Is KIPP concept good for all schools?

KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) says "Working over time is central to KIPP's success". The program focus on spending 9 hour school days instead of normal 7 hour, held classes on some Saturdays, and run summer sessions. Students from KIPP often spend 60% more time in class than regular public schools require. KIPP focus on the result oriented success, which means higher grades. KIPP's measure of success is mostly by looking at the grades compared to other public schools in the same area.

KIPP's make perfect sense for the audience they are targeting. Currently KIPP's is focusing on getting poor and minority students ready for College. The environment for students of KIPP in their home or in their neighbor may not be well suited to develop the ethics of individual. KIPP's is well placed to develop the ethics along with intellect in school.

The problem if we implement the same concept to other schools is that students are pushed more towards improving grades rather than allowing them to choose their interest of topics.

Growing in an environment spending whole school days studying for performing better in exams, I can say that to achieve the results in exams, students thought process will be focused more on short term. I believe taking the summer break and spending the time in exploring different areas will allow children brain to expand more than focusing on grade oriented goals.

The good thing the current public schools in US is that students are allowed to choose their choice of interest. At the age of 16 student will be in a good position to select their passion and pursue their interest.

I think bringing the KIPP model to all schools will generate fewer independent and passionate students who can diverse to different areas that has not been explored.

As studies show their might be a problem in generating students who are ready for college graduation with current education model. We probably have to look for more options to effectively use the time that is spent in the schools, accept the staffing model from KIPP etc but not the grade oriented and time oriented concept from KIPP.

http://www.kipp.org/