Exploring KIPP

I mentioned on Monday that this week is National Charter School week and that I would be highlighting some charter school programs. I wanted to start off by pointing out the positive impact on student achievement attained by the Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP). For those of you who are less familiar with the program, KIPP is a national network of charter schools serving low-income and minority communities.

The KIPP Academy in Lynn, Mass. has received a “high” in the categories of English Language Arts and Math for the 2007 State performance Rating. The school has also made some great progress particularly in their 6th and 7th grades, which you can find after the jump:

6th Grade Results

• In Math, the school scored 18 points higher than the Massachusetts state average and 25 points higher than the average of Lynn Public Schools.
• In English Language Arts, the school scored even with the Massachusetts state average and 19 points higher than the average of Lynn Public Schools.

7th Grade Results

• In Math, the school scored 22 points higher than the average of Massachusetts schools as a whole and 40 points higher than the average of Lynn Public Schools.
• In English Language Arts, the school scored 14 points higher than Massachusetts schools as a whole and 34 points higher than the average of Lynn Public Schools.   
  

Part of the reason KIPP charters have seen success is because of their rigorous standards and extended learning day. These are both concepts that the campaign has been advocating since its beginning -- we believe that charter schools, when coupled with high standards, effective teachers, and time and support for learning, hold bold promise for academic excellence.