KIPP schools- Class Reaction/Reading Reaction

I meant to mention these schools when we discussed the variety of options for children now because I looked into the KIPP schools last semester. KIPP stands for "Knowledge is Power Program" and they are charter schools located in 19 states. We may have briefly mentioned them last week, but here is the website:

http://www.kipp.org/01/

What is interesting to me about these schools is that they have a high level of achievement, and most of the students that the schools are comprised of are lower-income and minority students. There is a great YouTube video about one of the KIPP schools:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAKBnR-QSls

In the beginning, one of the educators says that teachers need to believe not only that all children can learn, but that all children will learn. The KIPP schools have a devoted staff that works tirelessly to see that each child succeed. Could these practices be implemented in public education, such as district schools? Are public educators not willing to work as hard to see children succeed? Why do these schools work and others fail? The KIPP schools are mainly middle schools, but there are a few elementary and high schools. They are mostly located in high-need areas, and follow a more rigorous school schedule. Their days, weeks, and years are longer than traditional public schools.

What is interesting is that KIPP schools have control over their funding and the ability to put funds wherever and whenever the need arises. They can also make staffing changes at a given moment. Would more freedom on an individual school level improve student achievement? Obviously they have found a way to educate that is working, for in 2007 95% of the middle school graduates went to college-prep high schools. There are no excuses, each child is held to high expectations and pushed to excel, not merely achieve.

I think the programs implemented at the KIPP schools are worth looking into for traditional public schools, especially if we are serious about educational reforms. These are models of schools that work, and could potentially be adapted to work in local schools.