Study of IB alumni explores the lasting
Transcription
Study of IB alumni explores the lasting
Global News Like Tweet Forward IBGLOBALNEWS VOL. 3, 2, ISSUE 2, 5, 2015 2014 Global News AFRICA/EUROPE/ MIDDLE EAST ASIA PACIFIC THE AMERICAS Study of IB alumni explores the lasting impact of IB programmes Katie Wright at the University of Melbourne conducted 23 in-depth interviews with IB graduates between the ages of 20 and 63, from 14 countries. The interviews explored the ways in which IB programmes may have influenced their professional pathways, attitudes toward learning as well as personal beliefs and overall view of the world. “It gave me a perspective that I would never have had otherwise. I would not be the person that I am today … there’s nothing that was more important and more influencing on me than that two year period.”—Jessie completed two Diploma Programme (DP) courses in her public high school in Canada more than twenty years ago. Her quote illustrates one of the many perspectives of IB alumni from this study. IB alumni suggested that one of the key impacts of the programmes was how they helped them to develop dispositions and skills that have served them well both in further education and in life beyond. Among them, Get a PD tune-up online in 60 minutes or less! more more Featured teacher: Shamita Johnson from Atlanta, offered MYP online workshops Georgia, USA in French and Spanish more more Ministry of Education in Nine Diploma Programme Buenos Aires achieves goal of subjects complete review ten new public DP schools more more TED-style talks spark Remembering Chris creativity Mannix, founding debate at the father Peterson of the IBCC Academic Symposium more © International Baccalaureate Organization 2015 2014 International Baccalaureate® | Baccalauréat International® | Bachillerato Internacional® Like IB graduates cited the development of internationalmindedness, love of learning, analytical and writing skills, and notably, critical thinking skills. A number of students suggested that it was not until many years later that they were able to see the full benefit of courses such as theory of knowledge (TOK). As one student commented on his DP experience in the mid- 1970s: “You know, I benefited more from [TOK] after I did it than when I was doing it … I think I was a bit immature from the academic perspective, I mean that was a very interesting subject, and I probably now get more out of thinking about the things that were presented at that time than I did when I was a student there.” Tweet Forward headlines Study of IB alumni explores the lasting impact of IB programmes Second pilot of new support service seeks applicants for training GLOBAL NEWS Global News TED-style talks spark creativity IBGLOBALNEWS AFRICA/EUROPE/ Read the summary of this study plus full research report. Global News ASIA the PACIFIC THE AMERICAS MIDDLE EAST Second pilot of new support service seeks applicants for training The latest new service to schools is preparing to start its second trial phase. The IB’s Global School Services team is looking for motivated IB educators to receive training that will enable them to provide support to the schools taking part. This is the second pilot for Building Quality Curriculum, a service that will provide feedback to improve a school’s pedagogical approaches to PYP (programme of inquiry and units of inquiry) and/or to support curriculum changes in MYP unit planning. The service is available to both IB World Schools and candidate schools. debate at the Peterson Academic Symposium Get a PD tune-up online in 60 minutes or less! VOL. 2, ISSUE 5, 2014 Qatar Foundation approved to deliver IB professional development workshops School-based PD cluster events gain momentum in the Middle East Featured DP students take on the Interest Rate Challenge more Newly authorized programmes in Africa, Europe and Middle East Former Prime Minister of Australia speaks at IB conference in Macau Featured school:workshops “Two schools offered MYP online in French and Spanish together” in Japan more Newly authorized programmes in Asia Pacific Michael & Susan Dell Foundation grant bridges equity gap for US students Nine Diploma Programme Ministry of Education in Buenos subjects complete review Aires achieves goal of ten new more public DP schools Are you or do you know an IB educator who would like to get involved? The IB seeks experienced practitioners with expertise in PYP and MYP curriculum planning. Please share with your friends and colleagues. For more information, email [email protected]. Featured teacher: Shamita Johnson from Atlanta, Georgia, USA Newly authorized programmes in Remembering Chris Mannix, the Americas founding father of the IBCC more © International Baccalaureate Organization 2014 Centre Published by IB Communications and Marketing, IB Global