Questions
1)  What is the IB program?
2)  Why apply for the IB Program?
3)  At what grade level does the IB Program begin?
4)  What is the IB curriculum like?
5)  What are the guidelines for admission to the IB program?
6)  When is registration and orientation?
7)  Whom should I contact if I have more questions?
8)  Do you accept out-of-district transfer students into the IB program?
 
Answers
1)  Q What is the IB program?
A
IB is short for INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE. The IB Program is an internationally-recognized program established in 1968 and noted for its depth and challenging curriculum. It is a rigorous pre-university course of study leading to assessment in six subject areas. A high quality currriculum that aims to encourage critical thinking by the study of traditional disciplines, IB also encourages an international perspective. Beyond completing college-level courses and examinations, IB students are also required to engage in community service, individual research, and inquiry into the nature of knowledge.
2)  Q Why apply for the IB Program?
A
  • IB has an international acceptability which allows for both flexibility and mobility.
  • IB educates the “whole person."
  • IB encourages students to appreciate cultures and attitudes other than their own and to be informed and willing to communicate with others.
  • The IB approach to education is not encyclopedic. The emphasis is on helping students to learn how to learn and how to analyze.
  • IB provides a broad general education while still allowing specialized study in areas corresponding to the individual’s particular interests and plans for the future.
  • IB academic training provides students with the skills and opportunities that will enable them to succeed in the competitive, modern world.
3)  Q At what grade level does the IB Program begin?
A
The IB program itself includes grades eleven and twelve. Students apply for the IB program during their sophomore year. For maximum success in the program, students should be enrolled in advanced courses as early as the seventh grade.
4)  Q What is the IB curriculum like?
A

Click here to view the IB Curriculum Hexagon

IB diploma candidates must choose one subject from each of groups 1 to 5, thus ensuring breadth of experience in all areas: languages, the experimental sciences, mathematics and the humanities. The sixth subject may be an arts subject chosen from group 6 or the student may choose another subject from any of the other groups. At least three and not more than four are taken at the HL (higher level), the others at (SL) standard level. (Higher Level (HL) courses represent a recommended 240 teaching hours, Standard Level (SL) courses represent a recommended 150 teaching hours.) In addition, all diploma candidates must fulfill the three central requirements of the IB Diploma, which are the Extended Essay, CAS (Community, Action, and Service) hours, and the Theory of Knowledge class.

5)  Q What are the guidelines for admission to the IB program?
A
A selection committee will examine the application of each student wanting to enter the International Baccalaureate Program. The committee is comprised of the IB coordinator, teachers, counselors, and administrators.

The following factors are considered:

1. an appropriate score in reading and math on the most recent Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS);

2. academic performance (based on student's academic achievement record);

3. at least two teacher recommendations, one must be from math and one from English;

4. parental consent and support;

5. a writing sample.

Once accepted, students must maintain an appropriate level of academic achievement in their IB course work. Progress will be continuously monitored and evaluated by both the teacher/mentor and the IB Coordinator.
6)  Q When is registration and orientation?
A
Orientation is provided by district personnel and campus IB Coordinators. There is a district orientation meeting each fall for parents of any 8th grade student taking at least one advanced academics class. In the spring on all junior high campuses the IB coordinators make follow-up presentations geared toward 9th grade students and parents. In the 10th grade, students are given an in-depth analysis of the program at an all-day orientation session. Students officially apply for the IB program in the winter of their 10th grade year.

APPLICATION TIMELINE:

DECEMBER: STUDENTS APPLY FOR IB
Current tenth grade students apply for candidacy in the International Baccalaureate Diploma.

JANUARY: APPLICATION REVIEW
All students who applied for candidacy in the IB Diploma Program will be given an interview and considered for participation.

FEBRUARY: STUDENTS ARE NOTIFIED OF ACCEPTANCE
All students who applied for candidacy in the IB Diploma Program will be notified of their status.

MARCH, APRIL, AND MAY: FINALIZE THREE YEAR PLANS
Students will be scheduled into required/requested courses. Students receive their three-year IB plans and other pertinent documents.
7)  Q Whom should I contact if I have more questions?
A
LD Bell: E-mail: Judy Chapman (chapmanj@hebisd.edu) Phone: 817.282.2551 ext. 7349

Trinity: E-mail: Dr. Kim Kamin (kamink@hebisd.edu) Phone: 817.571.0271 ext. 3668

8)  Q Do you accept out-of-district transfer students into the IB program?
A
Yes. Students who wish to transfer to Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD to participate in the International Baccalaureate program may apply as early as 7th grade for Pre-IB status. If accepted, students will not be charged a transfer fee. If the student chooses to exit the IB program or if he/she does not maintain satisfactory progress, he/she will not be allowed to remain in the Hurst-Euless-Bedford schools. For an out-of-district transfer application or more information, please contact the office of Bettye Edgington, Advanced Academics Coordinator, 817-399-2090 or edgingtb@hebisd.edu.