
Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP)
Local governments can invest in this strategy using State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
- This strategy can help address educational disparities. The U.S. Department of Treasury has indicated that strategies that help achieve this outcome are eligible for the use of Fiscal Recovery Funds.
Investments in this strategy are SLFRF-eligible as long as they are made in qualified census tracts or are designed to assist populations or communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.
Program basics
- Charter schools with an extended school day and extended school year
- “High expectations” environment, with focus on high performance in attendance, homework, support for parents, and professional development for teachers
- Performance-based employment decisions, substantial regional autonomy in leadership practices, training, and resource allocation
Strength of evidence
Evidence level: Proven (highest tier)
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Proven (highest tier)
Ranked as having the highest level of evidence by County Health Rankings and Roadmaps and Social Programs That Work; the second-highest level of evidence by the U.S. Department of Education What Works Clearinghouse
Target population
All school-aged children
Program cost
Estimated $12,731 per student per year
Implementation locations
- Nationwide
Dates active
1994–present
Outcomes and impact
- Positive effects on mathematics and English achievement
- Potentially positive effects on science and social studies achievement for middle and high school students
- Improved mathematics achievement by an average of 12 percentile points
- Improved English achievement by 8 percentile points
- Potentially improved science achievement by 11 percentile points
- Potentially improved social studies achievement by 5 percentile points
Keys to successful implementation
- Rigorous principal selection and development
- Leadership team that consists of Principal as instructional leader, Assistant Principal of Operations responsible for all operational duties, and an Assistant Principal who is mentored to be a future Principal.
- Clear leadership pathways with the expectation that managers are mentoring their direct reports
- Performance-based teacher and leader contract renewal
- National Foundation to support learning and improvement across the entire network of KIPP schools