International Baccalaureate® | Baccalauréat International® | Bachillerato Internacional® Churchillplein 6, 2517 JW, The Hague, The Netherlands Global News Like Tweet Forward TED-style talks spark creativity debate at the Peterson Academic Symposium Speakers have been confirmed to present TED-style talks at the 2015 Peterson Academic Symposium from 23–24 April in The Hague, Netherlands. This is the fourth Peterson Academic Symposium, named after the former IB Director General and one of the founders of the IB – Alec Peterson. The symposiums are a forum for IB academic staff to both discuss with and learn from educators within and beyond the IB community on a given theme. The insights gained are used for curriculum development and also serve to start an ongoing dialogue on that theme between the IB and experts in the field. IBGLOBALNEWS The IB community was invited to participate by proposing speeches, of which two were selected. These two IB practitioners will deliver their ideas in person to IB staff in the form VOL. 2, ISSUE 5, 2014 of TED-style presentations. They join eight other speakers who were invited to present. Global News AFRICA/EUROPE/ ASIA PACIFIC THE AMERICAS MIDDLE theme is EAST Making time for creativity: Why does it matter? the As this year’s invitation was extended to include submissions of video content that demonstrates creativity in practice in the context of IB World Schools globally. The symposium will focus on the following questions: ❍ ❍ ❍ ❍ What is creativity? more Why are creativity and creative thought important in schools, in industry, and in life? Where are creativity, creative thought and creative learning fostered and stimulated? How can education promote and develop creativity in all subject areas and all age ranges? Day 1 will be hosted by The American School of The Hague (ASH), Netherlands. Day 2 will take place at the IB Global Centre, The Hague. MYP online workshops offered in French and Spanish more ❍ READ about this year’s speakers. ❍ Join or follow the conversation during the two days on twitter #IBPAS2015. WATch a video of former and current Chief Academic Officers expressing their support for greater creativity in education. Nine Diploma Programme subjects complete review more Remembering Chris Mannix, founding father of the IBCC more © International Baccalaureate Organization 2015 2014 International Baccalaureate® | Baccalauréat International® | Bachillerato Internacional® If it’s been more than a year since your last professional development (PD) workshop, you may be due for a refresher course! One easy way to get a quick, monthly PD session is through the IB webinar pass—perfect for individuals, an entire teaching team or a whole school. IB webinars are one hour-long, informative, interactive online sessions to deepen understanding of a specific IB programme. Once logged into the event, participants can pose questions to the presenter in real time and listen to other participants’ comments and questions. Join a webinar from home, school or even your mobile phone. They run throughout the year. DP educators, check out the new online destination, IB DP Advantage for easy ways to refresh your teaching skills. One subscription covers the entire DP staff and lasts a full year. TRY AN IB DP ADvANTAGE WEBINAR FREE OF CHARGE Latest research available now Read study on postsecondary outcomes of DP students from the United States Read the latest key findings from research in Asia Pacific Published by IB Communications and Marketing, IB Global Centre Churchillplein 6, 2517 JW, The Hague, The Netherlands GLOBAL NEWS Get a PD tune-up online in 60 minutes or less! Diploma Programme (DP) students Thanh Thao Truong and Thao Ha competed in the 2014 Interest Rate Challenge. In the competition, students present their opinions on the policies that would help the UK economy reach the target inflation rate of 2%. Asheesh Misra on excellence and equity for all students regardless of circumstance Outreach means leaving the school building Thanh Thao Truong (left) and Thao Ha Why every school should care about inclusive education Teachers as PYP learners How to prepare your students for the Extended Essay Read more... Featured school: “Two schools together” in Japan Senri and Osaka International Schools of Kwansei Gakuin in Japan collaborate closely in educating students to share their different cultures. William Kralovec, Head of School at Osaka International School of Kwansei Gakuin, tells IB Global News about the collaboration. Latest on the IB BLog Will a ‘flipped’ classroom work for you? US school embraces experiential learning with spoken word artist DP graduates in Turkey have the skills needed for university success Visionary architecture allows for two schools to operate together within one building Read more... Featured teacher: