By DENETTE WATSON
Times-Herald Newspapers
Livonia Public Schools opens its International Baccalaureate Diploma Program to out-of-district students from Wayne County for the 2013-14 school year.
The program currently has 17 seats available for students outside of the district. Five seats are open to students entering ninth grade; five seats are open to students entering 10th grade and seven seats are open to students entering 11th grade.
Students in any school district within Wayne County are eligible to apply. All candidates must meet the IBDP selection criteria. Registration is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday through June 28 at Franklin High School, 31000 Joy Road.
The IBDP is a two-year college preparatory program that offers an internationally recognized curriculum. The curriculum is similar to advanced placement courses, but the IBDP curriculum was designed to specifically address the intellectual, social, emotional and physical well being of students. Students in the program are required to take IB exams and meet certain criteria in order to receive the internationally recognized IB diploma.
Once out-of-district students are accepted into the program, they become Livonia Public Schools students. The classes are held at Franklin High School and the students remain there until they complete their senior year.
The program houses an estimated 25 to 30 seats per grade. Livonia Public Schools students are given first considerations for the program. If in-district students do not fill the seats, however, then the seats can be opened up to out-of-district students.
“Filling the seats helps make the program financially viable,” said Steve Archibald, director of Secondary Programs for the Livonia Public Schools. “Each year we will evaluate enrollment and if necessary open up seats to fill the program.”
For more information on the IBDP program and the application process, contact Franklin High School at 734-744-2655 or go to www.livoniapublicschools.org/Franklin.
Why the IB diploma program is ideal preparation for college studies
1. It offers academic breadth & depth
IB Diploma Program students are 21% more likely to be admitted into 10 of the most prestigious universities, including Harvard, Princeton, Yale and Stanford.
2. Colleges value students with meaningful experiences beyond the classroom
Creativity, action, service (CAS) encourages learning through direct experience.
3. It’s a qualification recognized by universities around the world
The IB Diploma Program is internationally benchmarked, allowing graduates to continue their studies anywhere in the world.
4. It creates independent learners & strong writers
The extended essay requires independent research through an in-depth study and a 4,000 word essay.
5. It cultivates an international mindset
An international mindset is a key 21st century learning skill. Second language learning – an IB requirement – has been linked to higher achievement in high school and college.
6. It assess more than examination techniques
IB never teaches to the test – exams are externally assessed with no grade inflation for more than 30 years.
7. IB students have proven time management skills
Research has found that IB students develop strong study habits and critical time management skills, key indicators of college readiness.
8. The IB encourages critical thinking
Inquisitiveness and interpretation are among the key cognitive properties of an IB education.
9. Subjects aren’t taught in isolation
Theory of knowledge classes encourage students to make connections between subjects and gain the skills they need to be critical thinkers.
10. And here are 10 more reasons …
The IB learner profile offers 10 qualities underpinning the Diploma Program – from open-minded to risk-taker to balanced; they form a framework for an international education that meets the needs of a changing world.