Frequently Asked Questions About International Baccalaureate (IB) at Gulf High School
What are the criteria for students to get into IB?
Student selection criteria includes the following:
- minimum 3.0 GPA in core academics (language arts, math,
science, social studies), for both semesters of seventh grade and the
first semester of eighth grade (no semester grade below a
“C”).
- stanines of 8 or 9 in reading and math subtests of the
FCAT, Stanford Achievement Test, or other nationally normed achievement
tests for transfer students. These test scores represent high
achievement – the top ten percent of all students nationally:
- an appropriate score on an assigned, timed 300-word writing sample, which is scored using the Florida Writes rubric;
- completion of the high school credit in Algebra 1 with an
“A” or “B” prior to being accepted into the
program.
- previous school attendance is within Pasco County Schools guidelines, i.e., not to exceed 9 days per semester.
- proper behavior has been demonstrated in previous school environments
Our research suggests that demonstrated academic abilities,
high achievement test scores, exceptional writing ability, accelerated
math performance, steady school attendance and responsible behavior are
key attributes of successful IB students around the world.
Students not meeting all the criteria may be placed on a waiting list for future consideration if vacancies arise. Back to the top.
The IB program of study will qualify students
for graduation, but the courses taken will not necessarily match all
the courses of students pursuing a regular diploma. If students exit
the IB program, they will need to take those courses which are required
for graduation in the state of Florida. This could include
participation in adult education or online courses if necessary. Back to the top.
While AP and IB programs offer students a means
of gaining college credit which attending high school, two substantive
areas of difference between the programs are in the required course
work and the examinations.
Required Courses:
International Baccalaureate courses are a package deal – students
must take college level courses in six academic areas (English, foreign
language, social studies, mathematics, science and a required
elective). Additionally, students must complete the Theory of Knowledge
requirement, a 4,000 word Extended Essay, and at least 150 hours of
Creativity, Action, and Service (CAS). These leadership and initiative
requirements make the IB program stand out for some colleges and
universities.
Advanced Placement (AP) courses are not
necessarily linked together. Rather, students may choose to take one AP
course without being required to take another. The IB Program requires
students to perform at the college level in all academic areas while
the AP Program allows students to pursue only their strengths and
course interests.
Examinations:
International Baccalaureate course credit is awarded to students based
on an intricate assessment process. IB test scores are based on at
least three sources of data: the score received on the external IB
examination which is administered in either the eleventh or twelfth
grade; written papers, oral examinations, or lab activities completed
in the high school, graded by the teacher, then submitted to the IB
Organization; and a teacher predicted grade for each student in course
work examinations.
Advanced Placement course credit is based
upon students’ performances on written examinations which are
administered by the College Board in May and scored by high school and
college teachers at Advanced Placement Readings. These take place at
various colleges and other academic locations nationwide in June of
each school year. Scores for both AP and IB exams are released to the
students in July. Back to the top.
Under current conditions, students who earn the
IB Diploma are eligible to receive the Florida Academic Scholars Award,
provided they meet Florida Department of Education criteria and
deadlines for applying. Students who complete the program of study for
the IB program, but who do not earn the IB Diploma, are eligible for
the Florida Academic Scholars Award as long as their SAT score is 1270
or their ACT is 28. These requirements are reviewed each legislative
session and are subject to change. It is evident, though, that our
lawmakers recognize the benefits of the challenging courses IB students
have taken.
Designated IB courses are weighted at 1.0
quality points, while state-designated Pre-IB courses are weighted at
.5 quality points for the purpose of calculating grade point averages
(GPA’s).
There are currently a number of universities
and colleges that offer students college credit (i.e.
“standing”) and/or stipends when they earn an IB Diploma,
or when they complete the curriculum, thus earning an IB Certificate.
Students should check directly with the colleges/universities they wish
to attend to determine their most recent policies regarding the
acceptance of the IB Diploma and course work. Back to the top.
Students will be expected to maintain
appropriate academic progress towards the IB Diploma. This includes
passing all courses and maintaining a GPA commensurate with acceptance
at the college of their choice. Student progress will be carefully
monitored by the IB program staff, and parent conferences may be
requested at any time by either parents or school staff. Back to the top.
