* High expectations and rigorous curriculum: KIPP schools set high academic standards for all students and implement a rigorous curriculum that prepares them for college.
* Strong teacher support and training: KIPP invests heavily in teacher training and professional development, providing ongoing support and resources to help teachers effectively implement the curriculum.
* Strong school culture and community: A supportive and engaging school culture, characterized by high expectations, strong student-teacher relationships, and a sense of community, plays a vital role.
* Data-driven instruction: KIPP schools use data to track student progress and make adjustments to teaching strategies as needed. This data-informed approach helps ensure that all students are receiving the support they need to succeed.
* Parent and family involvement: KIPP schools actively engage parents and families in their children's education, fostering a strong partnership between home and school.
* College preparation: KIPP schools focus heavily on college preparation, providing students with the resources and support they need to apply to and succeed in college.
In short, the extended school year and day provide more time for instruction and intervention, but this is only one piece of a much larger and more complex system contributing to KIPP's success. The effectiveness of the longer schedule is itself intertwined with the other factors mentioned above. The longer day and year wouldn't be as effective without the other elements in place.