The International Baccalaureate program was founded in 1968 in Geneva Switzerland. The web-site is www.ibo.org. The main premise is to teach children how to become good citizens of the world. There are obviously rigorous academics in this program. There is also social/behavior modeling in this program and prescribed ways to address discipline.
There are 1,305 schools authorized to offer IB programs (Diploma Program, Middle Years Program, Primary Years Program). These schools, known as IB world schools, offer a total of 1,508 IB programs (DP, MYP, PYP) in 115 countries (as of 12/31/03). A school must apply to become a program provider. The application process is four years long. The school files the application and if selected works for the next three years to establish the program in the school in accordance with the requirements of the IBO. There are many requirements and things that must be in place before final recognition is awarded. There are extensive beginning and on-going training requirements for teachers. The curriculum is prescribed by grade and is geared toward preparing children to go to college and become good citizens of the world. Teachers who teach in IB settings must support and embrace this teaching model. There are site requirements in as much as the things that must be present in an IB site. There is external assessment of students work. There are about 11 High Schools, 1 Middle School and 1 grade school in Minnesota that offer the IB program. Whittier Community School for the Arts is preparing an application to offer an IB program in Minneapolis. Currently, the only IB program in grade school years is at Highland Park Elementary School in St. Paul. I have toured the school and was very impressed by what I saw. I was very skeptical at first about the prescribed curriculum and especially the social/behavior modeling. I walked away from the experience very supportive and encouraged by it. I think the thing that impressed me the most was that the curriculum for all grades was posted in every classroom and on every wall of every hall. So were the behavioral expectations. It was clearly evident that all the educators were on the same page as to what was expected of them as teachers and what children would learn at this school. it was also clear to parents and students what was being taught and what the expectations are for both learning and behavior. I was very impressed at how children learned about objects and issues not just from the perspective of an American but also from the perspective of other citizens of the world. The approach to discipline seems well grounded and was working successfully at Highland Elementary. The student base there was fairly diverse and they were attracting students from all over St. Paul. Any school can apply to offer this curriculum. They must be ready and willing to accommodate this educational model. I think in Minneapolis the application must also be approved by the MPS Board of Directors. I think my main concern with the IB program is the priority is takes within an individual school. In schools where it is just a program or involves only a small section of students I am concerned that children not enrolled in the IB program may not receive the same level of attention that kids in IB do. Barb Lickness Whittier ===== "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." -- Margaret Mead REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
