KIPP progams have shown results in raising acheivement for low-income students and closing the so-called achievement gap between white and their African American counterparts; but not so fast says the research. Although this research from Western Michigan University was released nearly two years ago, this idea about the failures of solely preparing students for high-stakes testing is as relevant than as it is today. In what was perhaps the most comprehensive, third party evaluation of it's highly touted school model, the Knowledge is Power Program, also known as KIPP, was questioned on several key areas most notably: school attrition, school finance and long term effects of its programming. Perhaps, what is most startling is that nearly 40 percent of African American males leave KIPP schools within two years of enrolling and while competeting districts receive an average of $6500 per pupil KIPP programs receive nearly triple that amount. Is there power in only one kind of knowledge? Lets honor value for more than just filling in a bubble on a sheet and teach empathy, curiosity, and leadership and measure these factors. Lets consider the research of Dr. William Sedlacek who has conducted decades of research on the admission factors that determine college success. How might we align our teacher preparation programs to ensure that current and future educators build these competencies in our young people?
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