KIPP's first class leaving with gratitude for rigor, family feel
They arrived four years ago as fifth-graders, behind in their work and not used to rigorous classes, but they've advanced rapidly and have a strong academic grounding for high school.
They arrived four years ago as fifth-graders, behind in their work and not used to rigorous classes, but they've advanced rapidly and have a strong academic grounding for high school.
Missouri lawmakers authorized an expansion of charter schools beyond St. Louis and Kansas City, plus creation of a new statewide charter school commission. But they didn't appropriate any money to pay for it.
A new manual is designed to help charters establish procedures in areas from academic performance to financial stability to oversight by their boards and sponsors. Nearly 20,000 Missouri students now attend charters, with more expected.
The Renaissance Academy Math & Science was the first charter school in Missouri to close because its board decided not to renew its charter. A former Imagine school, it closed its doors this past June.
The bill creates a charter school commission and also establishes new procedures by which failing charters can be kept under closer scrutiny. The governor also vetoed a school bill affecting transportation for some students.
Lots of them were filed when the session began, but only one of substance made it through, expanding charter schools. Learn why lawmakers think other issues, from teacher tenure to a Turner fix, failed to make it to the finish line.
The Missouri General Assembly took action Tuesday to revamp the state’s laws on charter schools to allow more of them throughout the state. All sides agree that the bill also provides more oversight than under current state law.
A top executive with the charter school company, visiting St. Louis, said KIPP works to combine great teachers with a longer school day, high expectations and financial and other kinds of support to make sure students succeed.
As one of the first charter schools in St. Louis prepares to graduate its first class, students and educators alike say its special feel sets it apart. From unusual classes like driver's ed and fashion design to its unorthodox surroundings in an old bank, Lift for Life is different.
As crowds of parents and students attended an enrollment fair Saturday to find new places to enroll this fall, boards of the Imagine schools are working to see if they can keep the schools open this fall with a new sponsor and new management.