4/6/2006
Media Contact:
Kim L. Hooper, IPS, 317-226-3612
Justin Ohlemiller, Mayor’s Office, 317-327-3690
Omotayo Ola-Niyi, KIPP Indianapolis, 317-637-9780 |
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IPS single-gender academies modeled on Mayor’s charter school
One-of-a-kind partnership between IPS and KIPP believed to be a first nationwide
INDIANAPOLIS - Indianapolis Public Schools and the KIPP Indianapolis College Preparatory, a mayor-sponsored charter school, are joining together in a unique partnership that’s a first in public education nationwide.
KIPP Indianapolis staffers will serve as mentors in the training and staff development of IPS teachers at two newly created single-gender academies set to open this fall.
IPS Superintendent Eugene G. White and Mayor Bart Peterson announced the partnership today.
As a result of this creative collaboration:
· The KIPP Indianapolis College Preparatory will move from the Concord Community Center to a new home on IPS’ Coleman campus at 1740 E. 30th St. KIPP will remain a Mayor-sponsored charter school, governed independently of IPS.
· Coleman also will be home to two new IPS single-gender schools: The Coleman Academy for Boys and The Coleman Academy for Girls. This fall, each school will serve students in Grades 4-6 and both will grow a grade level per year up to Grade 8.
· KIPP will train the Coleman academies principals through the KIPP School Leadership Program in California. In addition, KIPP teachers will serve as mentors in the training and staff development of IPS teachers. While it is common for charters and public schools elsewhere to share space in the same building, this partnership is believed to be the first such collaboration in the country.
"This partnership is not about public schools versus charter schools and which can do the better job," Dr. White said. "It’s about recognizing effective programs and collaborating to ensure our children get the high quality instruction they deserve.
Mayor Peterson agreed.
"This is an example of our city being innovative and creative in trying to find ways to give parents and students more high-quality options for success in school," Peterson said. "I applaud Dr. White and IPS for taking this bold step to improve both the charter schools system and IPS."
Partnerships focused on enhanced classroom instruction will lead to better student achievement, said KIPP Indianapolis school founder and leader Omotayo Ola-Niyi.
"We want to do powerful things for children to help them academically and to strengthen their character development. This collaboration is a way to achieve those goals and to impact as many children as possible," Oli-Niyi said.
KIPP co-founder Mike Feinberg recognized the broader scope of the partnership.
"At KIPP, we’re not just trying to build better schools, but to have a transformative effect on public education. By working together, we believe KIPP and the Indianapolis Public Schools can help thousands of underserved students climb the mountain to college," Feinberg said.
IPS is excited about the partnership because of KIPP’s track record of academic rigor, commitment to excellence and high values.
"While KIPP is lending us their expertise, it’s our teachers who will continue to make the difference for our students," White said.
About the schools:
· The Coleman Boys Academy and the Coleman Girls Academy. The two academies will be similar to charters, as parents may elect to enroll their children. Students also can be referred by school staff in collaboration with parents.
The academies will follow KIPP’s nationally recognized model of governance, school organization and high expectations for student achievement. The school day will run from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Fridays. Students will attend classes from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays twice a month. Three-week summer sessions are mandatory. As a result, students in the IPS academies will receive 62 percent more instruction than their district peers.
Enrollment at both academies will be intentionally small - approximately 220 children - to provide an intimate learning environment. In addition, each school will feature computer-based instruction in math and language arts and will require students to wear uniforms. The schools also will share common areas such as hallways, the gymnasium and the cafeteria.
Teachers hired to work at the academies each will receive bonuses of $10,000. Community partners will play a large role in helping students connect what they learn in the classroom to real-life experiences.
National research shows that students who attend single-gender schools have a significantly more positive attitude towards learning and demonstrate higher academic achievement. Students in single-gender schools also have higher attendance rates, are less likely to drop out of school and enhance their character development.
· KIPP Indianapolis College Preparatory. Nationally recognized KIPP Indianapolis College Preparatory (KIPP stands for Knowledge Is Power Program) was chartered by Mayor Peterson in October 2003 and opened in the summer 2004 on the Near-Westside.
KIPP Indianapolis currently serves 162 fifth and sixth graders. Ninety-nine percent of students are African-American, and 77 percent qualify for the federal free- or reduced-school meals program.
Last year, the current 6th grade class jumped from the 26th to the 69th percentile in math alone as measured by the national norm-referenced Stanford 10 exam.
There are currently 46 KIPP schools in 15 states and Washington DC. With great teachers, longer school hours, and a focus on college, KIPP schools have a sustained track record of high student achievement.
Nationally, 80 percent of KIPP alumni nationally have matriculated to college, in communities where less than 25 percent report having plans to attend college.
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