What All Families Should Know BEFORE Enrolling in IB

Father of Four — Sun, 06 May 2012 02:59:05 GMT

This article was first published 7/31/11; most recent update 5/21/12.

I taught K-12 for six years and have four children who would have been forced into International Baccalaureate so I have been researching IB since January, 2010.

An International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma from Wooster (or any school) is a great accomplishment, but at what cost?

The problem with Washoe County School District (WCSD) and many other districts is that they do not share all aspects of IB. Most districts use the International Baccalaureate's (IB's) excellent marketing materials and do a very good job presenting the positive aspects of IB. Here is the IB information for Wooster High School, updated 8/26/11, on WCSD's website.
http://www.washoe.k12.nv.us/wooster/academics/images/ib/IB_brochure_2010-2011.pdf

Our petition,
http://www.petitionbuzz.com/petitions/noibiniv

This article will focus on the aspects of IB WCSD, and most districts, do not disclose.

1) IB will increase college costs for most graduates compared to their fellow AP students because AP is much more accepted for college credit than IB. Most colleges that do give credit for IB only give credit for the IB HL classes (2 year courses).
http://www.collegeconfidential.com/dean/archives/ap-vs-ib.htm
UNR is similar to most colleges,
http://www.unr.edu/admissions/admissions-resources/ap-ip-tests

Washington Post reporter Jay Mathews is the nation’s number one IB proponent, co-author of Supertest: How IB Can Strengthen Our Schools, admits colleges give more credit for AP than IB,
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/class-struggle/2010/02/u-va_discriminates_against_sma.html

Colleges most likely give more credit for AP classes because by definition they are college level classes.
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/about.html
On the other hand, per the IB's website: "The IB programme fosters the knowledge, skills and attitudes that enable students to excel in university."
http://www.ibo.org/recognition/
Compared to AP, IB is a downgrade.

In this six minute video the vice principal from Reno High (WCSD) compares AP to IB.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBP3Yx-kDAI

AP vs. IB Reno High Spring 2011

The vice principal states: "Very very clearly AP offers more college credit than IB. Universities by in large will give far more credit for passed AP courses than they will for IB courses. We did a little research and we can tell you that over 200 universities actively prefer the AP program over IB vs. only four universities that prefer IB over AP." Then the 200 universities that prefer AP are displayed.

Note - Because of pressure from Wooster IB (Reno, NV) graduates after 8 months the video was removed from Reno High's website. Starting at 26 minutes (for three minutes) I address the board and ask them why they are allowing a few Wooster IB graduates to hide critical information from all other families in WCSD? The board does not respond. This is typical of school boards around the country, all facts less than flattering to IB are hidden from families.

http://207.197.113.230/11-22-2011-RB_DSL

At many colleges the most credit you can obtain for IB is 9 semester units. On the other hand, top AP students who graduate with up to 10 AP classes can obtain up to 30 semester units and can enter numerous colleges including, UNR and BYU, as sophomores.
Jay Mathews provides the perfect example in this article,
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/class-struggle/2010/02/u-va_discriminates_against_sma.html

Here is specific AP vs. IB college credit information for 23 top colleges:
http://www.princeton.k12.oh.us/HighSchool.cfm?subpage=416

In Europe many IB graduates are failing to get into university,
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2030670/The-International-Baccalaureate-backlash-Scores-private-school-pupils-ditched-A-levels-fail-university.html

2) When attempting to "sell" IB most districts distort the educational benefits of the programme but; IB itself does NOT claim IB will improve student performance. The research (including one dissertation) shows IB will NOT improve student performance.
http://myinclinevillage.com/2011/03/01/ib-does-not-improve-student-performance.aspx

3) IB's pedagogical method is one of constructivism and inquiry based learning. As an educator I believe this type of learning has merit in many settings. The problem with IB is they use these methods on our youngest children to teach "personal and social education" to develop attitudes" and get our children to "take action." This is non-academic manipulation of our children by IB/UN (see 7 below) under the guise of developing "critical thinkers" and "world citizens."
http://www.ibo.org/pyp/curriculum/index.cfm

Here are several studies that show how direct instruction is superior to the inquiry based learning IB uses.
The Harvard Study,
http://educationnext.org/harvard-study-shows-that-lecture-style-presentations-lead-to-higher-student-achievement/
Another study: http://www.cogtech.usc.edu/publications/kirschner_Sweller_Clark.pdf
Another study: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090326114415.htm
Another one: http://educationnext.org/eighth-grade-students-learn-more-through-direct-instruction/
Another one: http://www.jefflindsay.com/EducData.shtml

4) IB is extremely expensive,
http://myinclinevillage.com/2011/02/06/ib-cost.aspx

