IB Updates！

 

Survey results are in!

Thank you for engaging in the first AIBWSsurvey that was sent to all 62 AIBWS in January. We were pleased to note your high 90% response rate and your appreciation for the “opportunity to provide feedback for the ongoing development of the relationship of IB and the AIBWS.”

 

The preliminary data shows that you rate collaboration and communication with the IB as strong, but that more work needs to be done on impact and outcomes.

       

                                          

 

The research team is reviewing your responses in more detail, and you will receive an update in the next couple of months outlining how the IB intends to more strongly support you.

 

Transition of roles

After two years working with the AIBWS, Gergana Vankova is moving to a different role that will focus on the IB’srelationship with universities. We would like to thank her for all the excellent support she has given our IB associations. Moving forward, your country/state development manager will continue to be your main point of contact.

 

Please continue to send questions and content for future newsletters to aibws@ibo.org, and an appropriate member of staff from your region will respond.

 

Proposals sought for IB Global Conference, The Hague 2022 (6 to 8 October)

Does your association have an idea for a breakout session for IB Global Conference, The Hague 2022? The GlobalConferences Team (GCT) is inviting you to submit a proposal under the theme of Embracing innovation, and inspiring action. The submission deadline is Friday 6 May 2022 at 11:59 pm (Eastern Daylight Time).

 

 

Read the latest research

Trends in DP student outcomes in UK higher education

In 2016 and 2021, researchers examined higher education outcomes of DP students compared to their A level peers in the UK. Across 12 academic years, this new research brief highlights outcomes such as enrolment in a top university, continuation at university, achievement of an honours degree and activity post-graduation.

 

Compelling new research in the CP

 

In 2012, the IB launched an initiative to offer the CP in Kent, UK, with the goal of preparing students from more disadvantaged areas for higher education and/or careers. A new study examined the outcomes of this initiative in 31 schools in Kent. The findings suggest that the CP provides the prospect of better life opportunities for a generation of students from less privileged backgrounds.

 

2021 Annotated bibliography published

This annotated bibliography chronicles scholarly work on the International Baccalaureate (IB) published during the 2021 calendar year.

 

Subscribe to IB Global News

Published quarterly for general audiences, IB Global News provides highlights of the IB’s latest news and developments. Content includes IB programme development, latest research, conference updates, IB community stories, and much more.

  

Association Updates

 

Texas IB Schools’ ability to adapt allows them to thrive during the pandemic

Location: Texas

 

Adapting to a global pandemic brought many changes to Texas IB Schools (TIBS). We changed our gatherings to virtual events until July 2021, when we shifted back to providing in-person professional development for 600 teachers. We also continued to arrange consultation visits for schools in the application process and support other schools preparing for the evaluation process.

 

TIBS has sponsored an IB College Fair since2015, with nearly 100 colleges and universities and 2,000 IB students attending annually. When we could not gather in person, we launched a virtual CollegeFair where colleges and universities could post short informational videos and students were encouraged to interact with those that interested them.

 

TIBS’ proudest achievement is the partnership established with the student-founded non-profit organization, Simple Bare Necessities. Founded as a CAS project by LongviewHigh school student Arya Germanwala, the organization provides basic care commodities to Longview Independent School District students. In the past six months, TIBS has connected Arya with We Help Two, another non-profit, to encourage schools outside the Longview community to make hygiene kits for students across Texas.

 

 

TIBS is proud to support Simple BareNecessities and a caring student like Arya as she illustrates what one determined person can do to make the world a better place. Check out the website https://www.simplebarenecessities.org/. All are welcome to participate!

 

Saudi IB Association (SIBA) hosts first virtual Job Alike Session

Location: Saudi Arabia

 

In March, Saudi IB Association (SIBA)hosted its first virtual Job Alike Session with 300 participants from IBauthorized and candidate schools in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The event focused on the core of the IB programmes and included the following sessions:

 

• ATL Journey where facilitators from Dhahran Ahliyya Schools shared the school’s vertical and horizontal planning that reflects specific ATLtargets for an academic year.