Shamita Johnson from Atlanta, Georgia, USA In light of recent events at Charlie Hebdo Magazine in Paris, France students and teachers at Willis A. Sutton International Middle School in Atlanta, Georgia, US will soon host 24 students and 3 French teachers from their sister school, Saint Joseph school, Toulouse, MYP teacher France. The aim of the visit is to garner Shamita Johnson intercultural understanding and enable the students to learn each others’ language in an authentic context. Driving the initiative is Dr Shamita Johnson, an MYP French teacher at Willis A. Sutton. Speakers announced for the Peterson Academic Symposium 2015 Everything you need to know about the 2015 IB World Student Conferences Why the arts matter in schools Ten things I like about the IB Diploma Programme Use Curriculum Connections to map your curriculum requirements to the IB framework How can we get more US colleges and universities to grant credit for SL classes? 23 in-depth interviews explore the lasting impact of IB programmes A global citizen: Marina Catena, Director of the World Food Programme Ten perspectives on international-mindedness Read more... © International Baccalaureate Organization 2014 International Baccalaureate® | Baccalauréat International® | Bachillerato Internacional® GLOBAL NEWS Featured DP students take on the Interest Rate challenge Africa/Europe/Middle East Like Tweet Forward AFRICA / EUROPE / MIDDLE EAST Global News AFRICA/EUROPE/ MIDDLE EAST ASIA PACIFIC THE AMERICAS VOL. 3, ISSUE 2, 2015 Qatar Foundation approved to deliver IB professional development workshops Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) has signed an agreement with the IB to provide a series of teacher training workshops. In supporting Qatar on its journey from a carbon economy to a knowledge-based economy, QF is furthering the mission by building on its core education activity to become an approved provider of IB Professional Development workshops for educators. The first is scheduled to take place in March. QF currently develops skilled graduates and first-class teachers through an innovative and multidisciplinary education model. And in keeping with its objectives to enhance educational standards, the IB workshops will further develop teacher training skills. The workshops will be conducted in both English and Arabic. QF’s Director of Academic Outreach in the Pre-University Education Office, Noof Ahmed al-Thani, said: “Qatar Foundation believes that professional development should be ongoing for all educators, irrespective of experience—not only for continuous professional and personal growth, but also to ensure that educators keep improving the learning experiences and outcomes of all their students.” IB Regional Director for Africa, Europe, Middle East, Adrian Kearney said: “This agreement represents an important step for the IB in Qatar and enables greater access to the professional development workshops for which IB is renowned. We hope this will lead to further collaboration with the educational authorities in Qatar.” Find out more about QF’s IB workshops. Published by IB Communications and Marketing, IB Global Centre Churchillplein 6, 2517 JW, The Hague, The Netherlands School-based PD cluster events gain momentum in the Middle East Cluster events are designed to provide training for IB educators at a host school’s premises. This solution also accommodates gaps in Professional Development (PD) opportunities in the Africa, Europe, Middle East region. Host schools require a minimum of two participating schools in order to qualify for hosting a cluster event. The IB will ensure that expert workshop leaders deliver on-site training to meet the needs of all participants. Apply to host a cluster event at your school. Find details online. “We had an awesome cluster workshop! All participants were very happy, enthusiastic and consistently engaged thanks to the outstanding abilities of the two workshop leaders (flexible, knowledgeable, caring and very good listeners) that [the IB] chose. Participants’ needs were perfectly met”—Lina Ghamra, Ph. D., DP Coordinator, Emirates National School Mohamed Bin Zayed City Campus, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Featured DP students take on the Interest Rate challenge Diploma Programme students from Rossall School, England, Thanh Thao Truong and Thao Ha, competed in the 2014 Interest Rate Challenge. In the competition, students present their opinions on the policies that would help the UK economy reach the target inflation rate of 2%. Q: What were the highlights and challenges of the competition? Thanh Thao Truong: The Interest Rate Challenge was one of the most exciting experiences during Thanh Thao Truong (left) and Thao Ha my time as a sixth form student. I particularly enjoyed the presentation of our policies, the