With world getting smaller, IB gets bigger

http://www.edweek.org/ew/index.html

In the U.S. educators are starting to realize our students are behind in academic readiness for a global future. Proof of this recognition lies in the growth of the International Baccalaureate Program in U.S. schools. Heightened concern about preparing students for a global economy has created a fast growing trend of incorporating the academically demanding IB program. South St. Paul is one of such school districts, one administrator of curriculum and instruction said “We’re going confidently out on a limb,". As to why a small community best known for its long-gone meat-packing plants would choose to put itself in the vanguard of education reform, district officials say the driving force was pretty cut and dried: the need to prepare students to compete for 21st-century jobs. They believe that the Geneva, Switzerland-based International Baccalaureate Organization’s academic programs offer just what American students need in today’s more globally competitive environment. After President Bush promoted the program 225 American schools this year have become involved bringing the U.S. total to over 800. Personally, I believe it is the responsibility of educators to raise awareness of just how behind American students are on a global scale. IB is a step in the right direction for our schools and students.