• Making more of the DP core, which reflected on the nature of the semester-long, DP year 1 course taught at the American International School of Riyadh (AISR).

• Concepts from theory to practice

 

Like many IB Associations, SIBA PYP, MYP and DP representatives continue to run program meetings for IB coordinators inall the IB World Schools in KSA. These meetings allow us to discuss best practices and share ideas on topics such as preparing our students for the May 22 examination session, the new IB evaluation process, the new MYP personal project guide, the PYP exhibition, NGSS standards, Queen Rania’s ArabicProgram, ATL and MYP e-assessments.

 

With the success of our first Job AlikeSession, we look forward to inviting interested IB teachers to future sessions.

 

Rocky Mountain Association of IB WorldSchools (IBARMS) leads the way in PD and grant funding

Location: Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico

 

The Rocky Mountain Association of IB WorldSchools (IBARMS) strives to be an exemplar among IB associations in providing consistent, reliable and affordable educational services and solutions for students, educators, members, communities, schools, universities and government agencies. We currently have 131 member schools: 4 CP, 34 DP, 48 MYP, 45 PYP.

 

Providing professional development opportunities to our members is a key focus. In addition to providing training workshops in Keystone, Colorado each summer, we hold a yearly symposium, organize various roundtables, lead a PYP and MYP induction program for teachers who are new to IB and offer a mentoring program that partners newIB programme coordinators with experienced ones. This year’s symposium included a presentation from author Mark Overmeyer on “Classroomroutines for increasing engagement, agency and deeper thinking.” OurKeystone Conference will be held June 26-29 and will offer a variety of IB workshops for practitioners.

 

To further support our members, we provide two types of grants: Special Project Grants and Collaboration grants. The theSpecial Project Grants provide funding to schools that run projects that are innovative and effective in promoting international  mindedness. Our Collaboration Grants offer an opportunity for schools/teachers to engage with other schools or with each other on IB programming.

 

Student board members from the NevadaAssociation of IB World Schools (NAIBWS) create a space for reflection and connection

Location: Nevada

 

During the height of the pandemic in 2020, student board members from the Nevada Association of InternationalBaccalaureate World Schools (NAIBWS) gathered to develop a student-run website, designed to connect IB students in all IB programmes across Nevada. Student board members gave each of the 14 IB World Schools in Nevada a page on the website, allowing students to promote events in their own IB Councils, share their thoughts about the programme, develop ideas for leadership and communicate with other IB students from across the state.

 

Students embraced the website to list ideas for CAS and share their MYP Personal Projects, DP Extended Essays and CPReflective Projects with other IB students. Furthermore, the student website facilitated the connection with NAIBWS’ strong alumni community, in which former students advised and assisted current students in the programme.

 

NAIBWS board members hope to continue expanding the website to encourage communication across IB schools in Nevada. This online gathering place where students can share their experiences, struggles and ambitions inspires others. And most importantly, it demonstrates the resilience of IB students amidst a pandemic and their commitment to fostering community in the face of tremendous challenge.

 

Written by Noah Dee, IB Senior at Spring Valley High School in Las Vegas, Nevada and a three-year member of the NAIBWS Student Leadership Board

 

 

Mid-Atlantic Association of IB World Schools(IBMA) responds to stakeholder needs with collaborative events

Location: Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia

 

The Mid-Atlantic Association of IB WorldSchools (IB Mid-Atlantic, or IBMA) aims to foster a collaborative environment for all members and to serve and advocate for IB World Schools throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. In the past 25 years, it has grown to include 180 schools and all four IB programmes.