group discussion, and watching competitor presentations. These aspects enabled me to explore the diversity of economics and gain knowledge outside the classroom. Thao ha: My main highlight was voicing our opinions to the officials from the Bank of England. It was nothing like I had imagined; we were grilled by the judges, under a lot of pressure to deliver prompt and accurate responses. Q: how have your experiences as an IB student prepared you for this challenge? Thao ha: My IB experience kept me relaxed during the preparations, despite being out of my comfort zone. When dealing with inflation reports, it was frustrating to realize that the data from different sources did not match up—I felt like we had reached a dead end. However, having been encouraged to nurture my skills in research and critical thinking since the start of the DP, I was able to tackle this new and challenging task. © International Baccalaureate Organization 2014 International Baccalaureate® | Baccalauréat International® | Bachillerato Internacional® Q: What did you learn by participating in the challenge? Thanh Thao Truong: I learned many different things about economics and its integration into the real world. I had the privilege to watch professional economists debating and questioning policies raised by students. I learned that though policies and theories can be studied from textbooks, the overall assessment of the economy is influenced by personal opinion. Thao ha: I gained practical insight into monetary policy and how macroeconomics works in the real world. Not only did this reinforce what I had learned in class, but also it taught me to appreciate the problems that policymakers face on a daily basis to accommodate changing market conditions. Q: how has this experience impacted your outlook on economics as a subject? Thao ha: The challenge reinforced my interest in economics. It is a popular topic in the news, and I am grateful for the chance to assess economic events from my own viewpoint. I highly recommend IB students to take the opportunity to stretch their knowledge outside of the classroom and grasp the chance to participate in an active learning dimension. Thanh Thao Truong: The experience provided an opportunity to put my economic knowledge to the test, and it changed the way I see economics as a subject. I now realize that in order to understand an area of economics, I need to develop first a personal viewpoint on the matter. It also encouraged me to keep up with current economic events, a great contributor to what I wish to pursue at university. Newly authorized programmes in Africa, Europe and Middle East Welcome to the following 17 schools, authorized to offer an IB programme in Africa, Europe and Middle East since January. School Name Programme Location GKv Cemil Alevli College DP Sehitkamil, Gaziantep, Turkey British International School of Stavanger DP Stavanger, Norway Ecole Montgomery DP Brussels, Belgium Complejo Educativo Mas Camarena DP Bétera, Spain Lemania - verbier International School DP verbier, Switzerland International School of Como MYP Italy International School of Surrey CP Surrey, UK Esbjerg Gymnasium & HF CP Esbjerg, Denmark Children’s International School MYP Fredrikstad, Norway The International School Stuttgart, Sindelfingen Campus MYP Sindelfingen, Germany Published by IB Communications and Marketing, IB Global Centre Churchillplein 6, 2517 JW, The Hague, The Netherlands AFRIcA/EUROPE/MIDDLE EAST Thanh Thao Truong: I have acquired skills over the last two years that helped me in the preparation stage. For example, when doing research for our presentation, the procedure was similar to the research conducted for my internal assessments—it was easier for me to find information from reliable sources. MYP Breda, Netherlands Shahid Mahdavi MYP Tehran, Iran International School Breda MYP Breda, Netherlands International School SEK Dublin MYP Co. Wicklow, Ireland Children’s International School PYP Fredrikstad, Norway IS of Samara PYP Samara, Russia Kaluga International School PYP Kaluga, Russia Congratulations to SEK International School – Dublin for becoming the first Middle Years Programme (MYP) school in Ireland. “We are proud to be the first MYP school in Ireland. Quality standards in infrastructure, resources and the methodologies required reinforce the values that SEK has imparted for more than 30 years” —Fidelma Murphy, director of SEK-Dublin International School. “This recognition culminates the educational model and the values of the SEK Educational Institution that we have applied at SEK - Dublin since its foundation in 1981. The participation of students in their own learning process and the rigour with which they undertake this task has been recognized by the IB, which confirms, if confirmation were needed, that we are working in the right