In 1968, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme was created “to provide a challenging and comprehensive education that would enable students to understand and manage the complexities of our world and provide them with skills and attitudes for taking responsible action for the future.” In simpler terms, they wanted to grow students academically while creating better human beings who could positively impact our world.

I was in my 14th year of education and I had never really heard of an IB education. Having spent many years trying new programs, curriculum, strategies, etc… I have to admit, I was cautious when my district selected my school to become an International Baccalaureate World School. How was this programme any different than what we were already doing for students in our elementary school? The answer: A lot.

While the Diploma Programme started many years prior (11th and 12th grade), the Middle Years Programme (6th-10th grade) was established in 1994 followed by the Primary Years Programme (PreK-5th grade) in 1997. There were over 40 years of research and practical experience used to inform IB’s work and their core values. They created this programme with the belief that students should be active, life-long learners who can think critically rather than merely memorize facts. An IB education is very holistic in nature; it takes into account the whole child. While cross-curricular teaching (infusing math standards in science and language arts standards in social studies for example) and creating a challenging curriculum is crucial, there are also significant benefits to helping students become more open-minded, caring, reflective, etc.. which are some of the attributes of the IB Learner Profile. IB’s mission? “To develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who help create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.”

Reflecting on my time as a teacher and a school leader, I am most proud of helping a child become a better human being; not just smarter. And while it’s important to teach students the curriculum through experiences, problem-solving, inquiry, and real-world connections, it’s even more critical to support them in becoming well-rounded individuals who can make a positive impact on our world. Of course, parents want their children to succeed academically but I believe it’s even more of a win when they become kind, compassionate, and open-minded individuals.

Click below for helpful links explaining more about an International Baccalaureate Education:

Benefits of IB Education: https://www.ibo.org/benefits/benefits-for-students/

How IB is Different: https://www.ibo.org/benefits/why-the-ib-is-different/

Comparing IB with Other Qualifications: https://www.ibo.org/benefits/comparing-ib-with-other-qualifications/