In a global economy, how do parents ensure that their budding student remains competitive on an international level? Metroplex moms and dads are turning to the International Baccalaureate (IB) program to keep their children engaged in the world while building a hunger for lifelong learning and enrichment. IB-accredited schools have cropped up across the Dallas area, and the recent growth isn’t limited to private institutions and high schools. Public schools are also adopting the program at elementary and middle school levels. And, according to Karen Phillips, executive director of Texas IB Schools (TIBS), it won’t be long before entire school districts offer IB programs in all schools.
So, what’s behind this development in the educational arena? DallasChild caught up with IB educators to get their take on the growing popularity of IB programs in Dallas-area schools.
A worldly education
Founded in 1968 by a Swiss nonprofit foundation, the IB organization works with schools, governments and international groups to develop challenging education programs and assessment tests that bridge international borders. The establishment’s most popular learning program is the Diploma Programme (DP; for ages 16-19), boasting more than half a million graduates since 1970. New to the troupe are the Primary Years Programme (PYP; for ages 3-12) and the Middle Years Programme (MYP; for ages 11-16), developed in 1997 and 1994, respectively.
The programs share common goals: high-quality education and international-mindedness. “IB promotes a well-rounded student in part by requiring students to take all subjects. The international component helps students to understand larger world issues and prepares them for a changing world,” explains Heather Lourcey, IB coordinator at The Westwood School in Dallas. “IB encourages real-world experiences, group work, group communication skills and hands-on learning. It also has a strong assessment program and a proven diploma that is actively recruited by universities around the world.” An IB diploma will secure a minimum of 24 college credits at any public Texas university, according to TIBS.
All three programs incorporate “concept-driven inquiry,” says Lourcey. Topics of inquiry include languages (English, as well as one foreign language), humanities, technology, math, science, arts and physical education. “There is no ‘curriculum’ so to speak,” says Phillips. “Rather, the PYP and MYP programs utilize ‘strategies,’ or how students are taught. They are taught how the subjects relate to one another and how to think. All students should be taught how to think or learn.”
The IB teaching practices differ from the curriculum-based instruction at public elementary, middle and high schools. Yet, several public schools across the area are integrating schoolwide or opt-in IB programs into their classrooms. R.E. Good Elementary School, in the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District, received IB PYP accreditation in the spring of 2008.
Since then, Jessica Ryckman, the school’s IB coordinator, says students learning has taken off. “This program has provided our students with more confidence and ownership of their education. When the teachers acts as facilitators, the students are given the freedom, as well as the time, to explore and inquire further into what they are learning,” Ryckman explains.
Growing popularity
In past years, steep – and costly – hurdles for authorization as an IB school, including stringent training and implementation programs for teachers, stunted the early growth of IB in the U.S., particularly in public school systems. According to the IB Organization, application fees, training costs and implementation of IB programs can cost institutions between $10,000 to $20,000, depending on the size of the school.
While the program is expensive, schools (private and public) are turning to IB to remain competitive with international education standards. And, due to the strict code carried out by the IB Organization, Phillips says there’s little to no variance in the quality of IB education from the private to public education sectors. Now, three private schools in the Dallas area offer IB programs: The Westwood School, St. Alcuin and Dallas International School. These institutions offer either Middle Years or Diploma IB programs.
Comparatively, there are five public schools in the area that offer IB: Allen High School, Garland High School, Plano East Senior High School, R.E. Good Elementary School and North Hills Preparatory, a public charter school. Additionally, two public Irving schools are undergoing candidacy for IB accreditation: Barbara Bush Middle School and Las Colinas Elementary School.
Primary and Middle Year IB programs are arising more commonly in Texas and in the U.S. But why? “Students need to learn how to learn – not just make an ‘A,’” says Lourcey. “Parents are beginning to see this need for change, and they’re willing to break old traditions to help their children be successful.”
But what about those who may say that IB is too rigorous, particularly for an elementary- or middle-school student? “There is nothing inherently wrong with setting the bar high,” says Lourcey. “Our students are average kids who study hard and play hard. They love the part of IB that involves getting to know students in other countries and exploring options outside of their regional area. While IB is a rigorous program, it’s also a doable program because it focuses on developing a strong work ethic and intellectual curiosity.” Ryckman adds, “Often times, the students set even higher goals for themselves by performing actions outside of the classroom.”
But the IB Organization’s goals remain clear: “Students need to understand how things work, how to find the knowledge, what to do with that knowledge and how to communicate to succeed in today’s world,” states Lourcey.
And, don’t worry, Phillips assures that the growing popularity of IB will not reduce its exclusive appeal to universities due to the organization’s high quality-control standards.
In the coming years, Phillips says it’s possible for entire school districts to implement IB. “There’s tremendous competition between districts who want to offer the best possible education for students. … IB programs have the strategies and content to develop 21st-century learning skills,” Phillips says.