direction and encourages us to keep on improving” —Marta Rodger, General Manager of SEK International Schools. SEK’s first school to be authorized for an IB programme was at SEK - El Castillo, Spain in 1977. © International Baccalaureate Organization 2014 International Baccalaureate® | Baccalauréat International® | Bachillerato Internacional® AFRIcA/EUROPE/MIDDLE EAST Mencia de Mendoza, Breda Asia Pacific Like Tweet Forward ASIA PACIFIC Global News AFRICA/EUROPE/ MIDDLE EAST ASIA PACIFIC THE AMERICAS VOL. 3, ISSUE 2, 2015 Former Prime Minister of Australia speaks at IB conference in Macau In March, Julia Gillard, former Prime Minister of Australia (2010-2013), joined a host of expert speakers in Macau, China, for the 2015 IB Asia Pacific Annual Conference. Attracting more than 1,200 participants, the conference was the region’s largest yet. Motivated by the IB mission, the conference fosters partnership and participation, providing a forum for discussions on educational quality, pedagogical leadership and international mindedness. Search #IBMO2015 on Twitter to hear from participants about the conference highlights. Featured school: “Two schools together” in Japan Senri and Osaka International Schools of Kwansei Gakuin in Japan collaborate closely in educating students to share their different cultures. William Kralovec, Head of School at Osaka International School of Kwansei Gakuin, tells IB Global News about the collaboration. Q: How do the two schools work as “two schools together”? The idea of two schools together was brought to life 24 years ago with the founding of the schools. Osaka International School (OIS) serves the English-speaking international Visionary architecture allows for two schools to operate together within one building Published by IB Communications and Marketing, IB Global Centre Churchillplein 6, 2517 JW, The Hague, The Netherlands community of Osaka. Senri International School (SIS), serves Japanese returnee families (from living overseas) and local students in Japanese language instruction. The schools are managed by the non-profit educational foundation, Kwansei Gakuin, and are designed to work closely together in sharing the best of Japanese and nonJapanese educational ideas. Q: What are the benefits and challenges of working so closely together? High school Japanese students teach elementary students in collaborative children’s literature class The collaboration offers a closer connection between the local culture and our faculty, students and parents. The challenge is that it takes longer to get things done. Dealing with the different requirements of the Japanese education ministry can make practical considerations, like scheduling, complicated. Q: how does the ‘Shared Program’ manifest in the student culture at the school(s)? The two schools combine for visual arts, physical education and music classes, as well as for all extracurricular programs. Sharing students gives OIS, with an enrolment of 270 students, the advantages of a larger school, with full music and sports programs, which would not be possible with just our students. When walking through the hallways or cafeteria, it is difficult to distinguish the students from a particular school. It is a stimulating environment to be in. Q: how do the schools’ teaching of the ‘common ground’ impact the wider community surrounding them? Constantly needing to consider the perspective and values of another culture is good for our school community. Students from both schools are easily recognized in the community because of the way that they carry themselves: they have a high level of expressiveness and individual focus, balanced with empathy for one of the oldest and most distinct cultures on earth. This is carried on to the wider community in many ways; for example, the IB philosophy of service learning resulted in our students continuing to support victims of the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami (2011) still today. They also carry the IB Learner Profile traits into universities in Japan and throughout the world. All school productions bring together elementary through grade 12 across both schools in visually rich performances © International Baccalaureate Organization 2014 International Baccalaureate® | Baccalauréat International® | Bachillerato Internacional® There is a movement in the Japanese educational system to reform schools to align more with the IB philosophy and practices. OIS is the oldest school in Japan to offer the IB Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme. We are working closely with SIS to get more of their students to enrol in our Diploma Programme. SIS is a very progressive Japanese school and much of our professional development is shared. We are an ideal model for Japanese schools, and our international faculty works closely