International Baccalaureate Update
December 1, 2009

Last year as the district engaged in a comprehensive process of strategic planning, the International Baccalaureate (IB) program was identified by Action Planning Team Three as a potential means for achieving ‘standards of excellence’ and becoming a 21 district. As district personnel began working to implement the strategic plan this fall, research began on the IB program. Our research confirmed the high quality education offered through the IB program and also showed how closely the philosophy and Learner Profile for IB match the 9-R mission, beliefs, and objectives articulated in the Strategic Plan.

After several months of investigation and preparation by teachers, principals, and administration the Cabinet has identified Florida Mesa and Needham elementary schools to begin the IB application process. In the next few weeks both elementary schools will start the multi-year process necessary to become an IB Primary Years Program (PYP) and apply for IB authorization in October of 2011. Beginning the process on this timeline allows the district to take advantage of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (AARA) funds to pay for the start up costs associated with the program. The district will continue to work to bring the IB program to other interested schools in future years.

Staff and community support for hosting a Primary Years Program was a critical element in determining which schools would participate in the first phase of implementation.  Interest in the PYP grew rapidly as staff members and families gained information and understanding about the program. Of the four elementary schools interested in hosting this first phase, three of the four schools garnered 100% certified staff support for moving forward.

In light of the high level of teacher and principal support, additional factors were considered in order to make the best decision for all students. Both Florida Mesa and Needham have space for additional students in their buildings and the open enrollment policy can be used to enroll students who live outside of these schools’ and our district’s attendance boundaries. The location of the schools provides an opportunity for the district to help stabilize enrollment and reverse the recent trend of declining enrollment and subsequent decreased revenues. The demographics of students in these attendance areas will allow a great diversity of students to participate in the IB program. Each of the elementary schools also feeds into a different middle school for equity in future planning.  We would like to thank all of you for your engagement in this process. The enthusiasm of teachers, parents, principals, and community members has been phenomenal and as funding becomes available we will continue to expand the availability of these high quality programs.