IBNA Annual Regional Conference Bahamas, 2006

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IBNA Annual Regional Conference Bahamas, 2006

• DEFINING
• ACCESS

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In an effort to address this goal there was a
recognition that definitions of access would be
as varied as our IB family ..

• Providing buildings and transport
• Providing resources and supplies
• Providing equitable opportunities to all students
  
  
• Closing the achievement gap
• Affordability
• Opening doors to previously excluded students
• Providing variety in programming structures and
  reviewing current views on who to serve
  

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In order to build common understanding for the
region.

• and to
• provide direction for broadening access
• inform policy decisions
• give meaning to the strategic goals

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PROCESS
22 IB constituents from IBNA rosters Heads Of
School, Coordinators from PYP, MYP, DP from
US, CAN,
Caribbean
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The IBNA Statement on Access

• The continuum of IB programs is designed to
  prepare and motivate students to reach their
  potential and become active lifelong learners,
  critical thinkers, and global citizens. IB
  strongly encourages schools, districts and
  practitioners in their efforts to offer all
  students the opportunity to succeed in a coherent
  K-12 continuum of IB programs that is reflective
  of each schools population.

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Respondent observations during the definition
process ..

• A definition on access is needed
• Access is twofold a.including those previously
  left out for varied reasons b. no access because
  of affordability or dont know about the program
  
• The prime factor for student success in the IB
  programs is motivation
  
• Broadening access will signify a need for more
  training, support for students, communication,
  promotion and informing about all the programs.
  
• Students are frequently sorted and sifted for
  program entry and changing this will take time.
  
• IB program value is not only in the intellectual
  growth of students, but also in the sense of
  community and humanity they gain.
  
• The K-12 continuum is one of the greatest
  features of the IB
  
• All students deserve to have the IB experience.

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I
The respondents agreed that. Implementing thi
s definition will require Research and sharin
g models of success Discussion and forums on imp
lementation Understanding, promoting and support
ing the three programs. Balancing rigor and acce
ss
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Implications

• Adequate preparation through participation in the
  full continuum of IB programmes leading to the
  Diploma Programme
  
• Equal opportunity to learn by offering all
  students an opportunity to succeed in IB
  programmes
  
• Diversity that reflects the overall school
  population
  

• The access
• statement
• draws
• attention to the
• following
• important
• concepts

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A brief discussion and feedback

• Using the sheet provided, turn and talk to 3 or
  4 of your proximate colleagues. Share the
  following questions and briefly record your
  points. Be prepared to share one answer to each
  question with the larger group.

• What our school/district(s) are currently doing
  to support this philosophy?
  
• What our school/district(s) will need to do
  differently in order to support this philosophy?
  

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• For more information, please contact
• Ms. Beth Brock
• Head of Research, Development and Communications
  
  
• IB North America
• 212.696.4464 or
• beth.brock_at_ibo.org.