with the Japanese faculty, to develop a school-wide IB system of education in the Japanese context. Newly authorized programmes in Asia Pacific Welcome to the following 16 schools, authorized to offer an IB programme in Asia Pacific since January. School Name Programme Location Nagoya International Junior and Senior High School DP Nagoya, Japan Xi’an Hanova International School DP Xian, China Guangdong Shunde Desheng School DP Shunde, China The Cathedral and John Connon School DP Mumbai, India YK Pao School DP Shanghai, China Le Bocage International School MYP Curepipe, Mauritius Utahloy International School Zengcheng MYP Guangdong, China Southern Christian College MYP Kingston, Australia Pathways World School MYP Delhi, India Southern Christian College PYP Kingston, Australia Mentari School, Jakarta PYP Jakarta, Indonesia Premier International School PYP Lalitpur, Nepal The Learning Tree PYP Karachi, Pakistan European International School PYP Ho Chi Minh City, vietnam The International School PYP Karachi, Pakistan Beijing Huijia Kindergarten PYP Beijing, China Published by IB Communications and Marketing, IB Global Centre Churchillplein 6, 2517 JW, The Hague, The Netherlands ASIA PACIFIC Q: how has offering the full IB continuum shaped the school’s way of teaching? The Americas Like Tweet Forward THE AMERICAS Global News AFRICA/EUROPE/ MIDDLE EAST ASIA PACIFIC THE AMERICAS VOL. 3, ISSUE 2, 2015 Michael & Susan Dell Foundation grant bridges equity gap for US students Last year, the IB received a US$1.3 million grant from the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation. The grant will identify ways to increase the number of low-income US students participating and succeeding in the IB Diploma Programme (DP) and help them persist and succeed at college. In the last five years, the number of low-income students participating in the DP in US public high schools has nearly doubled. The “Bridging the Equity Gap” project was developed as the mechanism to deliver on the grant’s promise. It began with the selection of five schools—through a competitive application process—for participation in a three-year pilot. Schools will receive mentoring and services that support the implementation of a model consisting of five components. To enable the whole IB community to participate actively in the implementation, progress and findings of the Bridging the Equity Gap project, the E2: Excellence and Equity blog has been created. If you have an interest in expanding access to an IB education for low-income, minority and first-generation students, take a look and sign up to our mailing list. Regular posts will address issues related to access plus reports on the project’s findings. Prominent guest bloggers will include Carol Burris among many others. Join the discussion—post your feedback and comments on the E2 blog! Ministry of Education in Buenos Aires achieves goal of ten new public DP schools The IB welcomes ten public secondary schools in the City of Buenos Aires, Argentina that are now authorized to offer the Diploma Programme (DP). The schools join 2 existing public schools and 45 private schools that offer the DP across Argentina. © International Baccalaureate Organization 2014 International Baccalaureate® | Baccalauréat International® | Bachillerato Internacional® THE AMERICAS Authorities from schools and Government celebrating the authorization The Ministry of Education—part of the Government of the City of Buenos Aires—initiated the project under the leadership of Mrs. Mercedes Miguel, General Director of Education Planning and Innovation. The schools joined the initiative as volunteers to become IB World Schools. Each school will offer the DP to one class as part of an initial pilot stage and to promote access and innovation. The initiative also ensures that the DP courses offered best suit the school communities. Mrs. Miguel reflects, “We are delighted to have reached authorization—coordinating the requirements for ten schools was a huge undertaking. During the two-year authorization process, in-situ training was provided to over 250 heads of schools, teachers and administrative personnel at the schools and within government.” Featured teacher: Shamita Johnson from Atlanta, Georgia, USA In light of recent events at Charlie Hebdo Magazine in Paris, France students and teachers at Willis A. Sutton International Middle School in Atlanta, Georgia, US will soon host 24 students and 3 French teachers from their sister school, Saint Joseph school, Toulouse, France. The aim of the visit is to garner intercultural understanding and enable the students to learn each others’ language in an authentic context. Atlanta, Georgia, USA and Toulouse, France have been sister cities since the 1970s. Over 40 years later, MYP teacher Shamita Johnson is driving this initiative