 

In line with IBMA’s vision to Educate, Participate and Lead, each year we coordinate collaborative networking sessions based on the needs of our member schools and current IB expectations,as well as an internally facilitated “Boot Camp” designed to support new IB teachers and coordinators. Additionally, at least once a year we invite a widely recognized educator whose philosophy aligns with the IB’s approach to work with our teachers. Recent presenters include:

 

• Trevor MacKenzie on “The InquiryClassroom”

• Jim Reese on Project Zero

• Heather Michael on ATL in Action

• Julie Stern on “Concept-Based Learning”.

   

In February, we held an interactive session about the new programme evaluation process, featuring regional IB ManagersLaura Lane and Aldo Anzures. These informative events have proven invaluable to our member schools, providing effective strategies and resources as well as opportunities to share ideas and support each other. We have created a collegial IB community that derives its leadership, philosophy, and delivery of resources directly from the expertise, goals and needs of its members.

 

During the pandemic, we discovered that while in-person workshop-style sessions have their advantages, holding virtual events increased participation and allowed us to reach those who were not able to travel. We have embraced the virtual platform; however, we hope to offer our popular annual College Fair in person as we host up to 150 colleges and universities from around the globe and provide buses so that IB students across the region can attend.

  

Association des Écoles du BI du Maroc(AEBIM) places emphasis on connection and community

Location: Morocco

 

The Association des Écoles du BI du Maroc(AEBIM) was founded during the 2012-2013 school year by a group of enthusiastic educators who were overcoming the difficulties of offering the program in different languages (French - English) and wanted a space to share international education experiences between institutions that promote IB education in Morocco.

 

We offer support to authorized IB WorldSchools and prospective schools through professional development and orientation seminars. The Association organized two orientation seminars for prospective schools, one hosted by Casablanca American Schools and led by Dr.Ian Hill, former Deputy Director of IB, and the second led by IB staff in the region. To support our existing IB World School members, we organized internal professional development on approaches to teaching and learning, differentiation and preparation for evaluation visits.

 

To support students, we facilitate meetings between IB representatives and the Moroccan ministry representatives to encourage Moroccan universities and the Ministry of National Education to recognize the IB Diploma and organize events that facilitate student connection and interaction. Some events held include:

 

• sports days with the theme, "Sport, a springboard towards openness to others"

• a yearly “Art exhibition day” to exhibit student talent and to demonstrate the learner profile qualities

• “Service as action day,” hosted by George Washington Academy, where students shared their initiatives and experiences as members of the community

• a student-organized blood drive to help with the unprecedented shortage of blood in hospitals all over Morocco.

 

Supporting the community is also an important facet of the Association’s work. Schools within our association have raised funds to install a drinking water pipeline in a douar in the region of Tighdouine and partnered with Med Talk Medical Club to donate blankets, warm clothes and resources to a public school.

 

To read updates on our activities and IB programmes visit our website.

  

 

The Louisiana IB Schools association collaborates with universities to support educators

Location: Louisiana

 

Louisiana IB Schools collaborated with theUniversity Lab School and the School of Education at Louisiana State University to sponsor a conference titled Practically Teaching: Tried and True Lessons from Master Teachers. At the conference, faculty members from the Lab School presented teaching ideas for pre-service and early career educators.

 

State changes teacher practicum requirements

The state of Louisiana transitioned the traditional student teaching experience to a year-long residency for preservice teachers. Southeastern University is working closely with Louisiana IB WorldSchools to ensure proper placement for teacher candidates. Students who take courses leading to the IB educator certificate in teaching and learning at Southeastern University will enjoy the opportunity to complete residency at an authorized IB World School. These teacher candidates will be prepared to teach in an IB World School upon graduation.

 

IB Association of Japan (IBAJ) highlights the work of member school

Location: Japan

 

IBAJ is a network of more than 80 Japanese state and international member schools. The IBAJ includes an executive committee and various networks including one for Heads of school, DP, MYP, andPYP coordinators. All networks meet throughout the year and offer professional development such as a mentoring programme, guest speakers and job alikes. During the pandemic, IBAJ began using Basecamp as a central platform to support teachers, schools, professional development and centralized communication. In this month’s issue we are highlighting the work of one of the member schools in the IBAJ - Canadian International school, Tokyo.

