Program Description
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program is a two-year comprehensive and rigorous pre-university curriculum leading to an IB diploma. Successful IB candidates are typically granted advanced placement credit at the finest universities and colleges in the nation. Students who participate in the full diploma program are actively engaged in a liberal arts curriculum that includes:
- Critical thinking class
- Minimum of 150 hours of participation in extracurricular activities and community services
- Research paper of 4000 words
The International
Baccalaureate (IB)
, based in Geneva Switzerland,
governs and continuously monitors the academic content of IB Programs.
Preparatory programs are offered at the primary and middle schools
levels. To support teacher preparedness and student success, the
IBO provides a wide range of services to the schools authorized
to administer its programs that include:
- Curriculum and assessment development
- Electronic networking
- Online curriculum center
- Other educational services, such as school reports that assist teachers in adjusting their instruction to improve students' performance
- Teacher training and information seminars
Some of these services are available to prospective IB schools
as well. There is an application process for schools wishing to
become an authorized IB school. See the Diploma
Programme in North America
for more information.
Professional Development Funding
Please note that this program is currently in categorical program flexibility due to Section 15 of SBX34 (California Education Code (EC) Section 42605). For 2008-09 through 2012-13, school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools may use funds from this program for any educational purpose. The funds are therefore unrestricted; program or funding requirements, as otherwise provided in statute, regulation, and budget act provisional language associated with the funding, are not in effect.
Historically, the California Department of Education (CDE) has provided incentive funding for professional development grants since 1998. Public high schools and middle schools with an authorized IB Diploma Program were eligible for funding.
For information on how International Baccalaureate is affected by flexibility provisions from education trailer bill Senate Bill 4 of the 2009-10 Third Extraordinary Session (SBX3 4), please visit the CDE Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate Education Budget Web page.
IB Exam Fee Reimbursement
Subject to fund availability, the CDE will reimburse districts for specified costs of the IB exam fees paid to the IBO on behalf of eligible students.
