The Millbrook Central School District is currently in the application process to become an International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme School. The International Baccalaureate Program www.ibo.org was established in 1968 by teachers at the International School of Geneva, Switzerland, as an effort to accomplish the following goals:
- to provide students with a balanced education;
- to facilitate geographic and cultural mobility;
- to promote international understanding
A true International Baccalaureate School creates and fosters a learning environment that totally supports the philosophy and goals of the IB programme. All teachers in an International Baccalaureate Programme school need to be trained in the IB philosophy and in their content area since this training is an essential element for effective implementation of the IB programme.
The International Baccalaureate Programme offers a continuum of international education. The programme encourages both personal and academic achievement, challenging students to excel in their studies and in their personal development. There are courses in all content areas. Courses are designed at two different levels: higher level (HL) and standard level (SL). HL and SL courses differ in scope but are measured according to the same grade descriptors, with students expected to demonstrate a greater body of knowledge, understanding and skills at higher level.
There is also a component of the International Baccalaureate Programme called the Career-Related Programme. Courses in this component provide the theoretical underpinning and academic rigor of the programme, as well as providing a venue for exploration of practical and real-world approaches to learning. The Career-Related component of help students to develop skills and competencies required for lifelong learning.
As of May 2015, there are 2,795 International Baccalaureate Schools in 143 different countries worldwide. There are 91 International Baccalaureate Schools in New York State.
One of the goals of the Millbrook Central School District is a commitment to continuous school improvement. Becoming an International Baccalaureate Programme School District will help us attain this goal.
The Millbrook Educational Foundation has partnered with the Millbrook CSD since the District began exploring the IB Programme. They have provided grant funding to support application fees, teacher training fees, and other associated fees during the exploration and application process of the International Baccalaureate Programme. With the support of the MEF, the Millbrook Central School District can forward its mission for continuous school improvement.