 

Florida Association of IB Schools (FLIBS) welcomes new Executive Director

Location: Florida

 

In 2021, FLIBS Executive Director Dr RalphCline announced he would retire in December 2021 after 12 years in the role. Cline was instrumental in the continued growth and success of FLIBS throughout this tenure, especially during the pandemic as the organization transitioned from in-person events to virtual meetings and workshops. FLIBS Executive Board offered the position to Pam Stewart, former Florida Commissioner of Education and longtime FLIBS board member. Stewart worked with Cline on the transition, and at the December association meeting and IB Professional Development (PD)event, Stewart became the new executive director. The FLIBS community also celebrated Cline, who enjoyed a long career with the IB before leading FLIBS. The event was the second in-person IB PD event for FLIBS since 2020, and it was well received with over 800 people in attendance.

 

Asociación Ecuatoriana deColegios BI works on IB recognition

Location: Ecuador

 

The Asociación Ecuatoriana deColegios con Bachillerato Internacional (ASECCBI) constantly works to promote and gain recognition for the IB throughout our country’s university system. Ecuador’s leading private universities, after observing how well IB students’ comprehensive academic backgrounds enable them to engage in their chosen fields of study, have in the last five years signed agreements creating admissions processes that include not only financial aid packages, but that also allow some of our students’ IB subjects to be recognized.

 

Universities that currently have agreementsin place are:

 

• Universidad Internacional SEK

• Universidad de las Américas

• Universidad de la Sabana (Colombia)

• Blue Hill College

• Universidad CatólicaSantiago de Guayaquil

• Universidad Internacional del Ecuador

• Universidad Hemisferios

• University of North Alabama

• Humane Instituto de Negocios

• Universidad TecnológicaEmpresarial de Guayaquil

• Pontificia Universidad Católica delEcuador

• Universidad Ecotec

• Universidad de Especialidades Espíritu Santo

• Education Abroad Latin America

• Universidad Anáhuac

• Southern Utah University

 

These agreements have helped turn the educational benefits the IB provides into practical benefits, granting our students access to the best universities where they can employ all their prior learning and development.

 

ASECCBI will continue to offer IB events and official IB workshops. These workshops will feature synchronous and asynchronous experiences and include technology-based learning.

        

Professional development among The DutchInternational Secondary Schools

Location: Netherlands

 

The Dutch International Secondary Schools(DISS), an association of 22 IB World Schools in the Netherlands, has a proud tradition of collaboration among its teachers and support staff. In the past few years, this tradition has been formalized through a series of planned workshops, each hosted by a different school within the association and offered free to all members. Our aim is to cover all academic and non-academic subjects as well as many pastoral issues, such as child protection, through these workshops. DISS board members plan and host the events throughout the year, which cover a wide range of subjects. The workshops have proven successful as they are local, easy to access and all participants have experience working in IB World Schools. The workshops enhance staff agency and shared leadership among colleagues from different schools. The DISS association cherishes this collaborative atmosphere among its associate members and is proud of the platform that has been created and strengthened over the last 18 months.

 

Chong Wa International BaccalaureateSchools Association (CISA) continues to grow and support its members

Location: Macao

 

On 11 January 2022, Ms Stella Jiang, Development and Recognition Manager for China, organized a focus group discussion with six CISA PYP member schools, to share updated information on the impact of new regulations and actions each school could take regarding issues such as taught language, teaching hours and so on.

 

CISA Family is growing

More new members have joined our association. As of 25 February 2022, CISA has 33 member schools, including 11founding schools and 22 new members (9 Early PYP schools, 7 PYP schools, 4 MYP schools and 2 DP schools).

