Michael_A._Hitt,_R._Duane_Ireland,_Robert_E._Hosk

C-106 Part 4: Case Studies

young teachers, the heavy workload may be partly respon-
sible for lower-than-average teacher retention rates. In the
2011–12 school year, KIPP Houston had a teacher retention
rate of 58 percent, compared with 68 percent for YES Prep
charter schools, and 83 percent for Houston Independent
School District.^43 Over a longer time span, KIPP Houston
reports a 72  percent retention rate, which is 6  percent
below what charter management organizations nationally
are getting.^44 The high turnover and dependence on Teach
for America alumni give KIPP Houston a young teaching
force, with a 2012 average of 3.8 years of experience, com-
pared to a statewide average of 11.6 years.^45
To help the organization better gauge job satisfaction
and employee attitudes, KIPP Houston is using a “pulse

survey,” which KIPP Houston staff respond to twice

annually. Many of the responses show high employee

commitment. The three statements that employees most

strongly agree with are “My team is committed to doing

quality work,” “The mission of KIPP makes me feel my

job is important,” and “I know what is expected of me at

KIPP.” The three statements that get the lowest scores are,

“I would recommend my KIPP school/Inc. to a friend as

a place of employment,” “Leadership and school/depart-

ment staff communicate with each other effectively,” and

“I plan to work at KIPP for at least three more years.”^46

(See Exhibit 7 for pulse survey results.)

One way KIPP Houston hopes to engender longer-

term commitments is through offering pathways to

Exhibit 7

1. Region Snapshot
   Current
   Avt.

Change

Year Over

Year

Top %

(Agree &

Strongly

Agree)

Bottom %

(Disagree

& Strongly

Disagree)

Updated on Feb 2013. Current through next reporting date

of June 2013.

My team is committed to doing quality work. 4.27 −0.04 88% 3%

The mission of KIPP makes me feel my job is

important.

4.25 −0.07 88% 3%

I know what is expected of me at KIPP. 4.21 0.06 90% 2%

I have a trusted, personal friend at KIPP. 4.17 0.07 81% 6%

My school leader/manager cares about me as a

person.

4.16 0.03 83% 6%

In the last six months my supervisor talked to me

about my progress.

4.14 0.10 84% 7%

Top 6 Questions There is someone at KIPP who encourages my

development.

4.11 0.01 83% 7%

I have opportunities at KIPP to learn and grow. 4.01 −0.01 78% 9%

The leaders of my school/department live the

values of the Freedom Tree.

3.96 0.03 76% 7%

At work I have the opportunity to do what I do

best every day.

3.89 0.00 75% 10%

My colleagues live the values of the Freedom Tree. 3.89 0.05 73% 6%

The regional leaders of KIPP Houston live the

values of the Freedom Tree.

3.88 0.05 71% 5%

Bottom 6 Questions In the last seven days, I have received recognition

or praise for doing good work.

3.79 0.01 70% 16%

At KIPP, my opinions seem to count. 3.70 0.00 66% 14%

I have the resources I need to do my work well. 3.69 −0.01 68% 15%

I would recommend my KIPP school/Inc. to a friend

as a place of employment.

3.63 0.04 61% 16%

Leadership and school/department staff communi-

cate with each other effectively.

3.43 0.11 56% 22%

I plan to work at KIPP for at least three more years. 3.38 0.07 49% 21%

Source: Internal document used with permission.