Sharon Kennedy, the middle school administrator, wrote in her recent Bonanza article the AVID (Achievement Via Individual Determination) program will be extended from the high school to the middle school starting in January. 
http://www.tahoebonanza.com/article/20111212/OPINION/111219990&parentprofile=search
Mrs. Kennedy points out that AVID is a program to “address the needs of many average students, second language learners, and children whose parents had never attended college.”  Kathleen Watty, the elementary school principal, recently wrote a Bonanza article titled Incline elementary students benefit from part-time Spanish teacher. 
http://www.tahoebonanza.com/article/20120111/NEWS/120119991&parentprofile=search
While both AVID and Spanish sound good, neither is in the top two programs parents said was highly important in Washoe County School District’s (WCSD) survey given to Incline Village parents at the beginning of 2011.  In this survey the programs that were highly important to most parents were: Advanced Placement (79%) at the high school level, and science (71%) K-8.  

http://myinclinevillage.com/2011/03/28/survey-results.aspx
 

The number of Advanced Placement (AP) classes at our high school went from 16 when John Clark was the principal to 12 this year.  Our middle school only has one honors class left, with no plans to add more.  The district has cut back on gifted classes at Incline Middle School, and will likely cut back on gifted classes at the elementary school next year.  We have not had a full-time science teacher at the elementary school for about seven years.  As an educator with four school-age children I’ve noticed, over the last nine years, Incline schools are doing less to meet the needs of high-achieving students.  

 

If our schools are going to move from good to great, we need to do a better job of meeting the needs of our advanced students, and at the same time raise the bar for all students.  Students will rise to the level of expectations.  If we do not prepare more of our students to succeed in AP classes, we will lose more AP classes.  In response, families with high-achieving, college-bound students will likely leave Incline High School (IHS).

 

Clayton Middle School in Reno recently implemented SpringBoard, the official pre-AP program from the College Board.  On 12/6/11 the Reno Gazette Journal published an article about Clayton titled, Clayton’s philosophy: It’s never too early to think about college.  A Clayton school administrator said: “Our culture has changed at Clayton.”  The article states: “College banners hang in each classroom and college logos are painted on school walls.”
The article can be found here,
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Incline-Schools-moving-from-Good-to-Great/250263725032758?sk=wall&filter=2 

 

Raising the bar and changing the culture at Incline Middle School would be a step in the right direction.  SpringBoard can be used in English language arts and/or math, it is not very expensive and there is research to show it will prepare students to succeed in AP classes.  Since most of our graduates are college bound, but only about half take an AP (college level) class prior to graduation, SpringBoard would be a perfect fit for Incline.  In 2011, 85% of IHS graduates were college bound.  In 2010 83% were college bound. 

 

Instead of a subject-specific academy the district is discussing for Incline, http://www.washoe.k12.nv.us/staff/high-school-signature-academy, I suggest IHS become Incline Village College Preparatory Academy.  In addition we should:  (1) continue with current successful programs; (2) align the curriculum and raise the bar K-8; (3) bring a full-time science teacher back to the elementary school; (4) bring the SpringBoard program and change the culture in our middle school; (5) make sure all our college-bound students succeed in at least one AP class prior to graduation.  

 

Unlike a subject-specific academy, my plan will meet the needs of all our students and move our schools from good to great in a way we can all support.  To learn more, and add your thoughts, please visit the new Facebook page:  “Incline Schools moving from good to great.”
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Incline-Schools-moving-from-Good-to-Great/250263725032758?sk=wall&filter=1

 

John Eppolito

Former K-12 teacher

Incline resident

I taught K-12 for six years and have four children who would have been forced into IB so I spent a year and a half studying the programme. 

An International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma from Wooster (or any school) is a great accomplishment, but at what cost?
 
The problem with Washoe County School District (WCSD) and many other districts is that they do not share all aspects of IB.  Most districts use the International Baccalaureate's (IB's) excellent marketing materials and do a very good job presenting the positive aspects of IB.  Here is the IB information for Wooster High School, updated 8/26/11, on WCSD's website.
http://www.washoe.k12.nv.us/wooster/academics/images/ib/IB_brochure_2010-2011.pdf

This article will focus on the aspects of IB WCSD, and most districts, do not disclose.  

1) IB will increase college costs for most graduates compared to their fellow AP students because AP is much more accepted for college credit than IB.  Most colleges that do give credit for IB only give credit for the IB HL classes (2 year courses). 
http://www.collegeconfidential.com/dean/archives/ap-vs-ib.htm
UNR is similar to most colleges,
http://www.unr.edu/admissions/admissions-resources/ap-ip-tests

Washington Post reporter Jay Mathews is the nation’s number one IB proponent, co-author of Supertest: How IB Can Strengthen Our Schools, admits colleges give more credit for AP than IB,
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/class-struggle/2010/02/u-va_discriminates_against_sma.html

Colleges most likely give more credit for AP classes because by definition they are college level classes.
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/about.html
On the other hand, per the IB's website: "The IB programme fosters the knowledge, skills and attitudes that enable students to excel in university."
http://www.ibo.org/recognition/
Compared to AP, IB is a downgrade.

In this six minute video the vice principal from Reno High (WCSD) compares AP to IB.  
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBP3Yx-kDAI

                            AP vs. IB Reno High Spring 2011


The vice principal states: "Very very clearly AP offers more college credit than IB.  Universities by in large will give far more credit for passed AP courses than they will for IB courses.  We did a little research and we can tell you that over 200 universities actively prefer the AP program over IB vs. only four universities that prefer IB over AP."  Then the 200 universities that prefer AP are displayed.

Note - Because of pressure from Wooster IB (Reno, NV) graduates after 8 months the video was removed from Reno High's website.  Starting at 26 minutes (for three minutes) I address the board and ask them why they are allowing a few Wooster IB graduates to hide critical information from all other families in WCSD?  The board does not respond.  This is typical of school boards around the country, all facts less than flattering to IB are hidden from families.

• What makes evidence good enough to justify belief?
• What justifies the name of art?
• Do we act ethically out of social duty, religious belief, universal principle or self interest?
• When can it be right to disobey the law?
• Can suicide bombers be right?"

If these are not the kind of questions you want your high school student spending classroom time answering you should avoid IB.

Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, the 2009 Christmas day underwear bomber was an IB student. 
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/bomber-warns-there-are-more-like-me-in-yemen-1852092.html 
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/flight-253-terrorist-umar-farouk-abdulmutallab-led-life-luxury-london-attempted-attack-article-1.435809
 
3) When attempting to "sell" IB most districts distort the educational benefits of the programme but; IB itself does NOT claim IB will improve student performance.  The research (including one dissertation) shows IB will NOT improve student performance. 
http://myinclinevillage.com/2011/03/01/ib-does-not-improve-student-performance.aspx

4) IB's pedagogical method is one of constructivism and inquiry based learning.  As an educator I believe this type of learning has merit in many settings.  The problem with IB is they use these methods on our youngest children to teach "personal and social education" to develop attitudes" and get our children to "take action."  This is non-academic manipulation of our children by IB/UN (see 8 below) under the guise of developing "critical thinkers" and "world citizens."
http://www.ibo.org/pyp/curriculum/index.cfm 

Here are several studies that show how direct instruction is superior to the inquiry based learning IB uses.
The Harvard Study,
http://educationnext.org/harvard-study-shows-that-lecture-style-presentations-lead-to-higher-student-achievement/
Another study: http://www.cogtech.usc.edu/publications/kirschner_Sweller_Clark.pdf
Another study: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090326114415.htm
Another one: http://educationnext.org/eighth-grade-students-learn-more-through-direct-instruction/
Another one: http://www.jefflindsay.com/EducData.shtml

5) IB is extremely expensive,
http://myinclinevillage.com/2011/02/06/ib-cost.aspx

In 2004 when the IB fees were lower and there were far fewer IB schools in the US than today the Washington Times reported, "US schools spend an estimated $85 to $100 million a year on IB.  Fairfax County schools alone spend $1.8 million a year."
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2004/jan/17/20040117-112841-6750r/?page=all  

6) The reasons most schools state for dropping IB are: 1) Cost, 2) Lack of student improvement with IB, 3) Less flexible than AP, 4) Lack of participation in IB classes, 5) Lack of college credit for IB.
http://myinclinevillage.com/2011/03/09/at-least-22-schools-announce-they-will-drop-ib.aspx

7) Here is how one Christian school compares IB to a Christian education,
http://www.theambroseschool.org/documents/parent-insights-documents/a-perspective-on-the-international-baccalaureate/

People object to IB on religious grounds.
http://www.wpaag.org/International%20Bbaccalaureate%20Program%201.htm
http://www.gtbe.org/news/index.php/1/22/186.html

8) IB is a non-governmental organization (NGO) of United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) the United Nations (UN). 
http://www.ibo.org/partnerships/governments/

IB and UNESCO work out of the same building in Switzerland (toward the bottom of the page):  http://www.truthaboutib.com/breakingnewsopinions.html

IB history and articles from IB's and UNESCO's website showing the IB/UN connection.
http://myinclinevillage.com/2010/07/16/even-jay-matthews-admits-colleges-give-more-credit-for-ap.aspx

Here is a link to more articles and a video on the IB/UNESCO/global governance connection,
http://myinclinevillage.com/2010/09/01/is-ib-mission-to-promote-global-governance.aspx

IB does not go out of their way to say IB is an NGO of UNESCO; in fact, some IB proponents will attempt to deny this fact. 

