International Baccalaureate FAQ Sheet

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What is the International Baccalaureate Program? - The IB program includes 3 educational programs designed by the International Baccalaureate Organization, or IBO. These programs are the Diploma Program for 11th and 12th graders, the Middle Years Program for 6th to 10th graders, and the Primary Years Program for 1st to 5th graders. Only the Diploma Program and Middle Years Program are under consideration for the new Signal Mountain School.

Where did IB come from? The IB program was designed in Switzerland in the 1960's and '70's to create an international standard of education for students, such as the children of diplomats and business executives, who moved often from one place to another. This was important because the educational systems often differed widely from country to country.

What is the IB Diploma Program, or DP? The DP is a program for 11th and 12th graders. Each of the six courses in the program includes an internationally administered test. Both the tests and the classes focus on critical reasoning and analysis.  Reading materials and textbooks for the classes are selected by local teachers from an extensive IB list, so while all DP courses worldwide meet certain standards, classes differ in focus from school to school. Students are encouraged to fully participate in the program which includes: the six courses of study, the creativity, action, and service (CAS) requirements, an extended essay, and a course called the Theory of Knowledge. Completion of the program entitles the student to an IB diploma.

 

What's the difference between IB and AP? AP classes are designed to be taken individually and to enable students to skip entry-level college courses. IB classes, while they can be taken individually, are related to each other to give students a more integrated view of all areas of study. AP tests generally include multiple choice sections, while IB assesses students using several methods including written responses. AP has been in the U.S. longer than IB and so is better known. Though most colleges and universities recognize AP and IB, a few recognize only AP. However, more and more U.S. colleges are offering IB Diploma graduates scholarships. >>More information on IB and college admissions>>

Are IB and AP mutually exclusive? No. Most schools that offer IB also offer AP.

Do students have to be exceptionally smart to participate in the DP? No, but they do have to be exceptionally dedicated. One DP student who was asked this question replied that only two in his graduating class were "geniuses" but everyone worked hard. In addition, most schools offer DP classes to anyone who wants to sign up for them, not just those with certain GPA's.

Do all 11th and 12th graders in a school participate in the DP? Usually, no. In most IB schools, some students take the full DP, some take only 1 or 2 DP classes, and some take no DP classes at all.

What is the Middle Years Program, or MYP? Unlike the DP, the MYP does not include a set curriculum except for requiring that all students study a second language. Instead, schools offer the same classes that state standards require, like World Geography to 7th graders and Geometry to 9th graders. The MYP changes the way those classes are offered by training teachers to integrate five "Areas of Interaction" through each subject area. They are "Approaches to Learning" (learning skills), "Community and Service," "Human Ingenuity" (how culture and technology have shaped our history), "Health and Social Education" (how students can live healthy lives and be active members of a functional society) and "Environments." Teachers in the MYP are also required to collaborate extensively with teachers from other subjects.

Do students have to be exceptionally smart to participate in the MYP? No. The MYP enhances the curriculum a school already uses, hopefully in ways that make all students more excited about learning. MYP is currently being implemented successfully in schools with lower achievement levels than Signal Mountain Middle School currently enjoys.

What is IB's philosophy on political, social, and religious issues?  The IB aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.  IB programs do not advocate a single religion, or a political or economic system.

What does IB cost? Membership costs $8,900 for a DP school and $5,220 for an MYP school per year. In addition, teacher training costs must be added, and there may be other costs, such as hiring additional staff to teach foreign languages. Finally, as with AP, the SAT and ACT, students pay to take IB exams. For a cluster of 4 IB schools, the Metro Nashville Public School district budgets $50,000 per year.


(Sources: Dr. Sharon Chaney of MNPS, IB teachers and students, and the IBO website)