Published Online: February 22, 2011

Published in Print: February 23, 2011, as Inspiration for KIPP Schools, Teacher Harriet Ball, Dies

News in Brief

Inspiration for KIPP Schools, Teacher Harriet Ball, Dies

Harriet Ball, a renowned educator whose unorthodox teaching methods helped inspire the founders of the KIPP charter schools network, died from a heart attack on Feb. 2. She was 64.

Ms. Ball taught in Texas public schools before becoming a motivational speaker and training thousands of teachers in her techniques, including the use of rhymes to captivate students.

She was best known for the influence she had on the Knowledge Is Power Program, or KIPP, a network of schools with an intensive college-preparatory focus that mostly serve low-income and minority students. The name came from a chant Ms. Ball developed: “The more I read, the more I know/ The more I know, the more I grow/ The more I talk, the less I know/ Because knowledge is power/ Power is money/ And I want it!/ You’ve got to read, baby, read!”

There would be no KIPP without Harriet, KIPP co-founder Mike Feinberg told the Houston Chronicle. Her ability to both reach and teach children wasn't just great for kids, it was an inspiration to a whole generation of teachers and education leaders.

By Erik W. Robelen

Vol. 30, Issue 21, Page 5

You must be logged in to leave a comment. Login | Register

Ground Rules for Posting
We encourage lively debate, but please be respectful of others. Profanity and personal attacks are prohibited. By commenting, you are agreeing to abide by our user agreement.
All comments are public.

Viewed

Emailed

Commented

6935 Arlington Road, Bethesda MD 20814 301-280-3100 1-800-346-1834

Inspiration for KIPP Schools, Teacher Harriet Ball, Dies

Access selected articles, e-newsletters and more!

Viewed

Emailed

Recommended

Commented

Sponsored Whitepapers