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[quote=Anonymous]There's a lot of fact free assertion here about the IB program.

The IB Diploma Program (DP) is a two-year program for juniors and seniors.  Most IB DP courses are two-year sequences.  To achieve the IB Diploma requires the following; one course in each of six different subject areas (Language, Literature, Social Studies, Mat, Sciences and the Arts.  There is a requirement to take a Theory of Knowledge (2 semesters) and write a 4,000 word Extended Essay research paper.  There is also a requirement to accrue 150hrs of experience in Creativity, Activity and Service.  The course is very writing intensive.  Certain assignments and final IB exams are evaluated by the independent IB program officers and not by FCPS.  IB is a curriculum and diploma that are recognized worldwide.  Many elite colleges grant course credit for IB exams scored at 5, 6 & 7 (of 7).  These exams scores are forced to a normal distribution so 34% of test takers achieve a score of 5, 13% achieve a 6 and 3% achieve a 7.

Marshall's Class of 2016 graduated 419 students.  82 students sought to earn the IB Diploma and 79 (96.3%) achieved this honor.

The IB program is a effectively an 'honors' program within the regular school.  While many students take IB classes at both the Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL) [N.B. that there are 'Honors' courses offered - normally to freshmen and sophomores - that are not part of the IB curriculum and like the IB courses are available to all students].  So, while many students take IB classes (similar to the way students take AP classes), to attempt the IB Diploma requires a significantly greater commitment (e.g. 4 yrs of language, the research paper, the service commitment and passing grades on final exams that are independently assessed outside of FCPS).

The IB Diploma Program is a distinct curriculum.  The AP program offers 38 courses (not all available at every school) that can be tested and if certain marks are achieved, course credit may be granted in certain schools.  For example, UVA grants course credit hours and/or course exemption for IB HL exam scores of 5, 6 & 7, and for AP exams scored as 4 & 5.

Now you have some real facts to ponder...
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