The International Baccalaureate Program (IB Program) continues to be a subject of debate as to whether the IB program benefits US schools or not. Many US schools are reluctant to adopt the program, while others firmly believe that students are being deprived of learning an array of skills that can come from the program.
According to some program students in the US, the IB program for high school students which is offered at some public schools is not the hardest program to get into, but it is more difficult to get out of once you sign up. The reason is that the schools are invested in keeping their IB candidate graduation rates high, because this impacts on the school statistics and standing in the academic world.
The junior year is generally the hardest work, with the senior year being more relaxed. It is truly international in nature, meaning that it is offered in a diverse range of countries around the world and recognized internationally.
Another one of the program benefits is that it promotes a balanced and comprehensive curriculum which is accompanied by challenging tests. The program is administered by the International Baccalaureate Organization which assists schools in developing talented young minds with a focus on the connections between classroom theory and practical application in the real world.
The IB program is dedicated to promoting high standards in terms of academics, with a strong international perspective on the individual’s role as a responsible global citizen. Beyond just developing the student’s intellect, the program aims to develop their character, compassion and critical thinking skills. Students are encouraged to become lifelong learners and to take informed and active roles both local and global affairs. It teaches students to think globally and gain appreciation for the shared ties of humanity which unite all people.
The program benefits students from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds because it respects cultural diversity as a contributing factor to the richness of human life on earth. It is a college prep program which holds both teachers and students to high standards and requires a strong degree of self motivation on the part of students to succeed. This sophisticated 2 year program covers many different subjects, from languages to history, mathematics, the arts, computer science and more.
The International Baccalaureate Program has been tested over the decades and it has grown to reach more than 500,000 students in 139 countries around the world. The sponsoring organization of the IB program also offers an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (IB PYP) which teaches a strong international curriculum and a pattern of teaching which complies with the standards of the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO).
If US schools are able to adopt some of the methods and practices found in the IB Program, students will be able to gain more practical skills from their education.
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