 

IB Global wellness day

CISA official accounts published IBDirector General Olli-Pekka Heinonen’s speech announcing the IB’s first Global Wellness Day and calling on all educators to take care of students’ wellbeing. The promotion of the speech received positive feedback from the IB learning community.

 

Mapping of Chinese national curriculum and IB curriculum completed

The PYP and MYP mapping project (between Chinese National Curriculum and IB) has been completed by CISA and was submitted to the IB for final review. If approved, it is expected to be released in the first half of this year.

 

Student and school advocacy at the heart of California Association of IB World Schools

Location: California

 

Today, CAWS advocates for 268 programmes in217 schools. California is the fifth largest region in the world offering IB programmes. As our number of programmes and schools grows, so does the scope and diversity of our support for IB educators.

 

University Recognition - CAWS advocates at the local and state levels for improved awareness of IB in the college admission process, consistent awarding of college credits to IB students and acceptance of IB in other areas of higher education. Notably, CAWS works with the IB to ensure that students applying to schools in the University of California(UC)/California State University (CSU) system are recognized for completing college-level work and meeting high UC academic standards. Some of our most recent work has included obtaining honors recognition for all HL and SL courses in the UC/CSU admission process and getting approval for new IB courses in the DP and CP.

 

Legislative Advocacy - Through decades of work with our professional advocates in Sacramento, CAWS has ensured that the IB appears in critical legislation such as the California Academic PerformanceIndex, which is used to evaluate schools. In 2021, CAWS pushed for theEducation Budget Trailer Bill which supports student success in college preparatory courses and provides funds for professional development, student supports and IB exam fees.

 

Professional Development - In 2020, as remote learning became the norm, CAWS developed a new virtual learning environment to deliver our IB workshops. In 2020, we ran 15 continuum workshops, serving nearly 200 participants, and in 2021, we hosted 34 virtual workshops serving 430 participants. The shift to virtual expanded our reach and aligned to our mission of providing exceptional professional development for IB stakeholders worldwide. This June, we are happy to provide in-person continuum workshops in Lake Tahoe. Take the time to look at our upcoming workshops and, if you can, extend your stay in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

 

IB Schools Australasia increases online efforts to reach more stakeholders

Location: Australia and New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Fiji and the South West Pacific

 

IB Schools Australasia, formerly AAIBS, was established specifically to assist schools in Australasia by providing a network of professional support, information and service.

 

We have continued to support our schools virtually throughout the pandemic and have moved many of our services online for member schools, focusing in the areas of:

 

• supporting teacher and school leadership recruitment for member schools

• increasing the number of articles on our website about the IB programmes and member schools

• publishing school promotion opportunities on our website and social media channels

• working closely with our member schools’ networks in Australasia and the IB.

 

The most notable growth has been in our Careers Service, with some months seeing an average of 127 positions advertised within our member schools. With borders closed, our schools have relied on local Australasian IB experience to fulfil roles within our member schools. As the borders re-open, we look forward to seeing this service used by those who have been teaching abroad and are looking to return to Australia and New Zealand.

 

We have also been working closely with our networks, including the IB PYP Arts Hub Group Network to advertise their professional learning events, the MYP Chairs to develop plans for collaboration in 2022 and beyond, and the Victorian Principals for their campaign for IB DP results in January 2022.

 

Last year, we hosted the second online annual general meeting via Zoom, supported by Vero voting. This inclusion of the Vero Voting platform allowed our member schools to vote online in real-time. Our members remain actively involved, contributing six nominations to the standing Committee for three vacancies.

 

As our Chair Mr Ashley Coats transitions to a non-IB school this year, we wish him all the best. Our new Chair, Mr David Boardman, was appointed in January. We look forward to working with him to grow and support IB Schools Australasia.

 

If you have any questions or feedback about this edition, please contact us at aibws@ibo.org. We hope that you stay safe and healthy.

 

        

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