject: Common Lottery Algorithm
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Yu Ying, may be transparent but its illegal to preference queue standers the way they do. But that is a debate for another thread.


You have every right to not like the waitlist process YY uses, but it is entirely legal under the rules and laws that govern the charter school board. Protest it if you like, complain about it if you like, but don't try to deceive people that it's in any way illegal because it is TOTALLY LEGAL. Many will argue whether it's fair or not, and that is also another thread, but again, no, not illegal. And you calling it that doesn't make it true. It's legal.


+1.
I see. But you calling it legal and your friend plus 1ing it are authoritative...
Anonymous
Post 12/22/2013 17:55     Subject: Common Lottery Algorithm
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:

Ok, back to algorithms... when is next opportunity to talk to DC Common Lottery people in person? Is the Public School Expo Jan 4?


Charter expo is Jan 11
Anonymous
Post 12/22/2013 16:45     Subject: Common Lottery Algorithm
Anonymous wrote:This post is not about YY, let it go people. That is old news.


YY is losing it's "bash-ability" quotient - took this thread 23 pages to devolve into a YY thread. Guess people are on to the bigger, better punching bag now (not sure which school that is, but it's gotta be someone?). Well, everyone has moved on except Mr./Ms. "Ooooh YY is so unfair", but that is such an old issue (as you state) that that won't get traction either here.

Poor YY, your 15 min of INfamy are already over apparently!

Ok, back to algorithms... when is next opportunity to talk to DC Common Lottery people in person? Is the Public School Expo Jan 4?
Anonymous
Post 12/22/2013 15:33     Subject: Common Lottery Algorithm
This post is not about YY, let it go people. That is old news.
Anonymous
Post 12/22/2013 15:30     Subject: Common Lottery Algorithm
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Yu Ying, may be transparent but its illegal to preference queue standers the way they do. But that is a debate for another thread.


You have every right to not like the waitlist process YY uses, but it is entirely legal under the rules and laws that govern the charter school board. Protest it if you like, complain about it if you like, but don't try to deceive people that it's in any way illegal because it is TOTALLY LEGAL. Many will argue whether it's fair or not, and that is also another thread, but again, no, not illegal. And you calling it that doesn't make it true. It's legal.


To be even more clear, it's actually spelled out as an option by the rules that govern all DC charter schools. They all have the option, but only Stokes and YY had used it in recent years. So it's not even about vague interpretation. It's a clearly articulated option that charter schools can take, and YY chose it.


Just noticed you said "preferencce queue standers", what do you mean by that? Do you realize that for at least the last 3 years, people applying online also became part of the precious, coveted "top of the waitlist" applicants? There are several kids in my kid's class who applied online and were in the first 10 on the waitlist. So if your point is that somehow those in line have an advantage over the internet, explain that please? What specifically are you basing that on?
Anonymous
Post 12/22/2013 15:28     Subject: Common Lottery Algorithm
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Yu Ying, may be transparent but its illegal to preference queue standers the way they do. But that is a debate for another thread.


You have every right to not like the waitlist process YY uses, but it is entirely legal under the rules and laws that govern the charter school board. Protest it if you like, complain about it if you like, but don't try to deceive people that it's in any way illegal because it is TOTALLY LEGAL. Many will argue whether it's fair or not, and that is also another thread, but again, no, not illegal. And you calling it that doesn't make it true. It's legal.


+1.