Some can’t meet KIPP’s standards

Adulation of KIPP Columbus as expressed in the Wednesday Dispatch editorial “KIPP is a charter that invests in kids” is appropriate. For the community to provide such significant financial support for Columbus students is commendable. If only there were sufficient resources to bring similar programing to the remaining 51,000. But that goal is out of reach due to the sheer expense it would entail.

So as impressive, desirable and laudable as the Knowledge is Power Program is, it is the answer to the education crisis for only those students fortunate enough to be selected in its lottery. Since the KIPP programming is financially out of reach, one might look to the other high-performing charter schools that operate with normal funding. Their programming could conceivably be replicated.

However, close examination of most of these schools, including KIPP, shows an interesting and disappointing trend over time. As performance scores increase in these schools, student count of any particular cohort falls off abruptly. Attrition is to be expected at any school, but not at the rate apparent in the data for these schools.

I had the opportunity to ask the director of one of the high-performing schools what caused this phenomenon. The answer given was that a number of students who enter by lottery cannot meet the high standards the school sets, and there is no social promotion. Consequently, these inferior students have little chance of progressing to the next grade level, and so they find another school to attend.

Instead of teaching these students well and bringing them up to standards, the schools subtly show them the door. This is not necessarily hurtful to students, nor does it cast a pall over the test scores of students who remain. But it indicates that the achievement that seems apparent in these schools is questionable.

As one who supports school choice, I find it painful to report this apparent shell game. However, credit should not be given when it is not earned. If I am wrong, these schools should call me out. They should quit reporting that they are successful because they have adopted high standards, have dedicated staff, and that they name home rooms after colleges.

They should tell us what specific techniques they use to bring their remedial students up to a high performing level.

Jim Cowardin Columbus system, Pillich mentioned a hypothetical charterschool owner using taxpayer funds to purchase a Florida mansion.

Specifically, she said a mansion “worth ... well it used to be worth $45 million. I’m not sure what it’s worth now,” while chuckling and enjoying laughter from the audience.

I am shocked that, at a time when millions of Floridians are still dealing with the devastating impact of Hurricane Irma, Pillich is able to find humor in the situation. I think Pillich and the Ohio Democratic Party owe the people of Florida an apology.