Message
In regard to International Baccalaureate:
Many experts have asserted that achievement gaps are due largely to environmental factors and “opportunity gaps” in the resources available to low income students versus middle class/wealthy children.
The International Baccalaureate programs provide rigorous instructional opportunities that are grounded in inquiry and exploration. The curriculum serves to connect what students are learning in the classroom to a larger global perspective; in turn providing many of the learning opportunities or experiences that Free and Reduced Meal (FARM) students may otherwise never receive.
Research also shows that low-income students who have taken IB courses attend/graduate from college at a higher rate than low-income students who have not participated in IB programs.
Currently, 46% of IB public schools qualify for schoolwide Title I programs.
While the International Baccalaureate mission is broader than just improving academic preparation, as its stated goal is: “to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect”, IB is also dedicated to providing an excellent education regardless of personal circumstances.
Below are some articles/resources that parents may reference if they have additional questions:
https://www.ibo.org/news/news-about-ib-schools/post-secondary-success-for-low-income-ib-students/
https://sites.ed.gov/underservedyouth/files/2017/01/MS3-Lead-Higher-Initiative-Finding-Americas-Missing-AP-and-IB-Students.pdf
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1054288.pdf
https://www.ibo.org/globalassets/publications/ib-research/dp/ib-and-low-income-students-report-sri-en.pdf
Many experts have asserted that achievement gaps are due largely to environmental factors and “opportunity gaps” in the resources available to low income students versus middle class/wealthy children.
The International Baccalaureate programs provide rigorous instructional opportunities that are grounded in inquiry and exploration. The curriculum serves to connect what students are learning in the classroom to a larger global perspective; in turn providing many of the learning opportunities or experiences that Free and Reduced Meal (FARM) students may otherwise never receive.
Research also shows that low-income students who have taken IB courses attend/graduate from college at a higher rate than low-income students who have not participated in IB programs.
Currently, 46% of IB public schools qualify for schoolwide Title I programs.
While the International Baccalaureate mission is broader than just improving academic preparation, as its stated goal is: “to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect”, IB is also dedicated to providing an excellent education regardless of personal circumstances.
Below are some articles/resources that parents may reference if they have additional questions:
https://www.ibo.org/news/news-about-ib-schools/post-secondary-success-for-low-income-ib-students/
https://sites.ed.gov/underservedyouth/files/2017/01/MS3-Lead-Higher-Initiative-Finding-Americas-Missing-AP-and-IB-Students.pdf
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1054288.pdf
https://www.ibo.org/globalassets/publications/ib-research/dp/ib-and-low-income-students-report-sri-en.pdf
Anonymous wrote:While we have your attention Ms Lloyd, will you confirm that some admin transfers are still be granted out of JH?
While some administrative transfers are permitted under ACPS policies, these are for exceptional student situations based on health, safety, or a temporary or mid-year housing change. These requests may be granted if there is capacity at the requested grade level, and are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Transportation is not provided for parent/guardian-requested administrative transfers.
Students may opt into JH on the grounds that as a K-8 school it is a programmatic school if there is capacity at the requested grade level. Students may not opt out of a K-8 school during grades K-5, but may opt out beginning in grade 6. Transportation is provided for programmatic transfers.
Hello parents,
Just want to respond to this thread on behalf of ACPS.
ACPS is looking forward to welcoming MScott Berkowitz as the new principal of Jefferson-Houston School on July 1. MScott is excited to start at Jefferson-Houston and is looking forward to continuing the school’s positive trajectory.
Berkowitz has a solid foundation in classroom instruction and a range of educational leadership experience in diverse educational environments. His accomplishments include double-digit percentage improvements in science, math and writing SOLs for the fifth-grade team at Hybla Valley and significant improvements in targeted areas of academic achievement. His focus on team and leadership development, through the coaching and empowerment of teaching staff, has resulted in academic gains in each of his roles.
Over the last four years, Jefferson-Houston has made marked progress toward achieving full accreditation, particularly under new accreditation standards that measure growth as well as overall achievement. Reading levels at the school have increased by one and a half years or more each year, and student success on state reading tests has increased by 19 points. Math scores on state assessments have increased by 20 points, science scores by 31 points and history scores by 22 points. The student population has increased by 64 percent and the school has been transformed into a community school with passionate advocates and partners.
Jefferson-Houston School is Alexandria’s first Pre-K to 8th-grade school. Jefferson-Houston is an International Baccalaureate® (IB) school. It is authorized for both the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP). The IB focuses on developing the whole child so that s/he gains the intellectual, personal, emotional, and social skills needed to live, learn, and work in a rapidly globalizing world.
Helen Lloyd
Director of Communications
Alexandria City Public Schools
Just want to respond to this thread on behalf of ACPS.
ACPS is looking forward to welcoming MScott Berkowitz as the new principal of Jefferson-Houston School on July 1. MScott is excited to start at Jefferson-Houston and is looking forward to continuing the school’s positive trajectory.
Berkowitz has a solid foundation in classroom instruction and a range of educational leadership experience in diverse educational environments. His accomplishments include double-digit percentage improvements in science, math and writing SOLs for the fifth-grade team at Hybla Valley and significant improvements in targeted areas of academic achievement. His focus on team and leadership development, through the coaching and empowerment of teaching staff, has resulted in academic gains in each of his roles.
Over the last four years, Jefferson-Houston has made marked progress toward achieving full accreditation, particularly under new accreditation standards that measure growth as well as overall achievement. Reading levels at the school have increased by one and a half years or more each year, and student success on state reading tests has increased by 19 points. Math scores on state assessments have increased by 20 points, science scores by 31 points and history scores by 22 points. The student population has increased by 64 percent and the school has been transformed into a community school with passionate advocates and partners.
Jefferson-Houston School is Alexandria’s first Pre-K to 8th-grade school. Jefferson-Houston is an International Baccalaureate® (IB) school. It is authorized for both the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP). The IB focuses on developing the whole child so that s/he gains the intellectual, personal, emotional, and social skills needed to live, learn, and work in a rapidly globalizing world.
Helen Lloyd
Director of Communications
Alexandria City Public Schools