No, only students who are enrolled in the IB program take the courses prescribed by the four-year program of study. Back to the top.
The District School Board of Pasco County is
committed to providing the best educational opportunities to all
students. Therefore, schools will continue to offer Advanced Placement/
Dual Enrollment opportunities for students. Currently there are two IB
schools to serve the students of Pasco County Schools, i.e. Gulf High
School and Land O’ Lakes High School. Students who apply and
qualify will attend Gulf High School if they are west of the Suncoast
Parkway. Those students who are east of the Suncoast Parkway would
attend Land O’ Lakes High School.
The academic requirements of the IB Program are
demanding. They require making choices about limited elective
opportunities, balancing extra-curricular activities, and the efficient
use of after school time. Students will need to develop good habits of
time management and the ability to set reasonable priorities. Back to the top.
Gulf High School will be the IB students’
high school, as they will be enrolled there as full time students.
Students will receive a high school diploma upon satisfactory
completion of the four years IB Program of study and any additional
Florida requirements for a regular diploma. If they also meet the
criteria for an IB Diploma, they will receive that diploma at a later
date. Exam results are available in mid July. Back to the top.
The IB program will be like other Learning
Communities – students will interact with the larger framework of
the school, but have close relationships among their peers. There will
be some limited opportunities to participate in appropriate elective
courses (such as band, chorus) with other students. Students can, and
will be encouraged to participate in clubs and other extracurricular
activities among the GHS offerings. Back to the top.
Yes, and IB students will be encouraged to
participate in the numerous clubs offered at GHS. The IB program
requires a greater number of Community Service hours than even the
Florida Bright Futures program; club participation may be a way that IB
students can meet those requirements. Back to the top.
The School Board will provide limited
transportation through a “shuttle service” that stops at
schools in the west coast area (Hudson H.S., Bayonet Point Middle
School, Ridgewood High School, River Ridge High School, Mitchell High
School and Paul R. Smith Middle School). Parents will be responsible
for getting students to and from the school they choose. Please refer
to the bus schedule for your particular drop off site. GHS dismisses
students at 2:00 PM and bus schedules indicate site times. Students who
exit the IB program are no longer eligible for this “shuttle
service”.
There will not be a “late” bus
to provide after school activities transportation. In any case,
students whose parents can arrange transportation will be able to
participate in extracurricular activities offered, provided they meet
the criteria expected of all other students for the extracurricular
program or events. Back to the top.
There is extensive, on-going training of
teachers in the IB curriculum provided by IB authorized sources, both
throughout the school year and in the summer. Also, many of the faculty
are trained in Advanced Placement curriculum. Back to the top.
No, however special reporting procedures are
in place through International Baccalaureate North America (IBNA) to
more clearly explain the IB course work to colleges and universities.
For more information, see the website http://www.ibo.org.
It has been the experience of other IB programs that IB students are
contacted by colleges/universities throughout the United States once
their high school program is established. In addition, students should
peruse the websites of prospective colleges and universities for
specific information and policies. Back to the top.
Qualified transfer students from other IB
programs will be entered upon their enrollment in Pasco County, if
space is available. In addition, qualified students who have not been
enrolled in Pre-IB courses, but who demonstrate mastery of our unique
course work through various assessments may also apply for admission.
A process has been developed for students
desiring to exit the program. Because the program will provide ongoing
counseling and assistance to students, the decision to exit should be
carefully considered by parents, students and staff. While student
success is the foremost consideration, parents and students need to
understand that this program will require ongoing communication and
sustained commitment from students, family and school staff to be
successful. Back to the top.
The IB admissions committee, consisting of the
IB Coordinator, representative IB teachers and counselor will review
all applicant information.
For more information, contact:
Deborah J. Lepley, Ph.D.
Assistant Principal, International Baccalaureate Program
Gulf High School
5355 School Road
New Port Richey, Florida 34652
USA
Phone: (727) 774-3300
Fax: (727) 774-3391
Email: dlepley@pasco.k12.fl.us
Website: http://www.gulfhigh.org/
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