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Saturday, November 20, 2010

Schools Matter: Learning About KIPP: Lesson 3, Social Justice in Blackface

Schools Matter: Learning About KIPP: Lesson 3, Social Justice in Blackface

Learning About KIPP: Lesson 3, Social Justice in Blackface


Below is Part 3 of this chapter on KIPP. Here are links to Parts One and Two.

. . . . KIPP’s organizational compliance model
In response to an extensive New York Times Magazine article by Paul Tough (2006) that lavishly praised KIPP and its methods, researcher Howard Berlak (2006) reported at the online discussion group, Assessment Reform Network (ARN), his recent own visit to a KIPP school in San Francisco:
When I was there children who followed all the rules were given points that could be exchanged for goodies at the school store. Those who resisted the rules or were slackers wore a large sign pinned to their clothes labeled "miscreant." Miscreants sat apart from the others at all times including lunch, were denied recess and participation in all other school projects and events.
. . . . I've spent many years in schools. This one felt like a humane, low security prison or somethin