Here is an eight minute video of a PowerPoint presentation by Duncan Koler Esq., titled, IB Connecting the Dots (International Baccalaureate and UNESCO educational objectives)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MMglKMoF7w&feature=player_embedded

Here is an article where Chair of UNESCO's executive board, Mr. Olabiyi Babalola Joseph Yi, said: "UNESCO's role is to think global governance.  That is why the Organization was founded."
http://www.infowars.com/unesco-chair-admits-organization-was-founded-to-push-global-governance/

On 9/16/11 the New Your Daily News reported.  The Sultanate of Oman gave the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon $10,000,000 to refurbish one of the original IB schools in the United States.
http://www.ibo.org/school/000012/



On 10/31/11 Jay Mathews published a very abbreviated version of this article where he defends UNESCO, he states: "Eppolito thinks IB association with the UN is some kind of taint."  For the record, the "taint" is the fact that IB attempts to hide the association with UNESCO.  I've spoke to teachers who have gone through IB training that did not know IB is a UNESCO sponsored programme.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/class-struggle/post/ib-critic-versus-me/2011/10/11/gIQAC7xjZM_blog.html
 
On 10/31/11: "The U.S. government announced that it has halted making financial contributions to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) after the latter admitted the Palestinian national Authority (PNA) as a full member."
http://news.investors.com/Newsfeed/Article/137626679/201110311347/1st-LD-US-halts-financial-contributions-to-UNESCO-over-admission-of-Palestine.aspx

On 11/1/11 "Foreign Affairs Minister of Canada, John Baird said Tuesday the decision is not in the best interests of peace in the Middle East so Canada is freezing all future voluntary contributions to the UNESCO."
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D9QO5D6O1&show_article=1

9) At the elementary level (PYP) IB is required school wide.  PYP will not improve student performance (#4 above) and,
http://www.grandcanyonnews.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=9167

Per the IB the goal of IB is to "develop attitudes," and get the students to "take action."  
http://www.ibo.org/pyp/curriculum/index.cfm

Here is a catchy PYP IB video that is a good example of getting all student to think the same, "develop attitudes" and getting them to "take action" (two signs).  How much time was taken away from teaching real subjects to make this video?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHAEzheJk2Q&feature=player_embedded
 
Unless you want your elementary child in a UN sponsored programme that will develop attitudes and get them to take action, but will not improve student performance, it is best to avoid a PYP school. 

Since IB and most districts do not tell parents IB is an NGO of UNESCO, many parents whose children are in IB do not know this fact.  One mother had her daughter in IB for nine years and didn't know IB is a UN sponsored programme.  When she discovered this fact, everything she had been going through for nine years finally made sense.  Here are her comments,
http://myinclinevillage.com/2010/11/20/one-florida-mother-who-had-her-daughter-in-ib-for-years---talks-about-programme.aspx

10) With IB schools give up some local control.  When a school buys any IB programme they acknowledge: a) the rules for IB are governed by Swiss Law.  b) Arbitration of any dispute (usually when a student does not get the IB Diploma) shall be handled in Geneva, Switzerland. 

Articles 13 and 14 DP
http://www.ibo.org/documentlibrary/rules_ibworldschools/documents/DP_rules_en.pdf
"Governing law - Swiss law governs these Rules for IB World Schools: Diploma Programme and all other documents relating to authorization to teach the Diploma Programme.
Arbitration of disputes -
Any dispute arising from or in connection with these Rules for IB World Schools: Diploma Programme or any other document relating to the authorization to teach the Diploma Programme shall be finally settled by one arbitrator in accordance with the Swiss Rules of International Arbitration of the Swiss Chambers of Commerce. The seat of the arbitration shall be Geneva, Switzerland."
Articles 12 and 13 MYP
http://www.ibo.org/documentlibrary/rules_ibworldschools/documents/myprules.pdf
Articles 12 and 13 PYP
http://www.ibo.org/documentlibrary/rules_ibworldschools/documents/pyprules.PDF

11) AP may be best for gifted students, especially if they hope to earn as much college credit for their high school classes.  According to Pedro Martinez, Deputy Superintendent of Clark County School District (Las Vegas), and IB proponent, “in my old district, Chicago gifted students usually take the AP classes.” 
According to Duke University, "AP for Gifted students is still a good choice."
http://www.tip.duke.edu/node/895 

12) Per IB rules when IB/AP classes are combined as they are at Wooster and most smaller high schools teaching both, the IB course material must take priority.  Students then take both the IB and AP exam. 

It is common for districts to boast about how well IB schools do on Jay Mathew's Americas Best Highs Schools list.  WCSD is no exception.  What most schools including Wooster does not disclose is how the list is determined.  The list ONLY considers the number of advanced exams students take NOT how many are passed.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dan-brown/newsweeks-top-high-school_b_213159.html 

13) For the IB Diploma over the course of two years, students must meet all requirements in the link below and take: 3 SL (standard level) classes, 3 HL (higher level) two year classes, the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) class, write the extended essay, and complete 150 hours of community service.  Article 15 of this IB document states the minimum test scores and all the other requirements to obtain the IB Diploma.   
http://www.ibo.org/become/guidance/documents/DP_regs_en.pdf  

14) What is most concerning about IB is the deceitful way IB is implemented over and over again throughout the United States, and the impact it has on communities.  Frequently superintendents and school boards vote, behind closed doors, to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars and totally change a school and implement IB with little or no input from teachers, parents, or the community.
http://ccheadliner.com/opinion/letter-the-ib-program-revealed/article_57953928-7b7c-11e0-b44b-001cc4c002e0.html

Districts do not answer the serious IB questions or acknowledge the political and religious concerns with IB.  Anyone who opposes IB or asks difficult questions becomes a target of the district and the IB supporters.
http://www.tahoebonanza.com/article/20100519/NEWS/100519895&parentprofile=search
http://www.cdapress.com/news/local_news/article_c54a7702-8069-5c61-bf3c-e00e46fb0a94.html

Here is the quintessential example of what IB does to communities.  Stow-Monroe Falls, Ohio has a battle raging over IB implementation.  Three of the five board members were changed, mostly due to IB and a vote recount has been ordered.  Here is a snapshot of their IB facebook page on 12/3/11.
http://myinclinevillage.com/2011/07/29/what-ib-does-to-communities.aspx

Districts do not allow an open and honest IB discussion.  Here is the IB document on how to squelch the opposition,
http://www.ibo.org/ibna/actionkits/documents/MediaOpp.pdf

Sometimes teachers are threatened with transfers, and parents who oppose IB or have questions are afraid to speak up.   
http://www.tahoebonanza.com/article/20100111/NEWS/100109945&parentprofile=search
Towards bottom of page:
Echo Hills Staff Bulletin
Week of May 30, 2011-June 6, 2011
Paragraph 1 Reflection
http://www.truthaboutib.com/usschooldisputes/stowmunroefallsohio.html

MONEY SHOULD NOT BE SPENT ON AN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM THAT USE THESE TACTICS.

IB targets low performing schools where there is typically less parent involvement, therefore less IB opposition and controversy.  The current trend of the IB is to push IB at the elementary level, where the educational value of the programme is minimal, but it becomes easier to “develop attitudes” and get them to “take action,”  item 10 above.

 

If the community begins to learn the 13 points above, people will oppose IB.  Once that happens people take sides and the community becomes divided.  It has happened at numerous communities around the country.

http://www.truthaboutib.com/usschooldisputes.html

Here's rare example of a school board in Greenwich, CT that questioned the superintendent about IB.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDE17JDnASg

A couple months after this video was shot, the superintendent resigned, a few months later the new superintendent said the IB programme would not be expanded,
http://www.greenwichtime.com/default/article/Board-puts-Greenwich-High-IB-expansion-on-hold-2206679.php

Once in place IB can be very difficult to remove,
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/opinion/columnists/steigerwald/s_434358.html

In my community IB ended friendships.

IB is not a good fit for most schools, but obtaining the IB Diploma is a major accomplishment for students. 

After hundreds (probably thousands) of hours of research on IB, I think the programme is best for average and above high school students who are willing to work very hard, who's parents support the ideology, and who know in advance the amount of college credit they can expect with IB. 

Tax dollars are being wasted on an expensive programme that: focuses on an ideology many consider controversial, forces that ideology on ALL elementary children, utilizes a substandard method for providing instruction, and offers less opportunity for college credit.  Once districts decide IB will be implemented they do everything possible not allow an open and honest IB discussion.  What is most troubling about IB is the way it is implemented; anyone with difficult questions or objections to IB becomes a target of the superintendent, school board, and the IB supporters.  Any educational programme that can't be openly and honestly discussed is not worth spending money on.  It is ironic that when people question IB and exhibit most traits of the IB Learner Profile, http://www.ibo.org/programmes/profile/documents/Learnerprofileguide.pdf, they become targets of the IB supporters.  Families should consider these facts before enrolling in any IB programme.

