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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I am a teacher in Montgomery County, but I came across this thread and wanted to offer a little bit of information. We have both an MYP (middle years program) and DP (diploma program), but the magnet is only for the DP.

The IB philosophy is one that is student centered and concept driven. It encourages students to become globally minded citizens who think creatively and analytically. The personal project, which students start in 9th and complete in 10th grade, is a research based, months long project that requires students to utilize research and social skills while collaborating with a teacher/supervisor throughout the process in order to create some sort of product. This could be anything from using recycled sailing rope to create dog leashes to donate to shelters, to creating a cookbook that is inspired by your own unique culture and heritage, to writing a short story that depicts what it is like to have severe learning disorders. The extended essay, which starts in 11th grade and concludes in 12th grade, is an ongoing research paper not unlike a college thesis. I've had students research topics ranging from child slavery in the US, to how female characters in Pokemon create empowerment in young girls, to how documentary theatre has incited political movements. Because it's concept driven across all subjects, it allows us to capitalize on cross-curricular learning (a requirement in MYP unit planning). When we teach Of Mice and Men in English, for example, the ninth graders are learning about the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl in history class. When we read A Raisin in the Sun, they are learning about the civil rights movement and housing discrimination.

It's unfortunate that so many parents in FCPS seem dissatisfied with the program, because as a teacher and a parent, I believe in it. It makes me wonder what's going with the teachers, the IB coordinators, and the administration to make so many people so unsatisfied. [/quote]

+1. Beautiful. Thank you. [/quote]

OP here. Agreed. Thank you for this.

PP, in your experience, do students feel like they have a closer relationship with their teachers because of the long term projects? We are zoned for Robinson and Lake Braddock is a pupil placement AP school. Both are huge and we were wondering if IB somehow makes these mega schools seem a bit smaller. If anyone else has experience with this, please chime in![/quote]

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