To encourage district students to challenge themselves academically, develop intercultural understanding and respect, and be more competitive when applying for admission to postsecondary institutions, the district shall offer opportunities for students to participate in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. The Superintendent or designee shall provide a challenging, cross-disciplinary curriculum that provides the knowledge, concepts, skills, attitudes, and action that district students need to equip them for successful lives. The district's IB program shall provide structured, purposeful inquiry that engages students in their own learning.
(cf. 6142.2 - World/Foreign Language Instruction)
(cf. 6143 - Courses of Study)
The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that district students of all ability levels are offered the opportunity to participate in the program if it is available at their school.
(cf. 0410 - Nondiscrimination in District Programs and Activities)
The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that teachers and administrators are engaged in the planning process for the IB program to construct a rigorous and challenging curriculum. He/she shall coordinate implementation of the IB program with any other advanced learning opportunities offered by the district.
(cf. 6141 - Curriculum Development and Evaluation)
(cf. 6141.5 - Advanced Placement)
(cf. 6172 - Gifted and Talented Student Program)
(cf. 6172.1 - Concurrent Enrollment in College Classes)
(cf. 6181 - Alternative Schools/Programs of Choice)
The Superintendent or designee shall provide staff development and support to teachers of IB courses. Such professional development may include, but is not limited to, mentoring for prospective teachers of IB courses, opportunities for teachers to obtain information on the curriculum of specific courses through online workshops, webinars, blended learning and e-learning resources, and opportunities for district staff to share course syllabi and teaching practices.
(cf. 4111/4211/4311 - Recruitment and Selection)
(cf. 4113 - Assignment)
(cf. 4131 - Staff Development)
IB Diploma Program or IB Career-related Program
The district's IB Diploma Program shall offer a comprehensive, rigorous two-year program for students. To earn the IB diploma, students shall:
1. Complete a specific, intensive, balanced liberal arts course of study
2. Pass examinations in six curricular areas, including language and literature, language acquisition, individuals and societies, sciences, mathematics, and the arts
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the theory of knowledge through an oral presentation and extended essay on an externally assessed, independent research project
4. Demonstrate creativity, action, and service through involvement in a minimum of 150 hours of artistic activities, physical activities, and community service
(cf. 6142.4 - Service Learning/Community Service Classes)
(cf. 6142.6 - Visual and Performing Arts Education)
(cf. 6142.91 - Reading/Language Arts Instruction)
(cf. 6142.92 - Mathematics Instruction)
(cf. 6142.93 - Science Instruction)
The district shall offer a two-year, rigorous IB Career-related Program to high school students pursuing vocational or career and technical education (CTE). Students participating in the IB Career-related Program shall take a minimum of two IB courses and meet other diploma-level requirements, including performing community service and completing a final project related to their vocational or CTE field.
(cf. 6178 - Career Technical Education)
(cf. 6178.1 - Work-Based Learning)
As necessary, the Superintendent or designee may adjust the number of courses taken and hours of community service performed by students depending on the IB program in which they are participating.
The Superintendent or designee shall develop support systems to encourage students to participate in IB courses and take IB course examinations. Support systems may include, but are not limited to, resource centers, programs to recognize student accomplishments, and parent involvement through an IB parent organization group. In addition, the Superintendent or designee may explore partnerships with colleges and universities to encourage students to pursue postsecondary education.
(cf. 5126 - Awards for Achievement)
(cf. 6164.2 - Guidance/Counseling Services)
To the extent feasible, the district shall reduce the cost of IB examination fees for eligible low-income students. The Superintendent or designee shall notify parents/guardians of the availability of funds for this purpose and shall provide information on how students may apply for funding.
The Superintendent or designee shall annually apply to the California Department of Education for federal funds to support the reimbursement of fees for low-income students. In addition, the Superintendent or designee may recommend the use of district funds, when available and appropriate, to provide additional support for the fee assistance program.
(cf. 3100 - Budget)
(cf. 3260 - Fees and Charges)
The Superintendent or designee shall regularly report to the Board regarding the number of students participating in the IB program and, as applicable, the percentage of participating students who pass the IB examination in each curricular area. Such reports shall include the participation and outcomes of numerically significant student subgroups as defined in Education Code 52052.
(cf. 0460 - Local Control and Accountability Plan)
(cf. 0500 - Accountability)
Legal Reference:
EDUCATION CODE
52052 Numerically significant student subgroups
52060-52077 Local control and accountability plan
52920-52922 International Baccalaureate Diploma program
CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 5
3840 Advanced Placement as program option for gifted and talented students
UNITED STATES CODE, TITLE 20
6534 Advanced Placement exam fee program
Management Resources:
WEB SITES
CSBA: http://www.csba.org
California Department of Education: http://www.cde.ca.gov
College Board: http://www.collegeboard.org/ap
Great Schools: www.greatschools.org
International Baccalaureate: http://www.ibo.org
U.S. Department of Education: http://www.ed.gov
Policy WOODLAKE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
adopted: December 9, 2015 Woodlake, California