Hillsborough County Public Schools Curriculum and Instruction
Information Item

DATE: Tuesday, August 19, 2008
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

Recognition of Robinson High School as an International Baccalaureate World School.(Curriculum and Instruction)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Robinson High School has successfully completed the application process to the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) to become an IBO world school and is officially authorized to offer the Diploma Programme. They join two current high schools in our district, Hillsborough and King, to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is a challenging high school curriculum for students who seek a qualification that is widely recognized by the world’s leading universities. The Diploma Programme not only prepares students through a rigorous curriculum, but also teaches students to be lifelong learners by asking challenging questions, learning how to learn, developing a strong sense of their own identity and culture, and developing the ability to communicate with and understand people from other countries and cultures. IB students are held to the highest standards of assessment through both internal and external examinations controlled through the International Baccalaureate Organization housed in Geneva, Switzerland.

ANNUAL DISTRICT GOAL(S) AND CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S)

All annual district goals and critical success factors.

FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: Yes)

The cost of the application and implementation process for IBDP was approximately $30,000 a year which included application fees, annual fees, resources and staff development for teachers, and travel expenses for IBO consultants. Ongoing cost will be approximately $18,000 each year and includes staff development and website resources for the implementation of the program, and updated reading materials in other languages. A portion of these funds will come back to the district when students are granted an IB diploma upon graduation.

EVALUATION

N/A

SUBMITTED BY:

Susan King
Supervisor, Magnet Schools
(813) 272-4811
Wynne A. Tye
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction
(813) 272-4221
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Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20080819_298 * Section C Item# 4