The following is a brief description of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (Grades 11 and 12) which is currently implemented in Hoboken High School. The International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program (MYP) is implemented in Grades 5-10 and is not part of this post. What is the International Baccalaureate?- The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IB) is a rigorous preuniversity program leading to assessments or tests in six subject areas. The two year IB Diploma provides a coherent and demanding educational experience across the full curriculum. Beyond coursework, IB students are also required to engage in community service, individual research, and an inquiry into the nature of knowledge. The IB Diploma is accepted in 102 countries and is offered at 1, 217 schools in 113 countries.
What is the IB Diploma?- The International Baccalaurate Diploma was designed to provide students from all countries an education crediential that could be understood by universities in any country. IB assessment is varied, authentic, and takes place over the entire course of IB instruction. In culminates in a series of exams in the the following areas: Language A, Language A2, Individuals and Societies, Experimental Sciences, Mathematics, and Arts. In addition, Full IB Diploma candidates must fulfill three central requirements: 1) An externally assessed course that contrasts ways of knowing in all six subject areas (Theory of Knowledge); An externally assessed, independent research project of 4,000 words in one of the six subject areas (Extended Essay); and active involvement in a minimum of 150 hours of community service, artistic, and physical activities (Creativity Action Service). These assessments are scored on a 1-7 scale- a student must achieve a minimum score of 24 points without failing any conditions to achieve an IB Diploma.
Who creates the IB examinations and how are they graded?- The IB final grade of 1-7 consists of two major elements. Between 20%-50% of the grade is based on internal assessment, classroom work done during the IB course and graded by IB teachers. The remaining 50%-80% of the grade is based on external assessments, developed by an international board of examiners and IB teachers from around the world. The external assessments are graded by an international body of 3, 500 trained IB examiners and master teachers. The scoring is moderated by an external examining board with the results being issued each year in July.
How do colleges and universities recognize IB courses and the IB Diploma?- The IB Diploma is increasingly being viewed as a strong indicator of academic promise and achievement. IB course and exams are recognized for the purpose of advanced credit and/or placement at over 900 North American colleges and universities.
What similarities exist between the Advanced Placement and IB programs?
1) Both are rigorous programs devoted to educational excellence; each program sets high performance standards for students and faculty.
2) Both programs involve dedicated and teachers committed to their students and their discipline.
3) Both programs attract highly motivated students who wish to excel academically and attend the most selective colleges and universities.
4) Both programs provide for articulation with middle-school curricula, IB through its Middle Years Program (MYP) also implemented in all of Hoboken's K-8 schools.
5) Both programs have attracted the attention of educators, policy makers, and the general public as ways to improve the quality of education around the world.
6) Both programs value students doing independent research, thinking, and writing.
In support of the academic programs, both AP and IB offer extensive professional development opportunities for teachers and administrators worldwide.
What is the IB Diploma?- The International Baccalaurate Diploma was designed to provide students from all countries an education crediential that could be understood by universities in any country. IB assessment is varied, authentic, and takes place over the entire course of IB instruction. In culminates in a series of exams in the the following areas: Language A, Language A2, Individuals and Societies, Experimental Sciences, Mathematics, and Arts. In addition, Full IB Diploma candidates must fulfill three central requirements: 1) An externally assessed course that contrasts ways of knowing in all six subject areas (Theory of Knowledge); An externally assessed, independent research project of 4,000 words in one of the six subject areas (Extended Essay); and active involvement in a minimum of 150 hours of community service, artistic, and physical activities (Creativity Action Service). These assessments are scored on a 1-7 scale- a student must achieve a minimum score of 24 points without failing any conditions to achieve an IB Diploma.
Who creates the IB examinations and how are they graded?- The IB final grade of 1-7 consists of two major elements. Between 20%-50% of the grade is based on internal assessment, classroom work done during the IB course and graded by IB teachers. The remaining 50%-80% of the grade is based on external assessments, developed by an international board of examiners and IB teachers from around the world. The external assessments are graded by an international body of 3, 500 trained IB examiners and master teachers. The scoring is moderated by an external examining board with the results being issued each year in July.
How do colleges and universities recognize IB courses and the IB Diploma?- The IB Diploma is increasingly being viewed as a strong indicator of academic promise and achievement. IB course and exams are recognized for the purpose of advanced credit and/or placement at over 900 North American colleges and universities.
What similarities exist between the Advanced Placement and IB programs?
1) Both are rigorous programs devoted to educational excellence; each program sets high performance standards for students and faculty.
2) Both programs involve dedicated and teachers committed to their students and their discipline.
3) Both programs attract highly motivated students who wish to excel academically and attend the most selective colleges and universities.
4) Both programs provide for articulation with middle-school curricula, IB through its Middle Years Program (MYP) also implemented in all of Hoboken's K-8 schools.
5) Both programs have attracted the attention of educators, policy makers, and the general public as ways to improve the quality of education around the world.
6) Both programs value students doing independent research, thinking, and writing.
In support of the academic programs, both AP and IB offer extensive professional development opportunities for teachers and administrators worldwide.
