The International Baccalaureate
Diploma Program
Luther Burbank High School
Information Booklet
Luther Burbank High School
3500 Florin Road
Sacramento, CA 95823
http://schools.scusd.edu/LutherBurbank/index.html
Table of Contents
History— International Baccalaureate Organization and LBHS 3
IB Mission Statement 4
IB Learner Profile 5
Pre-IB, Schedules, & Small Learning Communities 6
IB Diploma Program 7
Curriculum 8
Assessment 9
IB Courses and Teachers at LBHS 10
Entering and Exiting Policies 11
Weighted Grades and Colleges 12-13
School Statistics and College Enrollment 14-15
For More Information 17
History
The International Baccalaureate was founded in Geneva, Switzerland in 1968 as a non-profit educational foundation. Its original purpose was to facilitate the international mobility of students preparing for university by providing schools with a curriculum and diploma recognized by universities around the world. Since then its mission has expanded, and it now seeks to make an IB education available to students of all ages.
How did LBHS become an IB world school?
After a year of research and two years of revising our application to become an IB school, in the summer of 2004, Luther Burbank High School began to offer the IB diploma program. As required by the IBO, a core group of teachers completed additional training to offer the IB curriculum, and we began an inclusive enrollment policy, whereby students could self-select into the diploma program.
Why offer an IB diploma program at LBHS?
Given the extremely diverse needs of serving one of the most multicultural communities in the United States, it seems fitting to offer an international education. Our students are highly motivated and college-minded, so an international honors program will not only give them the best preparation for post-secondary study, but also it will provide them with an education that is extremely relevant to a global economy. Students leaving our IB diploma program are bilingual or trilingual, knowledgeable in advanced math and science, understand research methodology, develop and maintain a sense of inquisitiveness, explore a variety of cultures, develop an understanding of environmental issues, and give back to their community.
What are small learning communitites?
Small learning communities offer both college preparatory and career pathways courses. Students, parents, and teachers share a unique opportunity to discuss long-term goals and better prepare students to graduate from high school and enroll in a college, university, or vocational school. A core group of 12-15 teachers provide a thematic education for all four years of a student’s high school education. Currently we offer these learning communities: Medical and Health Science, Criminal and Social Justice, Business & Information Technology (BIT), Construction and Design, Visual and Performing Arts, and Global Studies (GS). Of these six learning communities, GS offers the full IB diploma program.
Mission Statement
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is more than its three educational programs. At our heart we are motivated by a mission to create a better world through education.
We value our hard-earned reputation for quality, for high standards and for pedagogical leadership. We achieve our goals by working with partners and by actively involving our stakeholders, particularly teachers.
We promote intercultural understanding and respect, not as an alternative to a sense of cultural and national identity, but as an essential part of life in the 21st century.
All of this is captured in our mission statement.
The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.
To this end the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment.
These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.
--- (www.ibo.org)
IB Learner Profile
The aim of all IB programs is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world.
IB learners strive to be:
Inquirers They develop their natural curiosity. They acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research and show independence in learning. They actively enjoy
learning and this love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives.
Knowledgeable They explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global significance. In so doing, they acquire in-depth knowledge and develop understanding
across a broad and balanced range of disciplines.
Thinkers They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to
recognize and approach complex problems, and make reasoned, ethical decisions.
Communicators They understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively in more than one language and in a variety of modes of communication. They
work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others.
Principled They act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and respect for the dignity of the individual, groups and communities. They take
responsibility for their own actions and the consequences that accompany them.
Open-minded They understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, and are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities. They are accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of points
of view, and are willing to grow from the experience.
Caring They show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of others. They have a personal commitment to service, and act to make a positive
difference to the lives of others and to the environment.
Risk-takers They approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and
forethought, and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas
and strategies. They are brave and articulate in defending their beliefs.
Balanced They understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance to achieve personal well-being for themselves and others.
Reflective They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience. They are able to assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to
support their learning and personal development.
Pre-IB and Schedules
What is LBHS’s Pre-IB?
The 9th and 10th grade years prepare students for the IB diploma program. Pre-IB is not an official IB program. Rather, it is an LBHS honors program specifically designed to develop the skills and knowledge required for the diploma program.
How should a middle school student prepare for LBHS’s Pre-IB?
If possible, students should enroll in honors courses or GATE classes at the middle school. By the end of the 8th grade year, students should take Integrated Math I. Also, students should be encouraged to read from a variety of print sources—magazines, newspapers, internet, books, poetry, and lyrics—as well as a variety of cultural sources—art, music, dance, film, religion, and theater.
Which small learning communities offer the full IB diploma program?
As of 2014, the Global Studies small learning community offers the full IB diploma program.
Which courses are offered in LBHS’s Pre-IB and IB diploma program?
9th Grade honors courses: Advanced English 9, Hmong 1 or Spanish 1, Geography and Contemporary Issues, Integrated Math 2, Character & Scene and PE. ROTC meets the physical education requirement for high school graduation. Students may elect to take Advanced Biology their 9th grade year if they are looking for a more rigorous course load.
10th Grade honors courses: Advanced English 10; Hmong 2 or Spanish 2; World History; Integrated Math 3, Chemistry, and Advanced Biology. 0/7th physical education class is also required if the course has not been taken in summer school.
11th Grade and 12th Grade IB courses:
· IB English HL
· IB Spanish HL
· IB History HL
· IB Math SL or IB Math Studies SL
· IB ITGS SL
· IB Biology SL
· IB Environmental Systems SL
· IB Physics SL
· IB Theory of Knowledge
14
IB Diploma Program
What are the expectations for IB Diploma students?
