About the International Baccalaureate Program
A World Standard for Excellence in Education
The International Baccalaureate® (IB) Program is recognized world-wide as providing the highest quality of education of education to prepare students to succeed at any college or any career they choose.
The International Baccalaureate at Alta Public Schools
Alta Public schools are truly unique. We are innovative, community-centered and ambitious. In fact, our team of highly qualified educators are driven to offer one of the most prestigious educational platforms in the world: The International Baccalaureate! We believe that Alta students need and deserve the BEST!
Our students are coming of age in a world that is rapidly changing. Many will eventually hold jobs that don’t even exist now. In order to thrive in a global economy, they will need to solve innovative and challenging problems while thinking creatively. They will be expected to collaborate positively and productively with many different people. That is the kind of high quality education the International Baccalaureate Program offers.
Less than a handful of LAUSD schools offer the IB and we are proud to be an organization that offers all IB programs for all grade levels.
Timeline of Authorization
- Academia Moderna (Primary Years Programme): Authorized November 2013
- Prepa Tec Middle Schools (Middle Years Programme): Completed requirements, pending final Authorization
Education for a Better World
“The International Baccalaureate® (IB) is more than its educational programmes and certificates. At our heart we are motivated by a mission to create a better world through education. It is a way of life.”
The IB Mission
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.
IB Values
The following Core Values guide our day-to-day actions and decisions as educators:
- Inspire a thirst for lifelong learning.
- Model personal responsibility while holding ourselves to the highest standards of conduct.
- Foster international mindedness with an understanding of world cultures and languages.
- Promote and sustain a healthy global environment.
- Foster a desire to care for and serve others.
- Appreciate the importance of working together for common purposes.
- Prepare children to lead positive change in our world by teaching them how to think rather than what to think.
Overview of the IB
The following Core Values guide our day-to-day actions and decisions as educators:
- IB programs are recognized around the world and ensure an increased adaptability and mobility for IB students.
- The curriculum and pedagogy of IB programs focus on international perspectives of learning and teaching, while students also fully explore their home culture and language.
- IB World Schools must undergo an exhaustive authorization process in order to offer one or more of the programs, which includes a study of the school’s resources and commitment to the IB mission and philosophy.
- IB teachers participate in a wide variety of professional development opportunities to constantly update their knowledge and share their expertise with colleagues around the world.
- Students graduating from the Diploma Program find that it enhances their opportunities and success at tertiary institutions. The IB works closely with universities around the world to gain recognition for IB programs.
- The core components of IB programs encourage students to participate in creative and service-oriented activities, while at the same time emphasizing the importance of reflection on a personal and academic level.Inspire a thirst for lifelong learning.
A Better way to Learn
“The International Baccalaureate® (IB) offers a continuum of international education. The programmes encourage both personal and academic achievement, challenging students to excel in their studies and in their personal development.”
How is an IB Education Different?
| The OLD Method Of Teaching and Learning | The NEW IB Method Of Teaching and Learning |
|---|---|
| Learning content through an isolated subject area. | Connecting concepts and skills through multiple subject areas |
| Worksheets; fill in the blank questions | Investigating, questioning, discussing and justifying |
| Rote memorization of information | Developing meaningful understanding of skills and concepts |
| Multiple choice, True or False, right or wrong questions | A variety of open-ended responses and strategies |
| Word problems or simple questions as problem solving | Solving real-life problems in which the context is relevant to the student |
| The teacher is the sole authority of providing the “right” answers | Students being encouraged to investigate, inquire, speculate and pursue ideas |
| A textbook driven curriculum | Multiple sources and resources for learning |
Lifetime Learners
“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.” (IBO 2013)
The IB Learner Profile
The IB Learner Profile represents 10 attributes valued by IB World Schools. We believe these attributes can help individuals and groups become active members of local, national and global communities.
IB learners strive to be…
IB learners strive to be…
Inquirers
We nurture our curiosity, while acquiring skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research and show independence in learning. We actively enjoy learning and sustain our love of learning throughout life.
