The International Baccalaureate Programme

The International Baccalaureate Program has received extensive media attention in the Pittsburgh area.

In order for parents, educators, and citizens to understand the ongoing debate, it is important to understand the content and intent of the IB program – the curriculum and the underlying principles/themes.

The IBO asserts that the IB curriculum gives students the opportunity to develop high-level reading, writing, research, and critical thinking skills as they master extensive, challenging materials. It is understandable that parents and students seeking a high-level academic curriculum would enroll in the IB program.

However, does the IB Program go beyond outstanding academics? Is the IB Program designed to:

1. educate students or “transform” students?
2. provide a knowledge-based education or an education in which students construct their own knowledge?
3. promote a government that protects the individual’s inalienable rights or a “supra nationa l” government that has authority to supersede these rights?
4. reinforce our national perspective or teach a global perspective?
5. produce American citizens or “world citizens?”

Research is needed to find the answers, starting with this web site. Click here to read more