John Eppolito
john@Jtahoe.com
Former K-12 teacher
www.MyInclineVillage.com
Father of four children grades 1-8
All Rights Reserved ©

...Documented on the IB Only Stow Monroe Falls City School District facebook page 12/3/11 7:00 am,
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/groups/131485120282849/

Here is the video from the Reno High School Vice Principal that Superintendent Heath Morrison and the Washoe County School District (WCSD) Board of Trustees have censored.  The video was posted on Reno High’s website from 2/11 through 10/11.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBP3Yx-kDAI

The vice principal states: "Very very clearly AP offers more college credit than IB.  Universities by in large will give far more credit for passed AP courses than they will for IB courses.  We did a little research and we can tell you that over 200 universities actively prefer the AP program over IB vs. only four universities that prefer IB over AP." 

After eight months the video was removed from Reno High’s website, Mr. Morrison told me it was because of pressure from Wooster IB graduates.  On 10/20/11 the district asked me to remove it from,
www.MyInclineVillage.com.

 

* On 11/22/11 starting at the 26 minute mark I asked Superintendent Morrison and the school board, “Why are you allowing Wooster IB graduates to hide critical information from all other families in WCSD?”

http://207.197.113.230/11-22-2011-RB_DSL

I also submitted a Public Information Request asking for a cost breakdown of how Wooster spends $1,000,000 (page 7 of 11) per year on IB.  

http://www.truthaboutib.com/images/Wooster.pdf

Through 1/10/12 it has not been provided.

On several occasions I have asked the superintendent and school board to provide all information about IB in this 14 point article to families before they enroll in the programme. 

http://myinclinevillage.com/2011/07/31/what-all-parents--students-should-know-before-enrolling-in-ib.aspx

Point 8 - IB is a UNESCO (UN) sponsored programme -has been getting a lot of negative publicity in many areas of the United States.

www.TruthAboutIB.com

  

In my opinion, to justify the cost of the IB WCSD must continue funneling top performing students into the programme and the less than flattering aspects of IB contained in the video and article may deter families from enrolling in IB. 

WCSD spends over $500,000 on a communications department.  http://www.truthaboutib.com/images/2011-12-22_Response_to_FOIA_Request-Communications_2_.pdf

They make sure the critical information contained in the article does not reach all WCSD parents.  

Instead of communicating with parents, the communications department is doing an excellent job at making our superintendent look good.

http://www.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2012201090327

I have provided all the information below to the Reno media.

1)      Superintendent Morrison and the school board have censored information critical to all WCSD families. (* above) 

2)      Superintendent Morrison divided the Incline community like nothing ever has with his attempt to force IB on all Incline students.
http://www.tahoebonanza.com/article/20110103/NEWS/101239987/1061&ParentProfile=1050

3)      Superintendent Morrison and WCSD made a “bad loan” to a group of Incline residents then attempted to change the facts about the loan,
http://myinclinevillage.com/2011/03/21/incline-residents-owe-wcsd-65000---70000.aspx

4)      Our former Deputy Superintendent, Pedro Martinez was brought to WCSD in 2009 by Superintendent Morrison.
http://www.tahoebonanza.com/article/20091026/NEWS/910269998&parentprofile=search

In 2008 (Pedro) was Chief Financial Office in Chicago Public Schools as they faced a $340,000,000 deficit.
http://news.medill.northwestern.edu/chicago/news.aspx?id=78343

5)      Since Pedro could not sign his own evaluations, “Superintendent Heath Morrison was signing evaluations for Martinez.”  I’m surprised this is legal.
http://www.tahoebonanza.com/article/20110425/NEWS/110429956&parentprofile=search

6)      When Pedro abruptly left our district in the middle of the school year for Las Vegas they questioned his qualifications to be deputy superintendent but they hired him anyway.
http://www.lvrj.com/news/school-board-oks-hire-despite-questions-over-experience-120933179.html#comments

I acknowledge Mr. Morrison may have made some improvements to Reno schools, but does that outweigh everything above?  Would Morrison have been nominated Nevada’s superintendent of the year and been in the running for national superintendent of the year if the Reno media was doing their job?

http://www.rgj.com/article/20120103/NEWS02/120103051/Washoe-Schools-Heath-Morrison-selected-finalist-national-superintendent-year?odyssey=obinsite

Now in January 2012 WCSD has converted some Reno high schools into signature academies which, “will focus on specific programs.” 

http://www.washoe.k12.nv.us/staff/high-school-signature-academy

Signature academies are probably a good idea in Reno because all WCSD students can apply to any signature academy.

 

Discussions have started for converting Incline High School into an Environmental Studies or Hospitality Signature Academy.  Because of our location any subject-specific academy for IHS is problematic.  To date I have not found one Incline parent who supports the academy idea.  My concern is that with Morrison’s new fame, and the fact that the Reno media will not present “the other side,” Morrison will be successful forcing a subject specific program academy on Incline even though the idea has is a bad idea for our high school and does not have much support.

I am a former K-12 educator; I have four school aged children, and have been intimately involved with Incline schools for nine years.  Most Incline residents agree, our high school is our best school.  Incline schools need improvement K-8.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Incline-Schools-moving-from-Good-to-Great/250263725032758 

_____________________________________________________________________________________

1/12/12

The show went pretty well up until the very end.  Panama wanted me to focus on one aspect of IB, the same aspect that always becomes the focus once it comes up - the IB/UN connection. 

My biggest problem with IB is NOT the UN connection, but I recognize that is the main issue for many people.      

One of the issues I have with IB is they are not honest and forthright about IB.  In other words they don't say, "we are an NGO of UNESCO, we work out of the same building in Switzerland, and we the main way UNESCO's pushes their agenda in United States schools.  IB is not nearly as accepted by college and universities as AP.  In well established IB areas where students have a choice gifted students usually take AP classes.  For students who want to obtain college credit while still in high school AP is a better choice."

Most school districts including WCSD spend a lot of taxpayer money on IB and do not inform taxpayers and parents all aspects of the programme,
http://myinclinevillage.com/2011/07/31/what-all-parents--students-should-know-before-enrolling-in-ib.aspx

Note - John was on Panama's show 1/11/12, John didn't want this post at the top of this page so he had to use a post date of 7/20/11
 

IB has divided many communities including our small town in Lake Tahoe,
http://www.truthaboutib.com/usschooldisputes.html 
Here is what happened in Upper St. Claire, PA.
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/opinion/columnists/steigerwald/s_434358.html

I have four children who would have been forced into IB so I spent over a year researching the programme.  Most of what I discovered is posted at www.MyInclineVillage.com.

1)  IB will not improve student performance,
Summary - http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-04172006-173212/
Entire dissertation - http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-04172006-173212/unrestricted/DissertationDeborahRJackson.pdf
http://blog.ednewscolorado.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/IB-Plan.pdf
http://www.ibo.org/research/programmevalidation/documents/TXSum.pdf

2)  Over 20 schools drop IB in about a year the most stated reasons for dropping IB are:        
Cost
Lack of student improvement with IB
Less flexible than AP
Lack of participation in IB classes
Lack of college credit for IB

Here is a link to the 20+ schools that dropped IB in about a year,
http://myinclinevillage.com/2011/05/10/how-to-stop-or-remove-ib-from-your-school.aspx

St. Helena CA, just under 1,500 students, is very interesting.  The school board voted unanimously to implement IB.  At least $1,000,000 was spent.  After having IB for less than two years the high school students fought to remove it, stating four of the reasons above.  Three years after the board voted to implement IB they realized the students were right, so they voted unanimously to drop IB.
http://napavalleyregister.com/star/news/local/article_8b306270-4ae5-11e0-b742-001cc4c03286.html
http://napavalleyregister.com/star/news/local/article_93d3c612-5042-11e0-a7c4-001cc4c002e0.html

3)  After all the money spent to implement IB your high school graduates will get less college credit for IB than for AP.  The IB HL classes are two year classes.  Of the colleges that do give credit for IB, most only give credit for HL classes.
http://www.collegeconfidential.com/dean/archives/ap-vs-ib.htm
http://www.princeton.k12.oh.us/HighSchool.cfm?subpage=416

    Reno High vice principal compares AP to IB

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBP3Yx-kDAI

The vice principal states: "Very very clearly AP offers more college credit than IB.  Universities by in large will give far more credit for passed AP courses than they will for IB courses.  We did a little research and we can tell you that over 200 universities actively prefer the AP program over IB vs. only four universities that prefer IB over AP."  Then the 200 universities that prefer AP are displayed. 

The IBO website use to say IB was “college prep.”  It was recently changed to, “The (IB) Diploma Programme fosters the knowledge, skills and attitudes that enable students to excel in university.”  http://www.ibo.org/recognition/
AP classes are college level classes,
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/about.html

When schools attempt to combine IB and AP in one class, per the IBO, the IB curriculum must take priority.

What high schools (especially small schools) discover - after spending a lot of money to implement IB they inadvertently increase college costs for most of their graduates.
 
4)  The fact that IB is a UN sponsored programme is an issue for some parents,
http://myinclinevillage.com/2010/07/16/even-jay-matthews-admits-colleges-give-more-credit-for-ap.aspx
 
5)  If students are being forced into IB and parents have religious objections (and possibly political objections) to the  programme, your District could be at risk for a law suit.
http://www.aclj.org/Issues/Resources/Document.aspx?ID=15

6) Once implemented, IB can be very difficult to remove.  Here is one of the law suits filed because of IB.  In this suit the school board voted to remove IB, the ACLU got involved and forced the district to continue to offer IB. 
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/cityregion/s_447148.html

There are many other issues with IB some of them can be found at,
www.MyInclineVillage.com

CONGRATULATIONS TAYLOR!
http://www.inclineschools.org/index.php/schools/36-high-school-news/1671-profile-of-ihs-senior-taylor-smith

Thanks to ibiv and the push to implement IB, it prompted some of us to research IB and other options.  We discovered and posted on 5/20/10 that IHS currently has all the classes in place to offer the APID.  
http://myinclinevillage.com/2010/05/20/fact-sheet.aspx

The AP classes will save our graduates untold amounts of money.  According to Crux Research "more than 90% of colleges and universities in the US accept AP exam grades for credit and/or advanced placement."  While, "the percentage of U.S universities recognizing IB is less than 50%."  In addition - unlike IB and the IB diploma, students are not penalized by colleges for not getting the APID.     

