Benjamin Franklin Middle School Principal Joseph Sotelo announced Dec. 12 that the International Baccalaureate (IB) has recognized the campus as an IB World School. Representatives of the IB had visited the school in September to interview teachers, parents, students, and administrators; to review course outlines and unit plans; and to observe classroom instruction.
This authorization culminates a rigorous two-year preparation and training project that saw the inclusion of unit planning alongside daily lesson planning, a traditional eight period day modified to a block schedule, and the scheduling of all students into eight required subject areas in each grade level.
First offered in 1994, the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) provides a framework of learning that encourages students to become creative, critical and reflective thinkers. The MYP emphasizes intellectual challenge, encouraging students to make connections between their studies in traditional subjects and the real world.
Implemented by 1,365 schools in 108 countries, the MYP is inclusive of all students at schools authorized to offer the program. Students of all interests and academic abilities can benefit from their participation. The MYP builds upon the knowledge, skills and attitudes developed in the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and prepares students to meet the academic challenges of the IB Diploma Programme (DP) and the IB Career-related Programme (CP).
Other schools in the Hillcrest feeder pattern offering IB programs are Kramer Elementary (PYP authorized), Preston Hollow Elementary (PYP candidate), and Hillcrest High School (DP candidate).
