Reply to IB Costs Increasing

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]IB is one of the reasons why our society has so  many issues.  So much more could be done with our school curriculum is IB we taken out completely.  Less is more![/quote]

[b]It teaches critical thinking. That is what is sorely missing in today’s society.[/quote]
[/b]
Other courses teach critical thinking at lower cost, which is something you’d realize if you engaged in some critical thinking of your own.

The small number of IB advocates tout IB because they like the IB buzzwords (“global citizens.” “life-long learners,” etc), see IB as a school within their generally low-performing schools, or know IB is what provides them with the option to transfer their kids to AP schools.

None of this justifies the higher cost to FCPS.  [/quote]

The PP who praises the "critical thinking" that is "taught" in IB needs to apply a little of it to this issue.

First, the problem/issue:  FCPS schools have two advanced programs.  One is AP and the other is IB.  IB is more expensive.  Question: Is the additional expense justified?

The first step in "critical thinking" is to gather information.  I do not have time right now to gather all the information from credible sources, but here is what I have learned so far:

Background information:
IB proponents claim that it better prepares students for college and "teaches" critical thinking.  The costs to FCPS are higher.  (I do not have time to research this--but I do know that in the past this question was asked by SB members and the costs were significantly higher.)
Historically, IB was placed in some underachieving FCPS schools in the hopes that it would attract "better" students.  Except for one stunning example, this has not worked.  Instead, it has resulted in allowing students from underperforming schools to pupil place in order to be in an AP or IB program.

Information needed:
Proof that IB better prepares students for college.  We know that historically, the IB classes do not get as much credit in college as AP.  Some claim that is changing.
How much more does it cost?  What is the cost per pupil taking IB classes?  Cost per pupil of those achieving the IB diploma?
Has there been any survey done with parents of students in FCPS over which they prefer?  It would appear that there are more students pupil placing out of IB schools into AP than vice versa--with one glaring exception.

Just some thoughts for how to approach this--since PP claims that "critical thinking" is the justification for IB.

From the little detail that I know, I would say that the IB proponents could use a little instruction in "critical thinking."

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