Unlike IB, by maintaining AP we do not compromise other current successful programs in Incline schools.  Even though Incline currently has a larger percentage of students taking AP than any other high school in the District we should focus on preparing even more students to be successful with AP (college level) courses.  The SpringBoard program from the College Board is designed to do just that; it was recently started at a middle school in Reno.
http://springboardprogram.collegeboard.org/

NOW IS THE TIME TO COME TOGETHER AND IMPROVE OUR SCHOOLS - ESPECIALLY K-8. 

Focus on the five reasons most often stated by schools for dropping IB.
    1) Cost
    2) Lack of student improvement with IB
    3) Less flexible than AP
    4) Lack of participation in IB classes
    5) Lack of college credit for IB

At least 20 schools drop IB in about a year.  All of them name from one to all five of these reasons for dropping IB.  Even though some people do not like the fact that IB is a United Nations sponsored programme, http://myinclinevillage.com/2010/07/16/even-jay-matthews-admits-colleges-give-more-credit-for-ap.aspx
districts never state this as a reason for dropping IB.

If you are fighting IB in your district focus on the five reasons above, NOT the UN.

Our District - It took almost two years to stop IB from being implemented.  The battle divided our quiet affluent community on the north shore of Lake Tahoe.
http://www.tahoebonanza.com/article/20110330/NEWS/110339992/1061&ParentProfile=1050
http://www.truthaboutib.com/usschooldisputes/ibininclinevillagenv.html

After at least $1,000,000 spent in two years by St. Helena School District, they state four of the reasons above for dropping IB.
http://napavalleyregister.com/star/news/local/article_8b306270-4ae5-11e0-b742-001cc4c03286.html 
http://napavalleyregister.com/star/news/local/article_93d3c612-5042-11e0-a7c4-001cc4c002e0.html

IB put on hold in Redondo Beach.
http://www.easyreadernews.com/24519/international-baccalaureate-redondo-union/

After six years of IB - teachers are frustrated & student performance unchanged.
http://www.grandcanyonnews.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=9167

Another school drops IB.
http://myinclinevillage.com/2010/10/31/another-school-drops-ib.aspx

Five more schools drop IB,
http://myinclinevillage.com/2010/10/13/five-more-schools-drop-ib.aspx

At least 13 schools announce they will drop IB.
http://myinclinevillage.com/2010/06/03/13-schools-drop-ib-in-2-months.aspx

At least 22 schools (in about a year) announce they will drop IB

The reasons most often stated are:

• Cost
• Lack of student participation in IB
• Less flexible than AP
• No improved student performance
• Lack of college credit for IB

The first story is especially interesting, IB dropped in two schools:

After $1,000,000 spent, St Helena High School Students Fight to Eliminate IB, School Board Agrees

St Helena school board voted 5-0 to implement IB, at least $1,000,000 was spent.  Two years later the high school students at St Helena attempted to eliminate IB at the high school, and the administration is recommending replacing the K-8 IB programme.  The article states:

"It has become painfully obvious that the more parents and students learn of the IB program, the less they want to be involved.  IB is unnecessary, impractical, and less useful to students than AP classes.  In February administrators recommended replacing the K-8 IB program...  Students say the implementation of IB classes has cut other much-needed classes, many of which were geared toward a wider array of students...  AP is far more likely than IB to be recognized by American colleges and universities.  The letter concludes that the district should cut its losses rather than continue to pour time, money and effort into a poor investment." 
 
Here is the full article,
http://napavalleyregister.com/star/news/local/article_8b306270-4ae5-11e0-b742-001cc4c03286.html

About three years and over $1,000,000 later,
"Trustees voted 5-0 to suspend IB for grades K-10."

Full article,
http://napavalleyregister.com/star/news/local/article_93d3c612-5042-11e0-a7c4-001cc4c002e0.html


School Drops IB

 

http://www.easyreadernews.com/32327/ib-withdrawn/

 

Another School Drops IB School Drops IB

Another school drops IB to focus on AP.  This is at least the 19th school to drop IB since February, 2010. 
http://www.tennessean.com/article/20101030/NEWS04/10300318/Hillwood-High-to-drop-out-of-IB-curriculum-next-year
The article has been removed but if you call the high school guidance department at (615) 353-2025
they will tell you that IB has been dropped and the school focuses on AP. 

Five More Schools Drop IB

10/13/10

http://www.missourieducationwatchdog.com/2010/10/tangled-web-of-sex-ed-curriculum-ib-and.html

http://www.truthaboutib.com/breakingnewsopinions.html (down the page)

At Least 13 Schools Drop IB in two Months

The reasons most often stated are:

• Cost
• Lack of student participation in IB
• Less flexible than AP
• No improved student performance
• Lack of college credit for IB

 Here are the details:

• 2/24/2010 Santa Ynez, CA – Similar to Incline.  They raised $70,000 and had $70,000 in matching funds promised, http://www.santamariatimes.com/news/local/education/article_a00ff190-2117-11df-a079-001cc4c002e0.html 
• 2/19/10 Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, Chino CA Reports “…discontinuing the International Baccalaureate programs at Don Lugo High School and Anna Borba Elementary School", http://www.dailybulletin.com/ci_14438613 
• 2/22/2010 the Arapahoe Herald (CO) reported - “The board recommended eliminating the International Baccalaureate (IB program at Field Elementary School and Newton Middle School”, http://my.hsj.org/Schools/Newspaper/tabid/100/view/frontpage/articleid/337276/newspaperid/782/Budgetary_problems_Tough_Decisions_Ahead.aspx 
• 3/12/10 Redwood City Elementary School District , CA (at least one elementary school will drop IB), http://www.smdailyjournal.com/article_preview.php?id=126690&title=District%20approves%20140%20layoffs
•  3/24/2010 William Fleming High School, will drop IB, Roanoke, VA, http://www.roanoke.com/news/breaking/wb/240973 
• 3/25/2010 Falcon School District, CO drop IB program as reported in The Gazette – They had 2 PYP, 1 MYP, and 1 DP, http://www.gazette.com/articles/school-96152-district-falcon.html 
• 4/4/2010 Hoboken, NJ – Hoboken Reporter announces  they will drop IB, http://kidsfirst2009.blogspot.com/2010/04/no-new-taxes.html
•  4/27/2010 Prior Lake-Savage School District, MN drop MYP, as reported in the Star Tribune, http://www.startribune.com/local/south/92274904.html?cache=n&uccb=1272458181#post_comments  

Just over 17 minutes

Download | Duration: 00:17:31

If you would like to hear Bill's entire show click here.  John's interview is from about 39:45 to 57:00.
http://www.kkoh.com/FlashPlayer/default.asp?SPID=25323&ID=2150988

"No IB program for Incline Schools."  About two and a half minutes,
http://www.mynews4.com/story.php?id=40271

http://www.tahoebonanza.com/article/20110330/NEWS/110339992/1061&ParentProfile=1050

THANK YOU to everyone who helped, my wife Teresa, Lisa, Willy Krusell, and especially Margaret Martini; everyone who held a sign when we presented the second petition, everyone who wrote letters or blogged, everyone who came to meetings, everyone who signed the petition, everyone who thanked and or praised me through this exhausting process.  THANK YOU!

 

I would also like to thank ibiv and anyone who helped raise funds and/or donated for IB.  Because of ibiv the focus of our community has been on education.  The intentions of ibiv are honorable - to improve our schools.  Those of us who signed the petition saying IB is not a good fit for Incline also want to improve our schools.

We are fortunate to live in a community that supports education. Now, more than ever, it is imperative we come together to improve our schools in a way we can all support.

With the current financial constraints, the only way our schools will go from good to great is if we work together and do what is best for all children!

It is time for me to get back to something that I enjoy, selling real estate.

First published 1/04/2011, modified 3/30/11, and 12/08/11

Incline High School could be converted to the premiere college preparatory academy in northern Nevada.  In 2011 85% of our graduates were college bound, in 2010 83% were college bound. 

http://myinclinevillage.com/2010/07/01/2010-ihs-graduate-destinations.aspx

http://www.inclineschools.org/index.php/accomplishments

All students should have the skills necessary to succeed in at least one college level (AP) class prior to graduation.  Students who are ready should continue to be able to take as many AP classes as they desire.  

1) Elementary school: 
        a)  Add the Core Knowledge program K-8, http://www.coreknowledge.org/.  
        Data to support success with Core Knowledge can be found at:
        http://www.coreknowledge.org/mimik/mimik_live_data/view.php? id=1833&record_id=13.  
        b)  Bring back a strong science teacher/program.

