How the BASIS Model is Revolutionizing Education -- Peter Bezanson // BASIS Educational Ventures
Jan 22, 2024
19:04
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Peter Bezanson, Co-Chairman and CEO at BASIS Educational Ventures, discusses how the BASIS Model is revolutionizing education. They explore achieving high performance in BASIS high schools, the advantages of starting early, the role of testing, burnout and college persistence, and the challenges of high school. They also highlight the frustration with the traditional public school system and the incredible results provided by BASIS charter schools.
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Quick takeaways
The BASIS Model focuses on preparing students for high-level performance in college through a rigorous middle school curriculum and subject expert teachers.
Basis Charter Schools offer free and rigorous education to students regardless of background, attracting families seeking challenging curriculum and students looking to overcome traditional school struggles.
Deep dives
Basis Charter Schools: Academic Excellence and Rigor
Basis Charter Schools have revolutionized education through their rigorous and transformative educational environment. Started in 1998 as a single school in Tucson, Arizona, Basis has now grown to 40 charter schools across multiple states. They have become one of the largest and highest-performing charter school networks in the country. The secret behind their success lies in their focus on preparing students for high-level performance in college, achieved through a rigorous middle school curriculum that encompasses above-grade-level work, high-stakes examinations, and a multidisciplinary approach. By stretching the AP curriculum over two years, they ensure that every student can pass with high scores, and their subject expert teachers in primary school classes provide a stimulating and comprehensive learning experience.
No Admissions Criteria: Basis Schools for All
Basis Charter Schools have no admissions criteria and offer free education to all students. The goal is to provide the most rigorous and results-oriented education regardless of background or financial circumstances. While they occasionally recommend repeating a grade level for students who may be academically behind, there are no barriers to entry for students who want to join Basis. The schools attract two primary groups: families seeking highly challenging and rigorous curriculum for their kids, often first or second-generation immigrants looking for the type of education they experienced in their home countries, and students who have struggled in traditional school settings and hope that being in a demanding environment like Basis will inspire positive changes and academic growth.
Burnout and College Persistence
While Basis Charter Schools provide exceptional academic results, the rigorous environment can sometimes lead to burnout among students. This is particularly evident in the challenging years of eighth grade and junior year. However, burnout tends to occur before students enter college, and the senior year at Basis serves as a therapeutic period. Students engage in senior projects, enjoy intellectually stimulating courses, and often travel internationally. The schools offer comprehensive support systems, such as extra help, tutoring, and personalized attention to address burnout and help students persist. The college persistence rate of Basis students from freshman to sophomore year is an impressive 98%, reflecting their preparation, academic foundation, and ability to succeed beyond high school.
Peter Bezanson, Co-Chairman and CEO at BASIS Educational Ventures, delves into the BASIS Model’s transformation of charter school education. Since its inception as a single school in Tucson in 1998, BASIS has expanded to 40 charter schools across Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, and Washington DC. Despite criticism for a test-heavy culture, BASIS high schools consistently rank in the top 10, 15, and 20 of the US News & World Report. Today, Peter discusses how the BASIS Model is revolutionizing education. Show Notes