International Baccalaureate: Bringing opportunities to the class of 2014 and beyond…

Park High School became an authorized International Baccalaureate World School, December This follows two and a half years of hard work and support from students, parents, staff, administration.

Founded in 1968 as a non profit educational foundation Strong pre-university curriculum Common external assessments Common internal assessments Learner Profile International Mindedness Background and characteristics of IB:

What does it mean to be an IB diploma student?

Look to the IB learner profile. The IB learner profile is the IB mission statement translated into a set of learning outcomes for the 21 st century. ibo.org

IB learners strive to be: InquirersOpen-Minded KnowledgeableCaring ThinkersRisk-Takers CommunicatorsBalanced PrincipledReflective

IB provides opportunities to students in two ways. Students may take individual IB courses and earn certificates, similar to AP courses. Students may choose to earn the IB Diploma in addition to the Park High School Diploma.

Recognized by colleges around the world Students improve upon strengths, confront challenges Learn time management Research and writing in all curricular areas Center of the hexagon Advantage of the full IB diploma:

The Curriculum To earn the diploma: 3 HL courses (2 years) 3 SL courses (1 year; some are more than 1 year) Complete center of hexagon

2 trimester course, 1 Jr. year, one Sr. Stimulates critical reflection on knowledge and experience Questions the basis of knowledge Creates awareness of subjective and ideological biases Key to understanding other learning perspectivesibo.org The center of the hexagon: ToK

Creativity Action and Service (CAS) CAS takes seriously the importance of life outside the world of scholarship, providing a refreshing counterbalance to academic studies. 150 hours over two years of planning, implementation, reflection

Designing and implementing service projects Individual and team sports Expeditions Local and international projects Helping people with special needs Visiting hospitals Working with homeless Some CAS examples:

4000 word or fewer, original research essay Represents research and writing skills expected by universities Researched and written during junior and senior year Opportunity to work with a teacher/mentor Opportunity to investigate a topic of special interest to the student Extended Essay:

Full Diploma Statistics: 79.4% of students who attempt the diploma earn it 47.5% of IB students who take the SAT earn % of diploma candidates are recognized by the National Merit program 55% of students who take the ACT earn a composite score of 27-36

U of M: 8 credits for each HL course, 2 for each SL – equals almost one year of college River Falls: 27 semester credits, however credit award depends upon courses taken University of St. Thomas: 4-8 credits per IB course; depending upon score and course Some College/University recognition stats for IB Diploma graduates

How can students participate in the full diploma? Students should take Geometry in 9 th grade, Algebra II in 10 th grade. Students should take a second language, Spanish, French, or German in 9 th and 10 th grade. Students should take IB Prep Physical Science or biology in 9 th grade.

Questions? Visit ibo.org Contact your students guidance counselor Aaron Pozzini, IB Coordinator