2) Middle school: 
        a) Add SpringBoard, a pre-AP program from College Board.  The SpringBoard program is
         designed to increase the number of students ready for AP classes, and college.  Here is 
         some research and success stories. 
        http://springboardprogram.collegeboard.org/case-study
  
Clayton Middle School in Reno has seen a transformation of their school with SpringBoard.  IMS should consider a similar transformation.  The article starts with: "Middle school math isn't too early to start thinking about college."  All classrooms have college banners, and college logos are painted on the school walls.  Incline should change the culture of its schools, especially the middle school. 
http://myinclinevillage.com/2011/03/30/springboard---clayton-middle-school-its-never-too-early-to-think-about-college.aspx      

3) High school:
        a)  Expand our already strong AP program by increasing the number of students taking
        and succeeding in AP classes.
        b) Expand and/or maintain the AVID program as necessary     
        c) Continue to allow online classes as a supplement for our high school and middle school  
            students.

4) K-12: 
         a) Expand the PLC program, http://www.allthingsplc.info/ .  Our teachers have already
         been trained in PLC's
         b) Continue to collect and analyze student data and adjust programs and instructions as
         necessary.
         
Market what we offer K-12; consider calling our high school, Incline Village College Preparatory Academy.

Now more than ever we need a plan that will unite our community, keep families with high caliber students from leaving, bring families to town, and help move our schools from good to great. 

On 12/06/11 RGJ published the article below.  The link will probably only work for a limited time (for free), so I copied the entire article below. 

http://www.rgj.com/article/20111206/NEWS02/112040327/Clayton-s-philosphy-s-never-too-early-think-about-college

Clayton's philosophy: It's never too early to think about college

12:30 AM, Dec. 6, 2011  |  

Purchase Image

Clayton Middle School principle Bruce Meissner walks with some his students along a hallway on a Fridays when student are allowed to wear a sweat shirt or t-shirt with a university logo that they plan on attending. Clayton is a uniform school. / Andy Barron / RGJ

Written by

Siobhan McAndrew

Middle school math isn't too early to start thinking about college.

At Clayton Middle School, college is something the teachers, staff and principal want students to think about the moment they walk through the school's green doors.

Many of Clayton Middle's 655 students come from the family shelter and downtown motels.

"It's about getting kids to believe in themselves," said Principal Bruce Meissner, who has spent the last year and a half turning Clayton Middle into a Pre-Advanced Placement Academy.

Using federal grant money, the school revamped its curriculum to focus on preparing students for college by introducing courses that prepare students for AP classes in high school. The classes are more rigorous and teach students to compare and contrast, analyze and summarize.

"We want all the kids at this school to be exposed to as much as they can," Meissner said.

Janet Pulleyn, the Pre-AP Academy coordinator at Clayton knows the heartbreak that happens when students aren't inspired.

From 2008 to 2010, Pulleyn was the dean of students at Hug High School.

"I spent hours helping students who were credit-deficient," she said. "Too many students didn't have a plan to finish high school, let alone attend college or trade school."

After visiting a school in New Orleans, Pulleyn realized it's never too early for students to picture a positive future.

"I saw college banners in every room," she said of the Miller-McCoy Academy for Mathematics and Business. "Every student had a plan to graduate and knew what college they wanted to attend."

When a position opened at Clayton, Pulleyn interviewed and proposed teams of students in each grade be named after colleges.

She proposed hanging college banners in each classroom and painting logos of colleges on the school's walls. All of those things exist today.

And on Fridays, when most preteen thoughts might be drifting towards the weekend, the school lifts its uniform policy, and students are allowed to wear college gear.

"Our culture has changed at Clayton," Pulleyn said. "You should hear our students. When Stanford beats USC or plays UCLA, they are talking about it. Hopefully, they are imaging themselves going there one day."

 

St Helena is the school Incline IB supporters looked to early on to as a model for what Incline could become.  Now after two years the high school students at St Helena are attempting to eliminate IB at the high school, and the administration is recommending replacing the K-8 IB programme.  Incline could either stop this ridiculous programme now and cut the losses or continue until we are in the same position as St Helena.  The article states:

"It has become painfully obvious that the more parents and students learn of the IB program, the less they want to be involved.  IB is unnecessary, impractical, and less useful to students than AP classes.  In February administrators recommended replacing the K-8 IB program...  Students say the implementation of IB classes has cut other much-needed classes, many of which were geared toward a wider array of students...  AP is far more likely than IB to be recognized by American colleges and universities.  The letter concludes that the district should cut its losses rather than continue to pour time, money and effort into a poor investment." 
 
Read the article here,
http://napavalleyregister.com/star/news/local/article_8b306270-4ae5-11e0-b742-001cc4c03286.html


Trustees Trim IB.  The article states,
"Trustees voted 5-0 to adopt a recommendation by district administrators to suspend IB for grades K-10.  The district has spent about $1 million on IB so far."

Read the article here,
http://napavalleyregister.com/star/news/local/article_93d3c612-5042-11e0-a7c4-001cc4c002e0.html

Below is a link to the video from the Redondo Beach Unified School Board meeting 3/22/11.  A large group of high school teachers make it clear they are against Redondo Union High School (RUHS) implementing IB.  The teachers speak from 56:45 to1:12:45 and again from 1:19:15 to 1:25:45.  One of the teachers said 50 high school teachers have spoke to the school board to show their opposition to IB.  One said 60 teachers signed a petition stating they were against RUHS implementing IB.  Redondo faces some of the same issues Incline has faced in regards to the District's attempt to FORCE IB; unfortunately the teachers in Incline were threatened with job transfers if they spoke up against IB.

RBUSD BOE Meeting 03/22/2011

UPDATE 4/7/11
"IB put on hold"
http://www.easyreadernews.com/24519/international-baccalaureate-redondo-union/#

UPDATE 8/25/11
IB DROPPED,
http://www.easyreadernews.com/32327/ib-withdrawn/


  

 

Quotes from article:

"During last Tuesday's board meeting, Treasure Mountain and Ecker Hill principals Bob O'Connor and Traci Evans recommended not seeking re-authorization for IB, which is scheduled to take place in two years."

"School board member Charles Cunningham expressed concern about the $120,000 yearly cost to the district for maintaining the program."

Entire article,
http://www.parkrecord.com/ci_17620195

http://www.grandcanyonnews.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=9167

Quotes from the article (emphasis added)

"'The workload is crushing,' said Laura Kelso, Grand Canyon School (GCS) fourth grade teacher.

When the International Baccalaureate (IB) program was adopted, no one could predict those words would eventually echo the sentiment of most teachers at the school, who, after six years of implementing the program, are showing signs of strain.

'I was a wholehearted believer in the beginning, but as it has continued on every year it becomes more of a nightmare rather than a simplistic idea. It is meant to be flexible, but sometimes I feel like this flexibility is really breaking my back,' McBroom said.
 
"As I am trying to learn IB, I'm finding that it's requiring me to do things two and three times that I'm already doing,' McBroom said. 'It's frustrating to me because it's taking away from time I would like to spend doing things with my class because I'm trying to get planning done for IB instead.'

Arizona's Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) testing scores have remained steady at the school over the years, but IB's promise of improvement has not transpired.

Former GCS employee Peggy Houghton said her observations over the years have led her to wonder if the students are benefiting from IB, and if test scores reflect it.

Houghton went on to say it is obvious that staff at the school is frustrated with the program.

One 'benefit' of IB, according to music teacher George Haughton, has been the round about way the program has brought GCS staff closer together.

'In the hallways and during private moments, dislike of IB has always been a topic of discussion,' he wrote in comments submitted to the board."

Find all survey results at this link. 
http://inclineschools.org/index.php/home/60-general/1580-wcsd-survey-results

What respondents said was highly important:
Number one - AP                                79%   (only 31% said the IBDP was highly important)
Science K-8                                              71%   (only 28% said the MYP was highly important)
P.E. at the elementary level      69%   (only 27% said the PYP was highly important)

The most common answer about IB at all three levels, elementary, middle, and high school was NOT IMPORTANT.

The results do not show overwhelming support for IB.

The Advanced Placement (AP) program
Not Important                        1%
Relatively Unimportant           3%
Moderately Important           16%
Highly Important                  79%

Emphasis on science at the elementary and middle school levels
Not Important                       1%
Relatively Unimportant          2%
Moderately Important           26%
Highly Important                  71%

Physical education classes at the elementary level
Not Important                       4%
Relatively Unimportant          5%
Moderately Important           21%
Highly Important                  69%

The IB Diploma Program at Incline High School
Not Important                      38%
Relatively Unimportant         11%
Moderately Important           19%
Highly Important                  31%

The IB Middle Years Program at Incline Middle School
Not Important                      34%
Relatively Unimportant         13%
Moderately Important           23%
Highly Important                  28%

The IB Primary Years Program at Incline Elementary School
Not Important                      33%
Relatively Unimportant         16%
Moderately Important           23%
Highly Important                  27%

WCSD loaned $150,000 to a group of Incline residents (ibiv).  Only $80,000 got paid back.  Now WCSD says, "the District does not loan funds."