to help students from both cities to develop intercultural awareness and respect, and continue the tradition of cities’ partnership in the 21st century. MYP teacher Shamita Johnson Q: What activities are you planning for your visitors? I want to give the students an opportunity to practice their intercultural skills, enhancing their cognitive development and global literacy. They will work collaboratively, enabling connections between their academic course studies and the real world, thereby developing an understanding of global challenges. Academic field trips will include the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical site, The National Center for Civil and Human Rights, and The Atlanta History Center. Q: how will you prepare your MYP students for the experience? Students from both schools are exchanging letters twice a month and conducting regular video conferences via Skype. In doing this, they are already having the opportunity to reflect Published by IB Communications and Marketing, IB Global Centre Churchillplein 6, 2517 JW, The Hague, The Netherlands critically and creatively on ideas and behaviors to develop intercultural awareness and become more motivated to learn English and French, respectively, in authentic contexts. Q: how was the program designed? The program is founded upon three fundamental concepts: intercultural awareness, holistic learning, and communication. The design is based upon a child-centered pedagogy that includes community service, human ingenuity, environment, health, and social education. Students will immerse in the language studied—French or English—through five basic skills: writing, reading, listening, speaking (presentational), and interacting (interpersonal communication). Their experience will be further enhanced by living with families from their sister schools. All students will gain academic credit toward their foreign language course and will present their skills to peers at school plus district personnel, policymakers, and others from the community. Q: how have your professional achievements prepared you for your current role? Education in the 21st century is measured by global standards, and the U.S. public education system is not competitively keeping pace with that of other nations. Because of this, I decided to dedicate my professional life to international education. After graduating from Pennsylvania State University, I spent time in Sénégal, Africa conducting research toward my master’s degree. After two years and two more languages (Arabic and Wolof ), I was fortunate to be selected Shamita and her MYP students at Willis A. Sutton by the Ministry of Education in France International Middle School to develop my experience of the European curriculum in Paris. As a James William Fulbright World Exchange Educator, I was educating native French students in English Language Arts at a middle school—Collège Boris vian in Paris. During this time, I developed my purpose, vision and passion that became my driving force to becoming a doctoral learner. I was humbled that the Ministry of Education in Paris later bestowed me with a knighthood of a distinguished academic in the world of culture and education. It was originally founded by the former Emperor of France, Napoléon Bonaparte, who honored eminent educators! Through my dissertation, A Case Study of How an International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme and Leadership Synergistically Promoted Student Learning and School Success, I maintain my purpose, vision and passion, working towards ensuring middle school students at Willis A. Sutton International Middle School become thoughtful citizens of the 21st century. © International Baccalaureate Organization 2014 International Baccalaureate® | Baccalauréat International® | Bachillerato Internacional® Welcome to the following 80 schools, authorized to offer an IB programme in the Americas since January. School Name Programme Location Instituto Educacional Juan XXIII CP venezuela Downtown Magnets High School DP Los Angeles, USA Unidad Educativa Kleber Franco Cruz DP Machala, Ecuador Colegio Fiscal Técnico Agropecuario Galo Plaza Lasso DP Daule, Ecuador Unidad Educativa Fiscal Dolores Sucre DP Guayaquil, Ecuador Unidad Educativa Fiscal “Leonidas García” DP Guayaquil, Ecuador Colegio de Bachillerato Atacames DP Atacames, Ecuador Academia Fórum DP Coclé, Panama Colegio N°4 DE 9° “Nicolás Avellaneda” DP Buenos Aires, Argentina Escuela Tecnica 32 DE 14 - Gral. Jose de San Martin DP Buenos Aires, Argentina Colegio Fiscal vicente Rocafuerte DP Guayaquil, Ecuador Escuela Técnica N°28 D.E. 10 “República Francesa” DP Buenos Aires, Argentina Unidad Educativa Eugenio Espejo DP Babahoyo, Ecuador Escuela Normal Superior en Lenguas vivas N°1 DP Buenos Aires, Argentina Chippewa Secondary School DP