In 2004 when the IB fees were lower and there were far fewer IB schools in the US than today the Washington Times reported, "US schools spend an estimated $85 to $100 million a year on IB. Fairfax County schools alone spend $1.8 million a year."
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2004/jan/17/20040117-112841-6750r/?page=all

5) The reasons most schools state for dropping IB are: 1) Cost, 2) Lack of student improvement with IB, 3) Less flexible than AP, 4) Lack of participation in IB classes, 5) Lack of college credit for IB.
http://myinclinevillage.com/2011/03/09/at-least-22-schools-announce-they-will-drop-ib.aspx

6) Here is how one Christian school compares IB to a Christian education,
http://www.theambroseschool.org/documents/parent-insights-documents/a-perspective-on-the-international-baccalaureate/

People object to IB on religious grounds.
http://www.wpaag.org/International%20Bbaccalaureate%20Program%201.htm
http://www.gtbe.org/news/index.php/1/22/186.html

7) IB is a non-governmental organization (NGO) of United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) the United Nations (UN).
http://www.ibo.org/partnerships/governments/

IB and UNESCO work out of the same building in Switzerland (toward the bottom of the page): http://www.truthaboutib.com/breakingnewsopinions.html

IB history and articles from IB's and UNESCO's website showing the IB/UN connection.
http://myinclinevillage.com/2010/07/16/even-jay-matthews-admits-colleges-give-more-credit-for-ap.aspx

Here is a link to more articles and a video on the IB/UNESCO/global governance connection,
http://myinclinevillage.com/2010/09/01/is-ib-mission-to-promote-global-governance.aspx

IB does not go out of their way to say IB is an NGO of UNESCO; in fact, some IB proponents will attempt to deny this fact.

US News and World Report - May, 2011 - IB Undermines US Founding Principles
http://www.usnews.com/opinion/articles/2011/05/26/international-baccalaureate-undermines-us-founding-principles

Here is an eight minute video of a PowerPoint presentation by Duncan Koler Esq., titled, IB Connecting the Dots (International Baccalaureate and UNESCO educational objectives)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MMglKMoF7w&feature=player_embedded

Here is an article where Chair of UNESCO's executive board, Mr. Olabiyi Babalola Joseph Yi, said: "UNESCO's role is to think global governance. That is why the Organization was founded."
http://www.infowars.com/unesco-chair-admits-organization-was-founded-to-push-global-governance/

On 9/16/11 the New Your Daily News reported. The Sultanate of Oman gave the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon $10,000,000 to refurbish one of the original IB schools in the United States.
http://www.ibo.org/school/000012/

On 10/31/11 Jay Mathews published a very abbreviated version of this article where he defends UNESCO, he states: "Eppolito thinks IB association with the UN is some kind of taint." For the record, the "taint" is the fact that IB attempts to hide the association with UNESCO. I've spoke to teachers who have gone through IB training that did not know IB is a UNESCO sponsored programme.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/class-struggle/post/ib-critic-versus-me/2011/10/11/gIQAC7xjZM_blog.html

On 10/31/11: "The U.S. government announced that it has halted making financial contributions to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) after the latter admitted the Palestinian national Authority (PNA) as a full member."
http://news.investors.com/Newsfeed/Article/137626679/201110311347/1st-LD-US-halts-financial-contributions-to-UNESCO-over-admission-of-Palestine.aspx

On 11/1/11 "Foreign Affairs Minister of Canada, John Baird said Tuesday the decision is not in the best interests of peace in the Middle East so Canada is freezing all future voluntary contributions to the UNESCO."
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D9QO5D6O1&show_article=1

8) From IB's website The Diploma Programme Curriculum-Core Requirements, Theory of Knowledge, "TOK is composed almost entirely of questions."
http://www.ibo.org/diploma/curriculum/core/knowledge/

After studying the textbooks used in Wooster's IB programme, WCSDTV concluded that Epistemology is being taught.
http://wcsdtv.blogspot.com/

Here is an article from IB's website titled Values Constructivism and the IB Continuum,
http://www.ibo.org/ibaem/conferences/documents/ValuespaperRMarshman.pdf

On page 6 of 8 in referring to the TOK class it says (emphasis added),

"In their essays and oral presentations they (the students) grapple with questions like

What makes evidence good enough to justify belief?
What justifies the name of art?
Do we act ethically out of social duty, religious belief, universal principle or self interest?
When can it be right to disobey the law?
Can suicide bombers be right?"

If these are not the kind of questions you want your high school student spending classroom time answering you should avoid IB.

Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, the 2009 Christmas day underwear bomber was an IB student.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/bomber-warns-there-are-more-like-me-in-yemen-1852092.html
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/flight-253-terrorist-umar-farouk-abdulmutallab-led-life-luxury-london-attempted-attack-article-1.435809

9) Here is what some international teachers say about IB,

"In my opinion MYP has no educational value."
http://internationalschoolsreview.com/v-web/bulletin/bb/viewtopic.php?t=1322&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

"I have worked in three IB schools in South America and the Middle East and in each one have experienced nothing but chaotic teaching and students lacking basic skills in math, English and science."
http://truthaboutib.com/intnlibteachersspeak.html

10) This link is from IB’s website, if you scroll down to Sustainability as international mindedness it becomes clear IB has little to do with real education, and more to do with ideology; specifically - Agenda 21, Earth Charter, and UNESCO.
http://www.ibo.org/iba/pyp1a_1b.cfm
    a) Agenda 21,
    http://www.un.org/esa/dsd/agenda21/
    b) Earth Charter,
    http://www.earthcharterinaction.org/content/pages/Read-the-Charter.html
Some people who don't disagree with these concepts, do not want elementary schools to substitute these ideologies for "real education in real subjects."

11) At the elementary level (PYP) IB is required school wide. PYP will not improve student performance (#2 above) and,
http://www.grandcanyonnews.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=9167. At the middle school level (MYP) the IB suggests IB be implemented school wide.
http://www.ibo.org/ibna/educators/IBMYPFAQSchools.cfm#d

Per the IB the goal of IB is to "develop attitudes," and get the students to "take action."
http://www.ibo.org/pyp/curriculum/index.cfm

Here is a catchy PYP IB video that is a good example of getting all student to think the same, "develop attitudes" and getting them to "take action" (two signs). How much time was taken away from teaching real subjects to make this video?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHAEzheJk2Q&feature=player_embedded

Unless you want your elementary child in a UN sponsored programme that will develop attitudes and get them to take action, but will not improve student performance, it is best to avoid a PYP school.

Since IB and most districts do not tell parents IB is an NGO of UNESCO, many parents whose children are in IB do not know this fact.  One mother had her daughter in IB for nine years and didn't know IB is a UN sponsored programme. When she discovered this fact, everything she had been going through for nine years finally made sense. Here are her comments,
http://myinclinevillage.com/2010/11/20/one-florida-mother-who-had-her-daughter-in-ib-for-years---talks-about-programme.aspx

12) With IB schools give up some local control. When a school buys any IB programme they acknowledge: a) the rules for IB are governed by Swiss Law. b) Arbitration of any dispute (usually when a student does not get the IB Diploma) shall be handled in Geneva, Switzerland.

Articles 13 and 14 DP
http://www.ibo.org/documentlibrary/rules_ibworldschools/documents/DP_rules_en.pdf
"Governing law - Swiss law governs these Rules for IB World Schools: Diploma Programme and all other documents relating to authorization to teach the Diploma Programme.
Arbitration of disputes -
Any dispute arising from or in connection with these Rules for IB World Schools: Diploma Programme or any other document relating to the authorization to teach the Diploma Programme shall be finally settled by one arbitrator in accordance with the Swiss Rules of International Arbitration of the Swiss Chambers of Commerce. The seat of the arbitration shall be Geneva, Switzerland."
Articles 12 and 13 MYP
http://www.ibo.org/documentlibrary/rules_ibworldschools/documents/myprules.pdf
Articles 12 and 13 PYP
http://www.ibo.org/documentlibrary/rules_ibworldschools/documents/pyprules.PDF

13) Some states have discussed IB, and at least one (New Hampshire) is attempting to remove IB from all schools,
http://bedford-nh.patch.com/articles/local-control-new-hampshire-senate-ib-hearing-hb-1403
The fight is not over in NH,
http://www.unionleader.com/article/20120518/NEWS04/705189904

In 2008 Utah cut funding for IB,
http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_8329089
http://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/high-school-notes/2011/07/05/international-baccalaureate-creates-4000th-program-worldwide
After funding was cut, Senator Margaret Dayton wrote this,
http://senatesite.com/blog/2008/05/concern-with-ib-part-ii.html

14) AP may be best for gifted students, especially if they hope to earn as much college credit for their high school classes. According to Pedro Martinez, Deputy Superintendent of Clark County School District (Las Vegas), and IB proponent, “in my old district, Chicago gifted students usually take the AP classes.”
According to Duke University, "AP for Gifted students is still a good choice."
http://www.tip.duke.edu/node/895

15) Per IB rules when IB/AP classes are combined as they are at Wooster and most smaller high schools teaching both, the IB course material must take priority. Students then take both the IB and AP exam.

