Reply to S/o (VA public schools). IB and college preparedness

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I found some FCPS data on IB math exams for 2012-13 year.  Over twice as many FCPS IB students took Mathematics - SL as Mathematics-HL (the course more analogous to an AP course), and about three times as many took Math Studies - SL.  The average score on the IB HL exam in FCPS was 3.2 on a scale of 1-7, which is considered a failing grade.   In the same year, eight times as many students took the AP Calculus BC exam, and the average score was 4.0 on a scale of 1.5, which is well over what is considered a passing grade (3.0).

So IB attracts relatively few students at IB schools, most opt for the easier math options, and most of the few who attempt the more rigorous math sequence don't pass the exam.  I'd have to say it's not a very strong case for IB, at least as implemented in FCPS.  [/quote]

NP. Amazing interpretation. Could this not have shown that
a) IB HL exam is actually much harder than AP Calc BC exam;

b) IB programs in FCPS are placed in relatively low-ranking high schools with academically weaker populations?

A cursory review of College Confidential will reveal that it is harder to earn a 5-6-7 in IB HL tests than it is to earn 4-5 in AP tests. Point b), I hope, is obvious.

Why you all are wasting your time maligning a program you have no interest in is beyond me. The point is, IB is a great option for some students. The FCPS implementation unfortunately has doomed it to mediocrity. IB Diploma is equivalent to a high AP load, it is not for the majority of students, and as such should be implemented as a magnet or concentrated in a few schools. I believe AP should be offered in every school, even IB ones. Then no one should be allowed to switch for AP, and only those truly committed and likely to succeed in IB Diploma program will seek it and transfer. Transportation should be provided (just like it is forTJ and AAP centers, and I believe academies). [/quote]

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