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program is an international college education offered in a high school setting. For this reason, students have increased academic expectations which include yet are not limited to independent reading, independent research, developing hypotheses, drafting and revising multiple essays, independent and group study, note-taking, and personal organization. The IB Diploma Program is for highly motivated students requiring additional educational challenges and rewards; it is not for ‘gifted’ students only.
What is the Diploma Program?
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program is a challenging two-year curriculum, primarily aimed at students aged 16 to 19. It leads to a qualification that is widely recognized by the world’s leading universities.
Students learn more than a collection of facts. The Diploma Program prepares students for university and encourages them to:
· ask challenging questions
· learn how to learn
· develop a strong sense of their own identity and culture
· develop the ability to communicate with and understand people from other countries and cultures.
What is the difference between a diploma candidate and a certificate candidate?
Students who complete all aspects of the diploma program are eligible to earn the IB diploma. For a complete description of the requirements please view the next page.
Certificate candidates are those students who are enrolled in one or more IB classes, but have not met all of the requirements to earn an IB diploma.
What is the difference between Higher Level and Standard Level classes?
Taught over two years, Higher Level classes are considered more rigorous, covering a greater number of topics and with greater depth. Standard Level classes, although still rigorous, may be taught in one year, and they have fewer topics and assessments.
IB Curriculum
Students study six subjects selected from the subject groups. Normally three subjects are studied at higher level (courses representing 240 teaching hours), and the remaining three subjects are studied at standard level (courses representing 150 teaching hours).
All three parts of the core—extended essay, theory of knowledge and creativity, action, service—are compulsory and are central to the philosophy of the Diploma Program.
All Diploma Program students must engage in these three activities.
Extended essay
The extended essay has a prescribed limit of 4,000 words. It offers the opportunity to investigate a topic of individual interest, and acquaints students with the independent research and writing skills expected at university.
Theory of knowledge (TOK)
The interdisciplinary TOK course is designed to provide coherence by exploring the nature of knowledge across disciplines, encouraging an appreciation of other cultural perspectives.
Creativity, Action, Service (CAS)
Participation in the school’s CAS program encourages students to be involved in artistic pursuits, sports and community service work, thus fostering students’ awareness and appreciation of life outside the academic arena.
Assessment
How are students assessed?
Internal assessment
In nearly all subjects at least some of the assessment is carried out internally by teachers, who mark individual pieces of work produced as part of a course of study. Examples include oral exercises in language subjects, projects, student portfolios, class presentations, practical laboratory work, mathematical investigations and artistic performances.
External assessment
· Some assessment tasks are conducted and overseen by teachers without the restrictions of examination conditions, but are then marked externally by examiners. Examples include world literature assignments for language A1, written tasks for language A2, essays for theory of knowledge and extended essays.
· Because of the greater degree of objectivity and reliability provided by the standard examination environment, externally marked examinations form the greatest share of the assessment for each subject.
IB Courses and Teachers at LBHS
*=honors course 5pt scale
English / IB English HL I* / Mr. Taylor
Ms. Synhorst
Mr. Coey / English 10 Honors
IB English HL II* / Y
2nd Language / IB Spanish HL I* / Ms. DeAnda
Ms. Millard / Spanish 2 Honors
IB Spanish HL II* / Y
Individuals and Societies / IB History of Americas HL I / Mr. Muth
Ms. Bell
Mr. Hopkins
Ms. Ramos / Geography Honors
World History Honors
IB History of Americas HL II* / Y
IB Information Technology in a Global Society SL / Mr. Williams
Science / IB Environmental Systems and Societies SL / Ms. Tellez / Biology Honors
Chemistry Honors
IB Physics SL / Mr. Sisneros
IB Biology SL / Ms. Just
Ms. Roland
Mathematics / IB Math SL I
(Calc +) / Mr. Quayle
Ms. Moore
Ms. Lanning
Mr. Schnack / Algebra II Honors
IB Math SL II* / Y
IB Math Studies SL / Ms. Jennings
Mr. Jones
Mr. Schnack / Algebra II
Philosophy / IB Theory of Knowledge* / Mr. Perryman
Mr. Ferlazzo
Entering and Exiting the IB Diploma Program
Entering:
How do I enroll in the IB Diploma Program?
When enrolling, select the Global Studies Small Learning Community and indicate you are interested in the IB Diploma Program. Lead teachers will provide an appropriate schedule for each pre-ib student.
Students should consider these guidelines when requesting placement in the IB diploma program:
· Maintain a 3.0 or higher g.p.a.
· Demonstrate maturity and motivation
· Enroll in advanced/GATE/ or honors classes
· Test as proficient or advanced in Math and English CST
· Self-select
If I live outside Burbank’s attendance area, what can I do to enroll?
Families living outside of the attendance area may request a principal’s permit by contacting the IB Coordinator, Katherine Bell; the vice principal, Ms. Saldana; or the principal, Mr. Peterson. For current policies regarding open enrollment, please contact the Sac-City School District at the Serna Center 5735 47th Ave Sacramento, CA 95824 Phone: 643-7400
Exiting:
How do I change my classes so that I am not a diploma candidate?
You must complete a Request for Schedule Change form, which requires signatures from teachers, parents, and the IB coordinator. An additional exit interview or parent conference may be required prior to making any schedule change.
What happens if my grades are lower than ‘C’?
You will be placed on academic probation, an exit interview or parent conference will be scheduled, and your transcript will be reviewed to determine if an alternative schedule would be appropriate.