Here is the News 4 story about WCSD ending IB in Incline, and Pedro Martinez attempting to "CHANGE THE FACTS ABOUT THE BAD LOAN" by WCSD to a group of local citizens in Incline.
http://www.mynews4.com/story.php?id=40271

Here is where the District (Steve Hull) said the District did, "upfront the $150,00" to ibiv.
http://www.youtube.com/wcsdtvnews#p/c/28BA91EBF31E6948/13/FD-irJpEZLA

Here is the Written Understanding in reference to the loan from WCSD to a group of Incline residents, as reported by the Bonanza on 9/17/10.
http://www.tahoebonanza.com/article/20100919/NEWS/100919927&parentprofile=search

WCSD loaned a group of private residents $150,000.  The group had a year to pay the District back.  On 1/6/11 the Bonanza reported ibiv still owes the District $65,000* for the 2010 calendar year.  There is little chance the District will ever get it back.  http://www.tahoebonanza.com/article/20110106/NEWS/110109985&parentprofile=search

On 3/16/11 in response to a Public Information Request PIR: the District said only $80,000 was "forwarded" to WCSD which would mean the residents still owe WCSD $70,000*.  They also stated they spent over $109,000 of District money for IB in Incline.  WCSD also said the District, "does not loan District funds."
http://truthaboutib.com/images/2011-03-16_Request_I_Response.pdf

The RGJ printed two letters about the bad loan.
http://www.rgj.com/article/20110323/OPED02/103230379/1100/Stopping-IB-would-save-district-money

http://www.rgj.com/article/20110327/OPED02/103270323/1100/Was-district-s-loan-allowed-by-law-

In this Bonanza article dated 3/30/11 Superintendent Morrison said, "if IBIV is unable to reimburse the $65,000*, the district will absorb the deficit."
http://www.tahoebonanza.com/article/20110330/NEWS/110339992/1061&ParentProfile=1050
 
WHO WILL HOLD WCSD ACCOUNTABLE FOR:
1) Making a bad loan to a group of Incline residents,
2) Then denying that it was a loan,
3) Wasting District funds?

* On 1/16/11 the District said the amount owed to them by ibiv was $65,000, on 3/16/11 they implied it was $70,000, on 3/30/11 they said it is $65,000. 

The new IGSC survey is out. I was sent this draft version in advance, our comments are here.
http://myinclinevillage.com/2011/02/17/secret-survey.aspx
The final version has more references to IB than the draft version.

WE FEEL THE SURVEY IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE AN OUTCOME THAT SUPPORTS IB.

Some of the programs mentioned by Superintendent Morrison at the January meeting are cost effective and have evidence to show they can improve student performance but are not on the survey i.e.:
Core Knowledge
SpringBoard
PLC's
APID (A.P. International Diploma)
Keeping IB as an online option only
All are included on our Plan to Improve our Schools and Keep IB.
http://myinclinevillage.com/2011/01/04/a-plan-to-improve-our-schools-for-all-students.aspx

NONE OF THE 358 PEOPLE WHO SIGNED THE SURVEY SAYING: "IB is not a good fit for Incline," WERE ALLOWED ON THE IGSC. Some on the committee are IB supporters, and the majority work for the District.
http://www.petitionbuzz.com/petitions/noibiniv

As long as WCSD continues to push IB they will keep our community divided. Even the Bonanza finally said it is time to move on.
http://www.tahoebonanza.com/article/20110113/NEWS/110119959/1020&ParentProfile=1053

Below this article you will find Debra Niwa's comments posted 3/4/11,
http://verdenews.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=40685&SectionID=36&SubSectionID=1192&S=1

Posted: Friday, March 04, 2011
Article comment by: Deb N

On 3/3/11 Emma Goldman wrote ". . . talk to teachers in the schools where it has been adopted and ask for their opinions."

Here are some IB teacher opinions about IB programs (Note: DP=Diploma Program MYP=Middle Years Program PYP=Primary Years Program):

". . . MYP has no educational value – even if it is implemented skilfully. [ . . . ] MYP . . . is very very intrusive all through the 5 years of its existence (grades 6-10). (In passing, I’ve often wondered why, if it is so educationally important, MYP suddenly stops in Grade 10. There is no articulation between MYP and IB Diploma . . . ). When an MYP teacher teaches a topic or a book, he is supposed to frame the topic in terms of the 5 MYP ‘Areas of Interaction’: Approaches to Learning, Homo Faber (pretentious Latin for ‘creativity’), Community, Health, Environment. UNDER MYP, AN ENGLISH TEACHER IS NOT FREE TO TEACH PURE ENGLISH."
-- Excerpt from “MYP: a Refutation,” 10/31/10
http://internationalschoolsreview.com/v-web/bulletin/bb/viewtopic.php?t=1322&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

“The MYP, however interesting in theory or even practice (depending on your school/leadership/whatever), doesn't really provide the opportunity to hone the skills needed to be successful DP students.”
-- Excerpt from the comment section (posted 11/4/10 3:26 am) for “MYP: a Refutation,” 10/31/10
http://internationalschoolsreview.com/v-web/bulletin/bb/viewtopic.php?t=1322&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

"IBO operates with the stated goal to develop global citizens, taking stands on everything from environmentalism to international diplomacy to population control. At my training, in a subject as seemingly objective as Calculus, I was encouraged to fill my curriculum with word problems that demonstrate an underlying agenda for the program – declining animal populations, the dangers of pollutants, global warming, etc. Would this technique be viewed innocuous by the school board if I were to give word problems that focus on the percentage of international terrorists that is Muslim or examine the statistical the correlation between higher gun control and higher crime levels?"
-- Excerpt from “A place in Public Education,” 9/1/08
http://tmilz.blogtownhall.com/

“I work in an IB elementary school in Virginia. My school system is implementing IB starting in primary school (where ALL students are required to participate in the program) and the program will gradually progress to middle and high school as these kids move up, . . . From what I’m seeing, the IB program has NO place in elementary school. It takes too much emphasis off learning the basics, it takes the teachers out of the classroom for too many meetings, and it takes our administrators on expensive cross-country business trips. The program is costing my county untold sums of money and I see absolutely no return on the investment. This program should be offered no earlier than middle school, and should be voluntary. Parents of students who choose to participate should help foot the bill for all the costs of the program.”
– Teresa, 3/20/08 (See comment section for "International Baccalaureate is Anti-American & Anti-Christian?", 2/22/06
http://pittsburgh.about.com/b/2006/02/22/international-baccalaureate-is-anti-american-anti-christian.htm
 
“Having taught in an IB elementary school for the past three years and having read all of the IB employee documents pertaining to the pedagogy, along with three day trainings into the concept of IB, the anti-American teaching in the primary years program is done in a very subtle way. It's more about the "right way" to be or the "right way to do things" or the "right way to think" and a lot of it is not the American way. Keeping an "open mind" is always pushed. Anyone who isn't "open minded" isn't considered an enlightened human being.
[ . . . ] I also learned more about rigor although I often found it developmentally inappropriate. It's all about taking action, putting these thought processes into action. My question was always: Should a 7 year old take action when they don't really understand the issue completely? I don't think so. Also, there was so much time spent on the IB stuff and time taken away from the true academics -- very frustrating when you have some low students that you need to help on academics but can't. The parents are all clueless, they have bought into something they don't really understand.” -- From a private email, 1/22/11 5:43 pm

"They also change the curriculum around every few years, requiring a teacher to be ‘retrained’ over the summer . . . I went to two ‘re-trainings’ in 6 years, and chewed through about $8000 in flight, food, and hotel, to listen to a guy doing a presentation that I could have done myself (only better).
I taught many students in an AP class (and I went ‘beyond the test’) who went on to great success at MIT, Yale, WPI, RPI, FIT, and WTF -- a good student will do well if you give them the goods, and those goods do not need to have the IB stamp on them.”
-- Excerpt from the Thread for: IB ("International Boondoggle"), 2/10/11, 12:20 PM
http://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?p=3130142 

“I taught IB and AP chemistry and biology at several international schools. IB and AP should not be seen as the same, especially the SL courses, which are very rudimentary in both chem and bio. The HL courses are only slightly more difficult and only touch on college level topics. These topics are not at the same depth as those in the corresponding AP courses. The IB is getting far too much credit (undeserved) for being at the cutting edge in education. However, my biggest problem with IB is their internal assessment portion of the course. The process is contrived, very subjective and is in my opinion an enormous waste of time for both students and teachers.”
-- “Teacher Knows Best,” 8/18/10,
http://www.truthaboutib.com/breakingnewsopinions.html
(Note to readers: “SL” refers to “Standard Level” “HL” refers to “Higher Level.”)

Here are three studies on IB:

In Ms. Jackson's abstract of her dissertation she states,
"The results also indicated that no statistically significant difference existed between the average Standards of Learning (SOL) mean scores of Black students who participated in the MYP and Black students who participated in non-MYP schools across the division (p<.05). The results further indicated that no statistically significant differences existed between the average SOL mean scores of Hispanic students who participated in the MYP and Hispanic students who participated in non-MYP schools across the division (p<.05). Lastly, the results indicated that no statistically significant difference existed between the average SOL mean scores of White students who participated in the MYP and White students who participated in non-MYP schools across the division (p<.05)."

