Left In Alabama:: If Public Schools Could Operate Like Charter Schools.....

Left In Alabama:: If Public Schools Could Operate Like Charter Schools.....:

If Public Schools Could Operate Like Charter Schools..... by: countrycat Tue Apr 17, 2012 at 15:12:20 PM CDT

The Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP) is one of the largest charter school companies in the US & has shown significant gains in student achievement.  Once you look closely at their operations, their success isn't surprising.  Would that model work for public schools? KIPP began in 1994 when two Teach for America teachers decided to create a program to engage middle school students.  As any parent or teacher can tell you, that's a rough age.  The kids aren't cute little elementary students and they aren't more mature high schoolers who have an idea of college or career plans.  They're in the middle of a transition from childhood to young adulthood. The founders targeted the most disadvantaged group of Middle Schoolers and they were successful: They deliberately organized their program to serve low- income children, mostly minorities. Today, more than 75% of KIPP students nationwide are eligible for the federal free and