IB isn't a program for everyone, and I agree with Barbara and Mark that it
shouldn't be pushed universally (and I don't think it ever will be). I
excelled in the IB Program at Henry. I would most likely have gone nuts and
dropped out of high school at Sumatech at North High School. I also happen
to know that five of my closest friends graduated from Sumatech and now are
very successful individuals. They excelled in high school because they found
an educational program that fit their "inclinations" and a curriculum of
instruction that spoke to their interests while also demanding that they
step outside of those interest and take on broader learning objectives.
Anyone that claims that there is one way to teach young people that will be
an effective teaching method for all students is, well, delusional at best.
The problem arises (as it did while I was at Henry) when programs such as
the IB (and Open Program at Henry) are given or are perceived to be given
more attention/dollars/support than the general education programs and needs
of non-magnet students. My perception (and perhaps the reality) at Henry
from 1991-1995 was that the magnet students were the creme de la creme of
the school. We received college scholarships in abundance, the best
teachers, the best acccess to resources, and the rest of the students were
sort of shuffled along--again that was my perception. I don't know if that
is the case today, but there needs to be equal attention paid to the needs
of all students and not just those students that have chosen a magnet
program or a particular program tract. But, of course, the public school
system has always favored those with the least "problems" and the best
chance of succeeding while simply ignoring or actively hampering the rest.
My interest is finding effective methods to support all Minneapolis students
without detracting from the dynamic, successful programs that are in place
and continue to produce well-rounded, educated individuals.
-Brandon Lacy Campos
-Powderhorn Park
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