How does the KIPP academies operate? (public schools, teachers, girls, students)

[zthatzmanz28]

Anyone familiar or have knowledge about the KIPP academies?

[taben]

I have no direct experience with KIPP but have 'heard' the following: Here in the south, thy operate 5 days a week from 8am - 5pm and then again 2 Saturdays per week. They are about keeping the kids focused on school, doing limitted extra curriculars at school and producing students who 'learn' to enjoy learning, to achieve and to be respoectful to teachers who go WAY above and beyond the call of duty. Many, but not all, of the kids come from low performing public schools where they have not at all reached their potential and they or their parents want better for them. There is a very high percentage of minorities at the KIPP schools where we live and a higher percentage of boys than girls. That is about all I know.

[zthatzmanz28]

I understand the focus on school, but I greatly appreciate extra curricular activities as well. Eliott Eisner knows a thing or two about taking time to be a person as well as a scholar. There is something to be said about all work and less play....

[LauraC]

There are two books you can read. Malcolm Gladwell's book "Outliers" has a chapter on KIPP. You can probably get that one in your library. There is also a book called, "Work Hard Be Nice: How Two Inspired Teachers Created the Most Promising Schools in America."

I think the Gladwell chapter in "Outliers" will suffice.

[zthatzmanz28]

Hmmmmmmmmm...intrigued may not be the correct word?....as thoughts of the same ol same ol roll through my head...

thanks for the assist...