1. Mark Twain IB World School IB update August 2011 Kathleen Blakeslee
2. What others are saying… “IB is one of the most significant educational movements on this planet.” Linda Darling-Hammond, Stanford University “Educators are the most powerful people in the world. Craig Keilberger, co founder Free the Children “IB requires vision, determination, commitment – in its dedication to connecting community to classrooms.” KhaledHousseini, The Kite Runner & A 1000 Splendid Suns
4. IB @ Mark Twain delivers: Integrated curriculum w/ TEKS & PYP themes Counter-balance to high-stakes testing environment Inquiry-based classrooms encouraging student engagement Concept-based curriculum building student connections Consistent vision enabling faculty to improve and develop our professional practices
5. We develop students who: Are eager to act on their knowledge Think and make meaningful choices - “meaningful daily actions” Ask questions and pursue their curiosity Have ideas and express themselves in +media Are aware of social injustices and strive to improve their world
6. One perfect example is Exhibition: How do our students do this? Yes, our 5th grade teachers are incredible… Our students have learned to read, think, inquire, act, reflect, feel, create, collaborate, make decisions, produce, and present throughout their time with us. Actions speak louder than words… We are developing human beings!
7. A few facts about IB & Mark Twain There are over 4000 IB schools world wide, including all 3 programmes – PYP, MYP, DP IBAmericas has doubled in the past 5 years There are 2 other regions: Asia Pacific and Africa, Europe, Middle East There are: ~ 800 PYP programs in ~ 90 countries world wide ~ 430 PYP schools in the Americas ~ 30+ PYP schools in Texas Mark Twain was the very first in Texas! according to IB facts
8. Mark Twain’s IB history 2000 - first introductory workshop w/7 teachers 2003 – application for authorization submitted 2004 – authorization visit 2005 – authorized, first PYP in Texas 2006-07 – self study 2007 - report submitted Dec 2007 2008 – evaluation visit 2009 – matters to be addressed action plan approved 2011-12 - self study for 2nd evaluation 2012-13 – verification visit for evaluation
9. How do we fulfill our legacy? Continue to improve IB practices in our classrooms Understand and self-assess the new IB Standards (2011) Articulate indicators for the self-study rubric Revisit our Assessment Policy – make it real Revise our Language Policy to include Dual Language Empower & talk, listen, reflect with IB Focus Group – enjoy our professional dialogue @ what we do Participate in professional development during our Wed Faculty Hour
10. What we are saying… www.marktwainibworldschool.org
13. Self-assessment of our practice Listen to directions! (Directions are also written on the handout.) There are 6 columns, 2 each for: planning, teaching, assessing IN each of these 3 there are 2 columns: increased emphasis decreased emphasis Select a practice from each column Increased emphasis – give an example Decreased emphasis – write your plan to improve.
14. Here’s to a great year… The IB Focus Group is coming together with the following participants: Karen Watts, Rebecca Zirczy, Michele Rawson, Colleen Jones, Christine Cowan, Glenn Deering The IB Focus Group is not exclusive - show up when meetings are announced! We welcome all participates, especially from grade levels that are not represented.
