Application to the KIPP School Leadership Program - Personal Statement Example

Application to the KIPP School Leadership Program Under its Annual Report Card, KIPP reports that the annual KIPP starts fifth grade at the40th percentile in mathematics and after four years, these same students are performing at the 82nd percentile in mathematics (KIPP Online). Florida state's record of achievement for that same period show that the black, hispanic, and low income group of students in the fourth grade tested at 52%, 66%, and 58% respectively (compared with 69% achievement for all students) in mathematics proficiency and 42%, 57%, and 49% respectively (with 63% for all students) for eighth graders (Mapping Florida's Educational Process).

The reason I have used Florida as the comparative statistic is because my application to the KIPP School Leadership Program will be geared toward the Jacksonville area.As an educator, I find the above statistics overwhelming not because I believe there is a disparate set of educational tools and skills between the national educational system and KIPP, but because of how these skills and tools are utilized. My educational philosophy essentially rests on one fundamental factor: the power of choice.

In tandem with KIPP's Five Pillars of operating principles, I believe that teachers, staff, parents and students have the power to make the choice to work towards success, including high expectations, commitment from every vested party, and the choice to lead. While KIPP's fundamental role is to provide the basic infrastructure, it is the teachers, staff, parents, and students as a collective entity that must adhere to the fact that receiving an education is paramount in today's world. There are no short cuts.

While it takes work and desire, the desire must come from within and magnified with the support from a person's surroundings and environment. I have experienced many cases while working with students with educational learning problems from low-income households that a supportive teacher can help create this desire in students through example and hard work. It really does take a village. While the role of a teacher is fundamental in front-line support, the responsibility of an administrator working with back-end systems is just as important.

This leadership function provides the infrastructure that drives the Five Pillars. In my fourteen years of experience in administration, I believe that administrative initiatives should focus on two main areas: student learning schemes and backing mechanisms. In order to improve student learning, I have put together schemes that have raised student test scores by 20%, created ways that encourage learning through visual stimulation, and developed an understanding of test material via better study habits.

In addition, I have planned and implemented the backing mechanisms that support the administrative system through fund raising, developing after-school programs, planning budgets for each academic year, researching and developing curriculums, pushed for state funding, accreditation and managed the media, and developed and run two-way communication sessions through teacher evaluations and faculty meetings. My interest in starting and leading a new KIPP school originated through a passion of teaching, educating and sharing with the Jacksonville community over fourteen years ago.

I hope it is with this passion and energy, in addition to the similar educational ideals I share with KIPP that will make me a good candidate for this program.Works CitedKIPP Online. 18 November 2008. http://www.kipp.org/Mapping Florida's Educational Progress 2008. U.S. Department of Education Online. 18 November 2008. http://www.edu.gov/nclb/accountability/results/progress/fl.html