Knowledgeable
We explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global significance. In so doing, we acquire in-depth knowledge and develop understanding across a broad and balanced range of disciplines.
Thinkers
We develop and apply critical and creative thinking skills to analyze and take responsible action on complex problems. We exercise initiative in making reasoned, ethical decisions.
Communicators
We understand and express ourselves confidently and creatively in more than one language and in many different ways. We collaborate effectively and willingly, listening and responding carefully to the perspectives of other individuals and groups.
Principled
We act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice, and with respect for the dignity and rights of people everywhere. We take responsibility for our actions and consequences.
Open-Minded
We critically appreciate our own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions of others. We seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and we are willing to grow from the experience.
Caring
We show empathy, compassion and respect. We have a commitment to service, and we act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the world around us.
Risk-Takers
We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change.
Balanced
We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change.
Reflective
We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experience. We work to understand our strengths and weaknesses in order to support our learning and personal development.
Modeling the Learner Profile for our Students
The International Baccalaureate® (IB) learner profile describes a broad range of human capacities and responsibilities that go beyond academic success.
All Prepa Tec staff are committed to modeling, and students are expected to embody, all ten International Baccalaureate (IB) Learner Profile Attributes.
| IB Learner Profile Attribute | What It Looks Like... | What It Sounds Like... |
|---|---|---|
| Inquirer | Asking questions |
“I wonder..”
“Why did…?” “How does…?” |
| Caring | Smiling, inviting,
sharing, helping |
“May I help you?”
“”Would you like to join us?” |
| Reflective | Reviewing and contemplating previous work, choices, thoughts and feelings |
“Wow, I really improved.”
“I bet it would’ve been helpful if I…” “Next time we’ll try to…” |
| Principled | Making good decisions, even when it is hard, for an individual or group |
“We need to make sure we follow the rules.”
“This is hard, but I know it’s the right choice.” |
| Thinker | Pausing to consider the results before acting or speaking |
“Perhaps this strategy
could work.” “I wonder how…” |
| Balanced | Managing time well; participating with many different people |
“I shouldn’t let one thing prevent me from…”
“By using my calendar, I can stay on top of everything.” |
| Open-Minded | Avoiding judgment; learning about others |
“I’m sure there’s a reason for…”
“I may not agree, but I can accept…” |
| Knowledgeable | Knowing the rules and reasons for them; understanding the past and the effects of it |
“I know that if I choose this, it will result in…”
“We used to do things that way because…” |
| Communicator | Talking, listening, active body language and receptive facial expressions |
“I feel that…”
“Tell me about…” |
| Risk Taker | Attempting an answer; Making new friends; trying something new |
“May I sit with you?”
“I think the reason is…” “We’re going to attempt to…” |
The IB Continuum of International Education
The International Baccalaureate® (IB) offers a continuum of international education. The programs encourage both personal and academic achievement, challenging students to excel in their studies and in their personal development.
Primary Years Programme
The PYP prepares students to become active, caring, lifelong learners who demonstrate respect for themselves and others and have the capacity to participate in the world around them. It focuses on the development of the whole child.
Age range: 3-12
(Pre-K to 5th Grade)
Academia Moderna is an Authorized IB World School
Middle Years Programme
A challenging framework that encourages students to make practical connections between their studies and the real world, the MYP is
inclusive by design; students of all interests and academic abilities can benefit from their participation.
inclusive by design; students of all interests and academic abilities can benefit from their participation.
Age range: 11-16
(6th – 10th Grade)
The MYP is currently offered at Prepa Tec Middle School. Final authorization is pending
Diploma Programme
Research suggests many benefits to choosing the DP. The programme aims to develop students who have excellent breadth and depth of knowledge – students who flourish physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically.
Age range: 16-19
(11th & 12th Grades)
Prepa Tec High School is currently developing our DP
Career-related Programme
The CP is a framework of international education addressing the needs of students engaged in career-related education. It leads to further/higher education apprenticeships or employment.
Age range: 16-19
(11th & 12th Grades)
Prepa Tec High School is developing our CP along with the DP