SCHOOL PURSUES CANDIDACY WITH IB

On December 4, 2018 Dr. Salerno announced to the teachers of Monte Vista that the board of directors has recommended the school to pursue candidacy with IB —an international education system. In May, the administration began discussing the implementation of this new academic program. Parents and teachers have expressed excitement for the future of IB, while most students lack knowledge of the program.

The board’s decision to pursue candidacy was in response to a report drafted by a committee of teachers and administrators about possibly adopting IB into the curriculum. After receiving the report, the board of directors then requested the addition of the program. The school has submitted a candidacy application to IB see if the school will be authorized.

While touring an IB school in San Jose, teachers and administrators were able to observe how the program works in a classroom setting. This trip excited teachers and served as a gauge to determine whether the IB Program is a good fit for the school. Miss Lindner, the AP U.S History teacher at Monte Vista, said “students there loved the flexibility of IB projects because it allows them focus on areas they care about.”

Mr. Huerta, who teaches Spanish at Monte Vista, said “there needs to be a big investment in teacher training and changes to the school curriculum” for IB to work. He looks forward to the challenge of growing professionally and for the future of the school.

A recent survey was sent out by the Vista to sixth grade classes, asking the students about their understanding and excitement for the possibility of implementing IB. The majority of students surveyed responded that they had no idea what the International Baccalaureate was. However, half of those students said they were excited regardless. One student commented “I have no idea what this is I hope it’s not hard.”

The administration has also held Q&A sessions for parents of middle school students to learn more about the future of Monte Vista’s curriculum. According to Dr. Salerno, there has been a mostly positive response from parents.