International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme FAQS for Eagle Rock High School 1. What is the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IBMYP)? The IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) is one of four Programmes offered by the International Baccalaureate Organization (www.ibo.org). The Middle Years Programme for students aged 11 to 16 helps students develop the knowledge, attitudes and skills needed to participate actively and responsibly in a changing and increasingly interrelated world. The Diploma Programme for students aged 16 to 19 is a demanding two-year curriculum that meets the needs of highly motivated students, and leads to a qualification that is recognized by leading universities around the world. The IBMYP is guided by three fundamental concepts: Intercultural Awareness - Students are given increased opportunities to learn about their own culture and the cultures of people from around the globe. By viewing issues from multiple points of view, students learn the values of tolerance and empathy. Holistic Learning - Learning is made more meaningful for students by focusing on how new learning connects to students’ own experiences, topics in other disciplines, and situations in the real world. Instruction and assessment become more authentic as students realize how the knowledge from each class relates to their total understanding of the world. Communication - In order to be successful in the modern world, students must be able to communicate their ideas in multiple forms. This focus helps students to develop competency in reading, writing, speaking, listening, design, and technology. All students also have the opportunity to learn another language. Six broad themes provide the basis for interdisciplinary and real world connections. They are called Global Contexts. Global Contexts provide the conceptual lens for delivery of the curriculum of the 8 classes. The six Global Contexts are: •Identities and relationships •Orientation in space and time •Personal and cultural expression •Scientific and technical innovation •Globalization and sustainability •Fairness and development 2. How can students apply to the IB Middle Years Programme? There is no application process. All Eagle Rock students in grades 7-10 participate in the MYP. 3. Are there any fees associated with the IBMYP? At this time, the state, the District and Eagle Rock are sharing IB fees for training and registration. There are no fees for students. 4. How is the curriculum different in an IBMYP school? MYP classes at Eagle Rock High School will implement the same curriculum as required Common Core State Standards and LAUSD directives. Teachers teach the curriculum using the MYP philosophy of clear communication, global awareness, and intercultural sensitivity. Students are expected to develop a broad and balanced base of knowledge through the study of eight subjects, completing 50 hours of instruction in each subject each year: Arts- Performing and Visual Individuals and Societies – Social Studies Language and Literature – English Language Acquisition – Spanish, French, Arabic Mathematics Physical and Health Education Sciences Design Technology In grade 10, students complete a Personal Project, an independent research project of the student’s choosing. 5. When Eagle Rock students complete the IB Middle Years Programme, will they enroll in the IB Diploma Programme for Grades 11 and 12? The MYP will prepare the students for the rigor of the Diploma Programme. During their sophomore year, students will be given the opportunity to learn more about the Diploma Programme and commit to the program for their junior and senior years. 6. What is the personal project? The personal project is a cumulative MYP required activity that students undertake with the help of a mentor and the support of the MYP coordinator. Details about this project are presented to 9th graders in late spring. At that point, students are encouraged to select a topic of personal interest. Students present their exploration in a creative format in the spring of 10th grade. Projects may take the form of an original work of art or writing, an original science experiment, the presentation of a business plan, the undertaking of a service project, for example. 7. What assessments are involved? Eagle Rock teachers will prepare original formative and summative assessments for each subject area that follow the MYP guidelines and grading criteria, as well as continuing the state and District required assessments for the Common Core State Standards. 8. How can I get involved and learn more about the IB? Attend our IB Parent Steering Committee meetings. Each month we will highlight a new topic, hear presentations by classroom teachers and keep you posted on our IB progress. Dates for this year’s Steering Committee meetings: September 18, November 13, January 22, March 5, May 14. All meetings are 6:00pm in the library. Web Resources: http://erhs.la/information/ib/- Eagle Rock High School website http://www.c-ibo.org/ - California Association of IB http://www.ibo.org/ - International Baccalaureate official website For additional information, contact Joseph Cohen, IB MYP Coordinator, joseph.cohen@lausd.net or (323) 340-3818.