Statement by Sandra Feldman
President, American Federation of Teachers
on KIPP’s 2003 Report Card
 

(KIPP Schools are public charter schools serving more than 4,000 students in grades 5-8 in 13 states and the District of Columbia. Currently, 95 percent of KIPP students are African-American or Latino and more than 80 percent are eligible for the federally subsidized meal program.)

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Like other public schools that are making progress, KIPP’s achievement gains are a great example of what can be done when schools use proven programs and teaching methods. KIPP schools have after-school programs, Saturday and summer school, high expectations for students, and strong leadership and support for teachers. KIPP’s commendable gains also are a good example of how additional resources spent wisely can make a huge difference.

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The AFT represents more than 1.3 million pre-K through 12th-grade teachers, paraprofessionals and other school support employees, higher education faculty, nurses and other healthcare workers, and state and local government employees.