Dear Educator:

  The Mid-Atlantic Regional Coalition (MARC) of International Baccalaureate World Schools cordially invites you and your colleagues to join us on October 20, 2007, in Reston, Virginia, for an orientation session aimed at acquainting you with what we believe to be an exceptional opportunity for students around the world. Experienced IB practitioners will share with you the philosophy, practical applications, and clear benefits of the three IB programs for students in grades K through 12.  The Diploma Program (DP), the Middle Years Program (MYP), and the Primary Years Program (PYP) are all designed, for their respective age groups, to meet the goals of the International Baccalaureate Organization as identified in its mission statement:

  The International Baccalaureate Organization aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through international understanding and respect.

  To this end, the IBO works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment.

  These programmes encourage students across the world to become compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.

  Starting in the mid-1960's as a rigorous academic curriculum designed as a passport to universities for expatriate secondary students in mostly international schools, the IB has been embraced by more than 1700 public and independent "IB World Schools" in 117 countries.  The Primary and Middle Years Programs can be offered to all students in the schools which adopt them.  The Diploma Program is often selected by college-preparatory students, its six-subject Diploma being accessible to anyone wishing to strengthen their math and language skills and possessing the motivation to work seriously and to manage time carefully.

  In cooperation with the International Baccalaureate North America (IBNA) offices in New York and Vancouver, our MARC organization is sponsoring this informational workshop to any and all schools wishing to explore the possibilities of joining the IB family.  We find that those schools which have developed a faculty and administration team spirit from the very beginning are best prepared to begin and ultimately succeed as IB World Schools.  Each program is a challenging and rewarding experience, requiring cooperation and a sense of ownership by the entire academic community.  We hope that you will be able to join us in Reston this coming October to learn more about this marvelous global educational experience – we very much look forward to sharing our IB experiences with you!

 

  Sincerely,

Linda Hutchinson, President
John Day, Workshop Coordinator

Mid-Atlantic Regional Coalition of IB World Schools