KIPP

Definition

KIPP, which stands for the Knowledge Is Power Program, is a network of public charter schools in the United States that emphasizes a college preparatory curriculum and character development. KIPP schools are known for their rigorous academic standards and extended school days, aimed at improving educational outcomes for underserved communities. The program operates on a model that aligns closely with neoliberal principles by promoting school choice and competition in education.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. KIPP was founded in 1994 in Houston, Texas, and has since expanded to over 250 schools across the United States.
2. KIPP schools typically have longer school days and school years compared to traditional public schools, which allows for more instructional time.
3. The KIPP model emphasizes not only academic achievement but also character development, promoting values such as perseverance, responsibility, and respect.
4. Students at KIPP schools are often required to commit to a set of values and expectations, which play a crucial role in shaping the school culture.
5. KIPP's focus on college readiness is evident in its curriculum, which includes advanced coursework and resources aimed at preparing students for higher education.

Review Questions

• How does the KIPP model reflect the principles of neoliberalism in education?
  • The KIPP model embodies neoliberal principles by emphasizing school choice and market-driven competition within the education system. By operating as charter schools, KIPP provides parents with alternatives to traditional public schools, promoting the idea that competition leads to improved educational outcomes. This approach aligns with the neoliberal belief in reducing government oversight and allowing private entities to operate within the public education space.
• What are the key components of KIPP's educational approach that distinguish it from traditional public schools?
  • KIPP's educational approach is characterized by its extended school hours, rigorous academic curriculum, and strong emphasis on character development. Unlike traditional public schools, KIPP often implements a longer school day and year to maximize instructional time. Additionally, KIPP fosters a culture of high expectations and accountability among students and staff, aiming not just for academic success but also for personal growth and character building.
• Evaluate the impact of KIPP schools on educational equity within underserved communities.
  • KIPP schools have significantly impacted educational equity by providing high-quality education options in underserved communities that often face systemic barriers. By focusing on college readiness and character development, KIPP aims to level the playing field for students who may not have access to similar opportunities elsewhere. However, while KIPP has shown success in raising student achievement levels, critiques suggest that it may inadvertently contribute to a system that prioritizes choice over comprehensive reforms needed to address broader inequities in education.

Related terms

Charter Schools: Publicly funded independent schools that have more flexibility in their operations compared to traditional public schools, often established with specific educational goals or missions.

Neoliberalism: An economic and political ideology that promotes free-market capitalism, deregulation, and reduction in government spending on social services, including education.

Educational Equity: The principle of fairness in education, ensuring that all students have access to the same opportunities, resources, and support to succeed academically.