Case Study: KIPP Academy of Opportunity achieves a reduction in suspension rate from 15% to 2% in one year with Kickboard

How Kickboard supported one Los Angeles school in decreasing the suspension rate from 15% of the student population to 2% in one year

KIPP Academy of Opportunity, a Los Angeles middle school serving high-needs students, faced a major transition in 2018—new building and leadership, staff turnover, and a doubling of its special education population—along with high suspension rates, particularly among special education students and young boys of color. To support a culture reset and better track behavior, KIPP turned to Kickboard and its behavior-tracking platform.

Using Kickboard, KIPP implemented PBIS- and restorative-informed systems, a KIPP Cash incentive program, and data-driven multi-tiered interventions to inform IEPs, teacher coaching, and restorative discipline. The Kickboard-supported approach helped suspensions drop from 14.9% to 1.9% and chronic absenteeism fall from 20% to 15% in one year, while staff reported stronger consistency and greater student well-being.

KIPP Academy of Opportunity

John Coleman

School Leader