Our Commitment
At KIPP Massachusetts, we believe that Knowledge is Power.
Every day, our team and family have the opportunity to either perpetuate systems of oppression or disrupt them. We are compelled by the ideals of diversity, equity, and inclusivity. Therefore, we continuously commit to operate as an anti-racist organization. Read more at Diversity Equity Inclusivity Vision, which we evolved during school year 2020-2021.
Our Journey
KIPP Massachusetts has been on a journey to identify and disrupt racist practices in ourselves and our organization in order to someday truly become an anti-racist organization. We know this journey is continuous and yet we hold ourselves to demonstrably improve: we know where we’ve been, we own where we are, we see where we’re headed. And we do this with boldness and in loving partnership with our students, families, staff and community. In doing this work, we believe we create brave spaces for our students to thrive; in doing this work we uncover the racism and unjust practices and policies in our own organization; in doing this work we are true to our belief that Knowledge is Power. Finally, making justice the core of all we do is the only way we will realize our vision of children growing up free to create the world they want for themselves and their community. On this page, you will see some of the work we are doing and we hope you join us!
– KIPP MA Executive Director Rhonda “Nikki” Barnes
Racial Justice Guiding Principles
The purpose of these guiding principles is to address and create systemic change: It starts with centering diverse BIPOC experiences, cultures, and voices among our students, alumni, families, the community, and staff. At KIPP MA there has been a history of upholding white supremacy culture that has been harmful. In order to design for and with the margins, we must work collectively with each other, students, alumni, families, and the community to dismantle white supremacy culture that is embedded within ourselves, each other, our schools, and our society. To address and create systemic change, we incorporate the following guiding principles into our practices: Continuous inter-connected transformational learning, Collective and individual accountability, Co-authorship, Strengths-based mindset, Healing & Reckoning.
Staff Diversity
We are committed to creating an environment where staff who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) are best positioned to succeed in their roles and progress in their careers. As of the 2020-21 school year, 58% of our teachers, 75% of our school leaders, and 30% of our executive leadership team identify as BIPOC. We strive for continued growth of BIPOC staff in order to create a workforce that reflects our student population. To create accountability and move forward together, KIPP MA staff participate in a variety of trainings and affinity spaces focused on anti-racism and social justice.
Culturally Responsive Teaching
We work to create joyful, affirming classrooms that embrace student experience, empower students to engage in meaningful discourse and learn from each other, as well as encourage action. We are committing to achieving these outcomes through incorporating culturally responsive and sustaining pedagogy in teacher professional development and coaching and through the development and implementation of an anti-racist curriculum that builds critical consciousness. Our hope is that students see meaning, purpose, and themselves reflected in our curriculum.
Our Work in Schools
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