Abstract - http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-04172006-173212/
Dissertation - http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-04172006-173212/unrestricted/DissertationDeborahRJackson.pdf

On page 5 of this Denver Public Schools report it says.
"There is no available evidence that the IB will increase student achievement in DPS schools or that the IB has had a positive effect on student achievement in similar districts or schools. A thorough search of the literature has netted no empirical studies on the effects of IB on student achievement. The IB, itself, publishes no such results."
http://blog.ednewscolorado.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/IB-Plan.pdf

From IBO's website, in the conclusion of the article it says,
"On the whole, the researchers of this evaluation study concluded that IB schools score as well as their non‐IB counterparts on standardized assessments of cognitive knowledge and skills, while at the same time providing their students with the added opportunity to develop critical thinking skills from an intercultural perspective." 
There is no attempt to measure, "critical thinking skills from an intercultural perspective."
http://www.ibo.org/research/programmevalidation/documents/TXSum.pdf

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

2/22/11

This Public Information Request is in reference to International Baccalaureate (IB) programme at Wooster and the proposed IB programme in Incline Village

It is clear the new secret survey for Incline is designed to create a pre-determined outcome, one which supports IB. 

1)      Who designed the survey?

2)      Please provide a cost breakdown to show how approximately $1,000,000 per year is spent on IB at Wooster.

In 2009 the IB coordinator at Wooster made over $73,000, yet he didn’t teach any classes. 

3)      Could Incline expect the same thing?

A group of private citizens was attempting to raise money to FORCE IB on all students in Incline.  The first goal was $1,000,000, then it was reduced to $630,000, finally reduced to $450,000 ($150,000 per year for three years).  Then the District decided to lend the fundraisers the initial $150,000. 

4)      Under what authority or precedence does the District have to loan District funds? 

5)      Is this the first time the District ever loaned a group of private citizen’s money? 

6)      If not when was money loaned before, what was it for, how much was it, was it paid back? 

It has been two months since the fundraising deadline expired and the fundraisers still owe the school District $65,000 for last year; AND they haven’t even started raising funds for this year.  In addition, over 350 of us have gone on record publically with our petition stating IB is not a good fit for Incline.  We are told at most 125 (undisclosed) people have supported IB.

7)      How much money has the District spent (so far) for IB in Incline?  Including, teachers, IB coordinators, teacher training including transportation, rooms, and meals, subs, IB fees, application fees, annual fees, and any other IB related expenses?

8)      How much more will be spent for IB in Incline next year?

9)      Will the District please provide an analysis of how much IB will increase college costs for our graduates and their families for the first 10 years?

10)  What else can we do to show the District our community does not want the District to waste any more money for IB in Incline Village?


The second PIR was presented after Todd Taxpayer Baily presented his findings, http://wcsdtv.blogspot.com/2011/02/history-revision-epistimology-and.html

1) With the information Todd Taxpayer discovered about what is being taught at Wooster's IB programme I request this board form a committee to investigate what is really being taught to the students at Wooster.
2) Does this board really want to spend a lot more money to implement another controversal programme that most of us in Incline do not want?

Here is our response to the "secret" survey the District wants to distribute to parents, then report the results to the community. 

Another “secret” anything (survey) by WCSD in relation to IB in Incline is problematic. 

The introductory paragraph of the survey implies programs have been implemented, including IB.  IB is not supposed to be implemented yet.  Have any other programs been implemented due to the Task Force?  The task force suggested we INVESTIGATE not implement IB.  The investigation still hasn’t happened.

 

Since our community has shown it will not support IB, why is it still on the table?  Is this more about what is best for our students and our community or the $65,000 ibiv owes WCSD?

It is important to start fresh and take IB off the survey for the time being until the current issues have been identified.  Initially IB was a “solution” to declining enrollment, then a “solution” to increase graduation rates, but there is no evidence to show it will do either; or for that matter, address any other issue Incline schools are facing. The survey should focus on what the residents think the issues are, not what program they want.  If you include programs why not include programs that are more cost effective and that have evidence to show they can improve student achievement i.e.:

• Core Knowledge (cost effective and evidence to show it will improve student performance)
• SpringBoard (cost effective and evidence to show it will improve student performance)
• APID - A.P. International Diploma (free)
• PLC’s (free and evidence to show they will improve student performance)
• IB as an on-line option only

If IB is added K-12 the District has an obligation to tell people BOTH SIDES, i.e.:

• We would be the first schools in the country were IB would be FORCE on all students K-8. 
• By adding IB at the high school 10 required IB classes would need to be added to our 11th and 12th grade schedule, this will likely minimize or destroy current successful programs.
• Pedro said there are only 16 K-12 districts in the country, four have had major problems with IB including: law suits, dropped IB programmes, families leaving the IB schools, and perpetual IB controversy. 

____________________________________________________________________

• Question 3 is misleading because the task force suggested we investigate not implement IB.
• Question 5 - Why aren’t other programs considered?
• This survey implies it is IB or nothing.
• “The lack of resources has caused a reassessment of current efforts to improve the Incline schools?”  It is really a lack of support for IB.  Many who already donated will not donate anything more to IB.
• We have three kids in Incline schools but get one voice.  Some with three kids get three times the input.  How is this fair?
• This survey could be construed as another attempt to “force feed” IB to us
• As long as IB is forced on all students in Incline it will be controversial for WCSD
• Since our community has shown it WILL NOT SUPPORT IB, and IB will not improve student performance, forcing it on all students should be taken off the table. 

John Eppolito, Teresa Eppolito, Margaret Martini, and Willy Krusell

Here is the proposed Survey.

DRAFT 4 (2-16-11) (Will be in English and Spanish)

Incline Great Schools Committee Parent Survey

As the result of declining student enrollment in the Incline schools, the poor economy, and anticipated budget cuts, the Incline Village Reflective Task Force was formed in early 2009.  The task force met for several months and made recommendations to improve the Incline Schools, many which were implemented, including an International Baccalaureate (IB) program.

            The lack of resources has caused a reassessment of current efforts to improve the Incline schools.  Superintendent Dr. Heath Morrison formed the Incline Great Schools Committee (IGSC) to conduct this reassessment, which includes updated recommendations to improve the Incline schools in lieu of the resources now available.  The Committee, co-chaired by community member Harry Haaser and Area Superintendent Nancy Sanger, consists of parents, school staff and community members.  It is responsible for making recommendations to the Superintendent by March 31^st.   

This survey is designed to obtain input from parents about what they believe is important to make the Incline schools great.  Information from this survey will be used by the (IGSC) and will also be shared with the public.  Thank you for your help!

1.    I am a parent of a child or children at (Check one.  Parents with students at more than one school will be sent one survey for each school they have children attending).

1. Incline Elementary School
2. Incline Middle School
3. Incline High School

 

2.    Overall I am satisfied with the education my child receives in the Incline schools

Strongly Agree            Agree              Disagree          Strongly Disagree

 

3.    I am aware of the recommendations of the Incline Schools Reflective Task Force in 2009

Yes                              No

 

4.    There are many factors that go into making schools great.  Below is a list of approaches and areas of emphasis that are such factors.  For each factor, please rate how important you think it is to your child’s education.  Use this scale:

Not Important

Relatively Unimportant

Moderately Important

Highly Important

 

    a.    Challenging academics for all students at all levels

Not important                     Relatively Unimportant                     Moderately Important                       Highly Important

 

    b.    Emphasis on science at the elementary and middle school levels

Not important                     Relatively Unimportant                     Moderately Important                       Highly Important

 

    c.    Emphasis on foreign language instruction at the elementary and middle school levels

Not important                     Relatively Unimportant                     Moderately Important                       Highly Important

 

    d.    Supplemental opportunities for students who struggle in school such as credit recovery and remediation programs

Not important                     Relatively Unimportant                     Moderately Important                       Highly Important

    e.    Instruction that promotes critical thinking, the use of technology, and innovation

Not important                     Relatively Unimportant                     Moderately Important                       Highly Important

 

    f.    The IB program

Not important                     Relatively Unimportant                     Moderately Important                       Highly Important

 

    g.    A vertically aligned K-12 curriculum among the three Incline schools, which links teaching, subjects and skill development for children from grade to grade, kindergarten through 12th grade

Not important                     Relatively Unimportant                     Moderately Important                       Highly Important

 

    h.    More access to career and technical (vocational) opportunities at the high school

Not important                     Relatively Unimportant                     Moderately Important                       Highly Important

 

    i.    Opportunities for academic advancement /acceleration

Not important                     Relatively Unimportant                     Moderately Important                       Highly Important

 

    j.    Programs in the arts (music, drama etc.)

Not important                     Relatively Unimportant                     Moderately Important                       Highly Important

 

    k.    Teacher training and professional development programs

Not important                     Relatively Unimportant                     Moderately Important                       Highly Important

 

    l.    Physical education programs at the elementary level

Not important                     Relatively Unimportant                     Moderately Important                       Highly Important

 

    m.    Afterschool programs and activities

Not important                     Relatively Unimportant                     Moderately Important                       Highly Important

 

    n.    The Advanced Placement (AP) program at the high school

Not important                     Relatively Unimportant                     Moderately Important                       Highly Important

 

    o.    Programs in partnership with institutions of higher education such as Sierra Nevada College

Not important                     Relatively Unimportant                     Moderately Important                       Highly Important

 

 

5.    In the question below, we would like you to identify what you consider most important among the factors listed in question 4.  Please pick the top 5 items that are most critical to your child’s education.  Place a “1” next to the most critical item; a “2” next to the next most critical item, etc.  Exactly 5 items should be ranked. You will not be able to assign the same rank to more than one item.

