Minnesota's South St. Paul school district is on the verge of being the first in the U.S. to offer the International Baccalaureate diploma program to all students. It's expensive for schools to adopt the IB program, but many believe IB is one answer to ensuring students are well prepared for college and work in the global economy. IB directors are hoping to overcome the perception that IB is only for certain students and expand IB opportunities, particularly in TItle I schools.
Read the article: With World Growing Smaller, IB Gets Big (Edweek, free registration)
What do you think about districtwide IB?
I attended an IB training conference in February. My impression was that it is an umbrella that facilitates things like interaction between the disciplines; however, I use AP and preAP strategies to really develop my content. I didn't think that IB really stressed that kind of academic content. It seemed more about "political correctness" than anything else.
Posted by: Jennell Peteranecz | November 05, 2007 at 06:25 PM
Please specifically define International Baccalaurate (IB) for those of us not familiar with it.
Posted by: Jill Gilbertson | November 06, 2007 at 10:23 AM
The IB Web site has several useful FAQ pages--Here's one:
http://www.ibo.org/parents/
Posted by: Laura Varlas | November 06, 2007 at 12:00 PM
Actually, IB won't be required for all students in South St. Paul--only for the K-elementary kids--but it'll be available to all students in the district, and that's a national first.
Posted by: Scott Cech | November 06, 2007 at 12:36 PM
Thanks for the clarification! I reworded the post.
Posted by: Laura Varlas | November 06, 2007 at 01:00 PM
I think it is an absolutely disasterous decision and one that should be stopped in its tracks! For more information on the IB debate, please read the washpost.com
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/community/groups/index.html?plckForumPage=ForumDiscussion&plckDiscussionId=Cat%3aa70e3396-6663-4a8d-ba19-e44939d3c44fForum%3a5093b309-eb0a-47e2-b777-ea68b9dd478eDiscussion%3ab75543d9-7206-4ad7-94a1-5918de85d565
Posted by: LEM | November 06, 2007 at 02:14 PM
I congratulate the educators of South St. Paul for choosing to implement the IB program for all elementary students and offering the opportunity for secondary students. My district is also implementing the IB program and looking through the comments, I noticed some familiar objections. For me, IB is a framework I can use to organize all the best practices of education; but I think any type of change is difficult for some teachers. The fundamental concepts of the IB programme offer what the student of the future needs to be successful: holistic learning, intercultural awareness and communication. The IB programme aims to develop students who are thinkers and life-long learners who can problem solve and adapt to a changing world -- I don't think anyone can argue with that. As for being politically correct -- there's nothing wrong with appreciating the similarities and differences we have with other people around the world. The AP program simply offers another choice -- and education has never been "one size fits all."
Posted by: Carol Allen | November 06, 2007 at 03:31 PM
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Posted by: ankara oto kiralama | November 14, 2007 at 02:17 PM
How many students are in your elementary? When you are speaking whole district do you mean PreK-12 IB?
Posted by: Glenda | November 16, 2007 at 07:08 PM
I am a special education teacher in a high school, which was just received its IB authorization. Next year, the entire school will be MYP (Middle Years Program) and the students who wish to become IB may do so in their junior year. Within our school, we have a mult-intensive classroom, and a trainably disabled classroom. Many of these students are wheel chair bound, lack speech, and motor movement, yet they too will be participating in the Middle Years Program at their level. We are presently working on how to adapt the program for our students in special education. The global concept is one which we find workable for students at all levels.
Posted by: Chris | November 26, 2007 at 10:18 PM
I'm working in an IB school (under PYP programme) now in the Middle East. I think it's great that they incorporated excellent learner profiles and wonderful attitudes. This would really prepare students to become global citizens. Although, I'm still having a difficult time figuring Maths role in our unit of inquiry.
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