The Real THING

I had the opportunity to tour a  KIPP middle school.  KIPP = Knowledge is POWER Program!  The school was one of 95 KIPP charter schools around the country.  KIPP seeks approval by the city's Board of Education to receive funding for students. However, that does not cover expenses and there is a need for continued fundraising to support the school.

The students are selected through a lottery system.  They serve virtually all minorities, approximately 60 percent of whom are eligible for a subsidized lunch. The school day begins at 7:30 and goes until 5 p.m., and students attend classes for a half day every other Saturday. There is a two to three week summer session.  Students are on a college preparatory track and it is a "No Excuses School."  The curriculum is rigorous and requires  many hours of work after school.  This is their commitment.

The majority of teachers and leaders come from "The Teach for America Program".  They work a long school day, given cell phones so they can be reached by any student 24/7, implement a rich and exciting curriculum, create a culture of respect, and high expectations.  This is their commitment.

Our tour guide was a 7th grade student wearing her KIPP shirt with pride.  They earn their shirts and colors of shirt represent achievement.  She was enthusiastic, dedicated and her smile lit up the halls of the school. This alone was enough to see KIPP was doing something special.  The halls and classrooms displayed pendants from teachers' universities, students' academic work and achievements, and student created pieces of art.  It was a school INVITING you to learn, grow and take PRIDE in yourself.  Walking in and out of the classrooms you felt the community of learners and watched as they were thoroughly engaged with their teacher. This is their commitment to each other.

The RESULTS:

•  one of the highest performing city middle schools over past 5 years
•  data showing students' one to two years behind now performing on or above grade level
•  students' acceptance into private high schools
•  students NOW college bound.

This task is not easy and there is no exact blueprint for success.  All we can do is TRY and do the REAL THING!

SPEAK OUT

I had an amazing opportunity to join a luncheon in support of the KIPP schools. The discussion format a panel including Mike Feinberg, co-founder of KIPP, a state representative, and an educational reformer.  Looking around the room I knew "they were preaching to the choir." How do you spread the word, light the fire under people that we MUST do something about our educational system? The successful independent charter school model takes dedication, effective teachers, commitment, and a lot of financial backing. It is not the only answer.

Let your local government know how you feel about education. Don't let them put it on the back burner. We can't move forward if we don't speak out and let our voices heard! It takes the click of the mouse to SHOUT OUT and say WE NEED CHANGE!