North Bay, Canada Dunbar High School DP Fort Myers, Florida, USA Colegio Técnico Nacional Carmen Mora de Encalada DP Pasaje, Ecuador U.E. Liceo Naval de Guayaquil “Cmdte. Rafael Andrade Lalama” DP Guayaquil, Ecuador Colegio Fiscomisional Alejandro Humboldt DP Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Ecuador Colegio Nº 6 D. E. 02 “Manuel Belgrano” DP Buenos Aires, Argentina Colegio Caluma DP Caluma, Ecuador Unidad Educativa del Milenio “Nela Martínez Espinosa” DP La Troncal, Ecuador Unidad Educativa 24 de Mayo DP Quevedo, Ecuador Colegio Fiscal Dr. Eduardo Granja Garces DP Pedro Carbo, Ecuador Unidad Educativa “El Carmen” DP El Carmen, Ecuador Unidad Educativa “Santa Elena” DP Santa Elena, Ecuador Colegio Fiscal el Empalme DP El Empalme, Ecuador Colegio Fiscal Técnico valdivia DP Santa Elena, Ecuador Colegio Réplica vicente Rocafuerte DP Guayaquil, Ecuador Colegio Fiscal Guillermo Ordoñez Gómez DP Santa Elena, Ecuador Unidad Educativa Fiscal Uruguay DP Portoviejo, Ecuador Unidad Educativa Fiscal Aguirre Abad DP Guayaquil, Ecuador Cathedral City High School DP Cathedral City, California, USA Published by IB Communications and Marketing, IB Global Centre Churchillplein 6, 2517 JW, The Hague, The Netherlands THE AMERICAS Newly authorized programmes in the Americas The Odyssey Institute for Advanced and International Studies DP Buckeye, Arizona, USA St. Joan Antida High School DP Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA Westlake High School DP Westlake, Ohio, USA Unidad Educativa ventanas DP ventanas, Ecuador Unidad Educativa Fiscal Tosagua DP Tosagua, Ecuador Unidad Educativa “Manta” DP Manta, Ecuador Colegio Fiscal Tecnico Industrial Ancón DP San José De Ancón, Ecuador Unidad Educativa Fiscal Paján DP Paján, Ecuador Unidad Educativa del Milenio Carlos Romo Dávila DP Flavio Alfaro, Ecuador Unidad Educativa “Quince de Octubre” DP Naranjal, Ecuador École secondaire Macdonald-Cartier DP Sudbury, Canada Unidad Educativa Eloy Alfaro DP Cariamanga, Ecuador Lt. General William H. Harrison Preparatory School DP Lakewood, Washington, USA Thornridge High School DP Dolton, Illinois, USA Spring Lake High School DP Spring Lake, Michigan, USA Unidad Educativa Fiscal Sucre DP Ecuador Colegio de Bachillerato Técnico Rafael vasconez Gómez DP La Maná, Ecuador Bishop Macdonell Catholic High School DP Guelph, Canada Pioneer valley Chinese Immersion Charter School DP Hadley, Massachusetts, USA Thornton Township High School DP Harvey, Illinois, USA Sarasota Military Academy DP Sarasota, Florida, USA Lighthouse International School DP Escazu, Costa Rica Bronte College DP Mississauga, Canada Hilton High School MYP Hilton, New York, USA Quest Elementary School MYP Hilton, New York, USA village Elementary School MYP Hilton, New York, USA Merton Williams Middle School MYP Hilton, New York, USA Northwood Elementary School MYP Hilton, New York, USA Fresno High School MYP Fresno, California, USA St. Cecelia Interparochial School MYP Clearwater, Florida, USA Greene County High School MYP Greensboro, Georgia, USA Pilot Butte Middle School MYP Bend, Oregon, USA Dr. Orlando Edreira Academy, School 26 MYP Elizabeth, New Jersey, USA The Healdsburg School PYP Healdsburg, California, USA Colegio Bosques PYP Aguascalientes, Mexico Esprit International School PYP The Woodlands, Texas, USA Pulaski International School of Chicago PYP Chicago, Illinois, USA © International Baccalaureate Organization 2014 International Baccalaureate® | Baccalauréat International® | Bachillerato Internacional® PYP Richmond, virginia, USA Summit Charter Academy PYP Porterville, California, USA Lord Byron School PYP Lima, Peru Fundación Gimnasio Los Portales PYP Bogotá, Colombia Arroyo Elementary School PYP Ontario, Canada Knightsbridge Schools International Bogota PYP Bogotá, Colombia York Academy Regional Charter School PYP York, USA Hawthorn Academy PYP West Jordan, Utah, USA Scandia Elementary School PYP Scandia, California, USA REAL Learning Academy PYP Austin, Texas, USA Congratulations to Academia Fórum, Panama, one of the first schools in Panama to be authorized to offer the Diploma Programme (DP) in Spanish in Panama. This school is distinct for its access project, developed specifically as a tuition-free private boarding school for rural students in poverty. The school is located in the rural mountains of Panama and supported by Forum Foundation, a US non-profit foundation which was established by a former Peace Corps volunteer, John Keffer, who worked in the region decades previously. All students at the school receive full scholarships for room and board, and the foundation does a lot of important work in and around the local community. Published by IB Communications and Marketing, IB Global Centre Churchillplein 6, 2517 JW, The Hague, The Netherlands THE AMERICAS Chimborazo Elementary School