Reply to AP vs. IB for science/math/technology kid?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]IB is a more rigorous, well rounded college prep program. But it is a full program and kids who are excel in some areas but not others are going to have problems getting the full diploma. (And their parents, who apparently can't admit that their DC can't handle a portion of the IB program, end up really hostile towards IB). AP may well be better for STEM kids, if those kids can't write and apply concepts across disciplines. It's more forgiving of humanities kids who can dumb down the math with "math studies" and biology SL -- a parent of an IB all around good student and a AP STEM kid who hates writing.  I'm glad they got to choose the program that was right for them.  I prefer the IB approach for college prep, but think it's a bad fit for DC 2. [/quote]

The IB diploma programs have really struggled, which is why FCPS is trying to shore them up with the MYP at some schools. Meanwhile all the top schools - TJ, Langley, McLean, Woodson, Oakton and Madison - are all AP. [/quote]

This is a very tired argument. FCPS screwed up implementing IB, by putting it into low performing schools and hoping it would draw in affluent kids. And them doubled down on this mistake. It places like SLHS and Marshall, it's been a good call.  But the program in places like Stuart, Lee and Mt. Vernon is a mistake-- not enough kids who can do the high level work across all subject areas plus the extras the diploma requirements. It takes a really strong, dedicated student to go full IB, and schools like Lee don't have a huge supply of zoned students who can do the work.  And not providing busing for pupil placement means kids stick to their base school, and don't pupil place. That said, IB is well regarded and highly sought after in districts, like MoCo/ Montgomery Blair where it is properly implemented.

Also, TJ could never be a STEM magnet and IB. It's a one or the other thing. TJ has special and extra diploma requirements (like a CS class and a senior lab with pre recs). IB also has a special diploma with extra requirements. It is hard to get all of the requirements of either diploma, standing alone. It would be impossible to meet the requirements of both diplomas in 4 years, even with no extracurriculars.  Now, of FCPS had on competitive entry IB school equivalent of TJ, that school would be very well respected and highly sought after (like Blair) and do a good job serving smart humanities or across the board strong students. [/quote]

Lots of speculation about how you think things might have been, as opposed to dealing with the facts. There's been plenty of time for IB to take root and thrive in FCPS. It hasn't. People want the AP districts.

As for Montgomery Blair, it does not have IB. 
[/quote]

Sorry-- Richcard Montgomery, not MB. (Not from MCPS).

And IB has flourished in some FCPS schools---  SLHS, Robinson and Marshall. It's just also been put in too many low performing schools where tithe kids can't take advantage of it. FCPS should pick 2 of the schools with strong programs, make them magnets,  provide busing, drop it everywhere else, and call it a day.  [/quote]

I think you mean floundered, not flourished.

Either way the science/math/technology kids overwhelmingly go to AP schools.[/quote]

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