Reply to Difference between AP and IB courses (specifically RM IB or in general)

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I'm a teacher at RM and teach both AP and IB classes.

There are a few distinctions between these types of classes. Our IB program is a magnet program for kids across Montgomery County. This means that kids test into the magnet by taking a multiple choice test, as well as completing an application with essays and teacher recs, among other requirements.

RM technically has two IB programs - the Middle Year's Programme, which includes ALL students in grades 9-10, then the Diploma Programme, which includes students in grades 11-12 who tested into the magnet, but also students whose home school is RM who choose to enter the DP in grade 11. What many parents aren't aware of is that if your kid's home school is RM, they can opt go into the Diploma Programme in grade 11.

As for the difference between the classes - both are rigorous. However, the IB Program, which includes "magnet" core classes in grades 9-10 and DP classes in grades 11-12, is, in my opinion, more rigorous than taking AP classes.[b] Despite what another PP said, many students in the magnet/DP do participate in extra curricular activities, and quite a few of them at that. This is likely why they're not getting a lot of sleep and up at all hours doing homework.[/b] However, AP classes are considered "college level courses" and are also quite rigorous in terms of the workload.

If you'd like to get more information, you should talk to the DP Coordinator at RM who can give you specific details on the program requirements. I've taught many students who have been accepted into the magnet and have done quite well; others, however, do struggle with the workload and the pressure of being a part of that program, which, in my opinion, is exacerbated by the students themselves. They often refer to themselves as "the IB students" and I have to remind them that ALL students in grades 9-10 at RM are "IB students." But that's a separate issue entirely.[/quote]

So as a teacher you are basically saying students in the RM IB Magnet program have two options besides school/studying:

1.  Extra curricular activities
2.  Sleep

[/quote]

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