It is common for districts to boast about how well IB schools do on Jay Mathew's Americas Best Highs Schools list. WCSD is no exception. What most schools including Wooster does not disclose is how the list is determined. The list ONLY considers the number of advanced exams students take NOT how many are passed.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dan-brown/newsweeks-top-high-school_b_213159.html

16) For the IB Diploma over the course of two years, students must meet all requirements in the link below and take: 3 SL (standard level) classes, 3 HL (higher level) two year classes, the Theory of Knowledge class (a UN influenced philosophy course), write the extended essay, and complete 150 hours of community service. Article 15 of this IB document states the minimum test scores and all the other requirements to obtain the IB Diploma.
http://www.ibo.org/become/guidance/documents/DP_regs_en.pdf

17) What is most concerning about IB is the deceitful way IB is implemented over and over again throughout the United States, and the impact it has on communities. Frequently superintendents and school boards vote, behind closed doors, to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars and totally change a school and implement IB with little or no input from teachers, parents, or the community.
http://ccheadliner.com/opinion/letter-the-ib-program-revealed/article_57953928-7b7c-11e0-b44b-001cc4c002e0.html

Districts do not answer the serious IB questions or acknowledge the political and religious concerns with IB.  Anyone who opposes IB or asks difficult questions becomes a target of the district and the IB supporters.
http://www.tahoebonanza.com/article/20100519/NEWS/100519895&parentprofile=search
http://www.cdapress.com/news/local_news/article_c54a7702-8069-5c61-bf3c-e00e46fb0a94.html

Here is the quintessential example of what IB does to communities. Stow-Monroe Falls, Ohio has a battle raging over IB implementation. Three of the five board members were changed, mostly due to IB and a vote recount has been ordered. Here is a snapshot of their IB facebook page on 12/3/11.
http://myinclinevillage.com/2011/07/29/what-ib-does-to-communities.aspx

Districts do not allow an open and honest IB discussion. Here is the IB document on how to squelch the opposition,
http://www.ibo.org/ibna/actionkits/documents/MediaOpp.pdf

Sometimes teachers are threatened with transfers, and parents who oppose IB or have questions are afraid to speak up.
http://www.tahoebonanza.com/article/20100111/NEWS/100109945&parentprofile=search
Towards bottom of page:
Echo Hills Staff Bulletin
Week of May 30, 2011-June 6, 2011
Paragraph 1 Reflection
http://www.truthaboutib.com/usschooldisputes/stowmunroefallsohio.html

MONEY SHOULD NOT BE SPENT ON AN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM THAT USE THESE TACTICS.

IB targets low performing schools where there is typically less parent involvement, therefore less IB opposition and controversy. The current trend of the IB is to push IB at the elementary level, where the educational value of the programme is minimal, but it becomes easier to “develop attitudes” and get them to “take action,” item 10 above.

If the community begins to learn the 13 points above, people will oppose IB. Once that happens people take sides and the community becomes divided. It has happened at numerous communities around the country.

http://www.truthaboutib.com/usschooldisputes.html

Here's rare example of a school board in Greenwich, CT that questioned the superintendent about IB.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDE17JDnASg

A couple months after this video was shot, the superintendent resigned, a few months later the new superintendent said the IB programme would not be expanded,
http://www.greenwichtime.com/default/article/Board-puts-Greenwich-High-IB-expansion-on-hold-2206679.php

Once in place IB can be very difficult to remove,
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/opinion/columnists/steigerwald/s_434358.html

In my community IB ended friendships.

IB is not a good fit for most schools, but obtaining the IB Diploma is a major accomplishment for students.

After hundreds (probably thousands) of hours of research on IB, I think the programme is best for average and above high school students who are willing to work very hard, who's parents support the ideology, and who know in advance the amount of college credit they can expect with IB.

Tax dollars are being wasted on an expensive programme that: focuses on an ideology many consider controversial, forces that ideology on ALL elementary children, utilizes a substandard method for providing instruction, and offers less opportunity for college credit. Once districts decide IB will be implemented they do everything possible not allow an open and honest IB discussion. What is most troubling about IB is the way it is implemented; anyone with difficult questions or objections to IB becomes a target of the superintendent, school board, and the IB supporters. Any educational programme that can't be openly and honestly discussed is not worth spending money on. It is ironic that when people question IB and exhibit most traits of the IB Learner Profile, http://www.ibo.org/programmes/profile/documents/Learnerprofileguide.pdf, they become targets of the IB supporters. Families should consider these facts before enrolling in any IB programme.

John Eppolito
john@Jtahoe.com
Former K-12 teacher
www.MyInclineVillage.com
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What All Families Should Know BEFORE Enrolling in IB