Questions about MCPS IB Program/Curriculum - is it a real IB program--

[Anonymous]

11:28, to get the in diploma, students must take 3-4 HL classes and 2-3SL classes, and then score a certain amount in each class based on may tests and internal assessment for the course. In addition, there are other requirements such as the extended essay, tok, and cas.

Students that meet or exceed the threshold get the diploma. Students can also earn a bilingual diploma.

Because of limited space, teachers, scheduling etc, schools offer some courses only at SL, others both SL and HL. If you offered every IB course you would not have enough students per class or classrooms to put them in.

[Anonymous]

Of course AP and IB overlap in core subjects. Many IB students sit for all the AP exams as well. The curricula do differ, but teachers work with students to meet needs of the one they need.

disagree

AP = course-specific
IB = greater contextualization around the subject as part of a PROGRAM

IB is like a mini-liberal arts degree. AP courses are isolated and do not connect to one another.

I, too, have issues with combined classes. I would hear complaints from my science and art colleagues all the time. Many IB DP kids sit for AP exams and do well b/c they have the breadth and depth. no brainer

OP - Schools combine these courses 1) out of ignorance and 2) (main reason) b/c of allocation. too few kids in one course who are added to another "similar" course, forcing the teacher to hold two classes in one (two preps for one class)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Of course AP and IB overlap in core subjects. Many IB students sit for all the AP exams as well. The curricula do differ, but teachers work with students to meet needs of the one they need.

disagree

AP = course-specific
IB = greater contextualization around the subject as part of a PROGRAM

IB is like a mini-liberal arts degree. AP courses are isolated and do not connect to one another.

I, too, have issues with combined classes. I would hear complaints from my science and art colleagues all the time. Many IB DP kids sit for AP exams and do well b/c they have the breadth and depth. no brainer

OP - Schools combine these courses 1) out of ignorance and 2) (main reason) b/c of allocation. too few kids in one course who are added to another "similar" course, forcing the teacher to hold two classes in one (two preps for one class)

This is a very good point. APs are course specific and IB is structured as a program. One of the criticisms of IB is the impression that it is too rigid and lacks flexibility. It maybe true but it’s by design.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Of course AP and IB overlap in core subjects. Many IB students sit for all the AP exams as well. The curricula do differ, but teachers work with students to meet needs of the one they need.

disagree

AP = course-specific
IB = greater contextualization around the subject as part of a PROGRAM

IB is like a mini-liberal arts degree. AP courses are isolated and do not connect to one another.

I, too, have issues with combined classes. I would hear complaints from my science and art colleagues all the time. Many IB DP kids sit for AP exams and do well b/c they have the breadth and depth. no brainer

OP - Schools combine these courses 1) out of ignorance and 2) (main reason) b/c of allocation. too few kids in one course who are added to another "similar" course, forcing the teacher to hold two classes in one (two preps for one class)

OP here. I agree with you. It is ridiculous to combine AP and IB classes. It's why I asked my question. Sounds like Richard Montgomery doesn't do this, that is where we are targeting.