In tackling this task, Feinberg says, they «backed into» the five essential tenets of the KIPP model: High Expectations (for academic achievement and conduct); Choice and Commitment (KIPP students, parents, and
teachers all sign a learning pledge, promising to devote the time and effort needed to succeed); More Time (extended school day, week, and year);
Power to Lead (school leaders have significant autonomy, including control over their budget, personnel, and culture); and Focus on Results (scores on standardized tests and other objective measures are
coupled with a focus on character development).
This fall, I coached teams of
teachers in a
couple of schools on focusing their instruction on no more than three of the English Language Arts
Power Standards for grades 10 - 12 that would be assessed on the first benchmark exam.