 

___      Challenging academics for all students at all levels

___      Emphasis on science at the elementary and middle school levels

___      Emphasis on foreign language instruction at the elementary and middle school levels

___      Supplemental opportunities for students who struggle in school such as credit recovery and remediation programs

___      Instruction that promotes critical thinking, the use of technology, and innovation

                                ___      The IB program

___      A vertically aligned K-12 curriculum among the three Incline schools, which links teaching, subjects and skill development for children from grade to grade, kindergarten through 12^th grade

___      More access to career and technical (vocational) opportunities at the high school

___      Opportunities for advancement /acceleration

___      Programs in the arts (music, drama etc.)

___      Teacher training and professional development programs

___      Physical education programs at the elementary level

___      Afterschool programs and activities

___      The Advanced Placement (AP) program at the high school

___      Programs in partnership with institutions of higher education such as Sierra Nevada College

 

6.    Are there other comments, suggestions or concerns that you would like to share about making the Incline schools among the best in the nation? (Open Response)

At Wooster IB cost $932,000 for the 2007-08 school year, page 7 of 11.  Wooster had 24 IB diplomas in 2008.  Cost - $38,833 per IB diploma.  For the record, Washoe County School District (WCSD) disputed the $932,000 per year cost for IB at Wooster.  After several requests WCSD never gave an accurate cost for IB at Wooster.
http://www.truthaboutib.com/images/Wooster.pdf

Waco Independent School District estimates IB will cost $1,000,000 for the 2012-13 school year,
http://isurfwaco.com/news/local/4664-report-higher-costs-than-expected-for-waco-isd-international-baccalaureate.html

Cholla High School, Tucson, AZ breaks down IB costs.
2009-10 school year, $619,259
2008-09 school year, $302,487
http://truthaboutib.com/images/IB_costs_Cholla_TUSD_c.pdf

St. Helena spends $1,000,000 on IB in a couple years then drops the programme,
http://napavalleyregister.com/star/news/local/article_93d3c612-5042-11e0-a7c4-001cc4c002e0.html

Battery Creek, SC likely to drop IB, "The (paid) consultant said the diploma program cost the district an additional $663 per participant in 2010."
http://www.islandpacket.com/2011/02/04/1536239/international-baccalaureate-program.html

For Incline High School IB will increase college costs for most of our graduates, because most schools that give credit for IB only do for the HL (two year) classes.
http://www.princeton.k12.oh.us/HighSchool.cfm?subpage=416

I thought the goal was for the District to use the money it has wisely!

Here is John Eppolito's IB PowerPoint presentation filmed on 1/15/11. The beginning is similar to previous presentations but the end is different. To see the 25 minute presentation and 7 minutes of questions watch these three videos in order.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2MTpcSLgUs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhtOdeHBO2Q
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=em9Ho_H_OtA

A year ago we were told ibiv would raise $1.000,000 over three years for IB in Incline.
http://www.tahoebonanza.com/article/20091231/NEWS/912309988&parentprofile

Over the last year the fund raising goal was reduced from $1,000,000, to $630,000, then $450,000 ($150,000 per year for the first three years).  Ibiv made an honorable attempt to raise the money, but after a year they can not even raise 1/10th of their original goal.  IF our community supported IB raising the twice reduced amount would not be a problem.  Our community has spoken - WE DO NOT SUPPORT IB!

On 12/30/10 the Bonanza reported,"'I'd love to meet the goal, but it will take a different strategy in 2011,' said Nancy Porten." And, "Porten said Wednesday that IBIV members have a scheduled meeting with WCSD officials on Jan. 4, where the two organizations will devise alternative strategies and formulate methods to address the fundraising shortfall."  Will the Dsitrict allow another PRIVATE meeting on 1/04/11 to discuss the future of our schools?  Mr. Morrison called me on 1/03/11 at about 6:30 PM, he said, "It is not a meeting to discuss the future of Incline schools."  
http://www.tahoebonanza.com/article/20101230/NEWS/101239999&parentprofile=search

Changing the rules and/or decreasing the fundraising goal again will insure our community will remain divided and our schools will see no improvement.  I think it is safe to state, MOST IN OUR COMMUNITY REALIZE THE TIME HAS COME TO DROP IB AND START WORKING TOGETHER TO IMPROVE OUR SCHOOLS, in a way we can all support!  Anything short of DROPPING IB will be a disservice to our community!

This 10 minute video of a parent from Bedford, NH shows they have dealt with many of the same IB issues as Incline.  We have sent some of the same documents to our school board.  WCSD has not been transparent with our community, to date they have not allowed the teachers, parents or community to openly discuss IB.  The difference is Bedford already has IB, once implemented it is very difficult to remove IB.  We should stop this ridiculous programme NOW - BEFORE IT IS IMPLEMENTED!  



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTI0osj4W9w
 

From 1998 to 2005 Wooster graduates obtained from 0 to 8 IB diplomas per year, with an average of 5.5 IB diplomas per year for the first eight years.  After eight years the number of IB diplomas increased to double digits.  Wooster's IB cost is about $1,000,000 per year.
http://www.washoe.k12.nv.us/wooster/academics/images/ib/IB_DIPLOMA_GRADS_1999-2010.pdf

IHS is already the best high school in WCSD.  IB will: be a downgrade for Incline, will harm other successful programs, cost too much money, and only a few kids per year will get the IB diploma.
http://myinclinevillage.com/2010/07/01/2010-ihs-graduate-destinations.aspx

In reference to IHS's AP program even Jay Mathews said, "The latest numbers from your AP program show great participation rate and a passing rate of 64 percent, which is just about perfect."
http://myinclinevillage.com/2010/05/31/jay-mathews-to-parent-may-2010.aspx
 

Second sentence, "... IBO is more ideological than educational."
http://tmilz.blogtownhall.com/?tag=International%20Baccalaureate

With IB "personal and social education" are "subject areas."  The goal of the programme is to, "develop 'attitudes' that will lead to international-mindedness and to have students 'take action' as a consequence of their learning."  All this with a UN sponsored ideology.  Many of us (see petition) feel the school should stick to EDUCATING our children.  Neither the PYP or the MYP (Middle Years Programme) will do anything to improve student performance.  There are less than 250 PYP schools in the United States out of about 100,000 elementary schools.

Quoted from IBO's website (emphasis added)

http://www.ibo.org/pyp/curriculum/index.cfm

"Six Transdisciplinary themes

Six transdisciplinary themes of global significance provide the framework for exploration and study:

• who we are
• where we are in place and time
• how we express ourselves
• how the world works
• how we organize ourselves
• sharing the planet.

Teachers are guided by these six transdisciplinary themes as they design units of inquiry that both transcend and articulate conventional subject boundaries.

The programme can be illustrated by a hexagon with the six transdisciplinary themes surrounding six subject areas:...

• (including) personal, social and physical education. 

Five essential elements

The five essential elements—concepts, knowledge, skills, attitudes, action—are incorporated into this framework, so that students are given the opportunity to:

• gain knowledge that is relevant and of global significance
• develop an understanding of concepts, which allows them to make connections throughout their learning
• acquire transdisciplinary and disciplinary skills
• develop attitudes that will lead to international-mindedness
• take action as a consequence of their learning."
  

http://www.ibo.org/pyp/curriculum/index.cfm

Submitted by Kathryn Kelly 12/18/10

 

With the current explosion in online education opportunities, it is no surprise that a company has stepped in to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) program online to high school students.  For small schools such as Incline’s facing tough economic times, this may be the answer we have all been looking for.

 

Pamoja Education (which means “togetherness” in Swahili) is an Oxford–based education company which, per its website, is “dedicated entirely to providing top quality online courses for the International Baccalaureate.”  It was founded last year by a Geneva-based investment group focusing on socially responsible investments in the areas of alternative energy and education.  Profits from Pamoja Education benefit health and education in Sub-Saharan Africa. 

 

Pamoja Education currently serves existing IB students and IB World Schools in 37 countries around the world by offering additional IB courses online that may not be available locally. For the 2011-12 academic year, students will have a choice of 11 courses, covering four of the six IB subject groups.

Also beginning in September 2011, Pamoja hopes to launch a pilot program to offer enrollment to a limited number of students who do not attend IB World Schools (e.g., Incline). 

 

In this scenario, IB classes will be taught through IB-approved “Open World” schools, which are authorized by the IB to support "external" students.  Students are taught by IB-approved teachers in US-based schools, including Boston’s Virtual High School Global Consortium and the Florida Virtual School. 

 

The cost?  Currently $700-$950 per two-year course, depending on the number of students and classes, plus the cost of a site-based coordinator to serve as liaison with Pamoja.  It is only a matter of time before a full IB diploma can be offered, but our current sophomores should be able to benefit from these offerings starting as soon as next fall.   

 

There’s more good news on the AP front as well.  For those talented students who can earn grades of at least three or higher on at least five AP exams in four different content areas can receive an Advanced Placement – International Diploma (APID).  This is not a substitute for a high school diploma, but rather a certificate of additional achievement.  Incline currently offers 15 AP courses; another 18 AP courses are currently available online 24/7 at a cost of between $0 and $850 per AP course, including instruction by an AP teacher.  These are costs the district can and should pick up as part of its ongoing commitment to AP.

 

These additional AP (and pre-AP) courses available online include Art History, Chinese Language and Culture, Computer Science A, Macro- and Microeconomics, Environmental Science, European History, Comparative Government & Politics, Latin: Vergil, Music Theory, Psychology, Statistics, and World History – in other words, the entire AP 33-course listing is available to Incline students either at IHS now or online, except German and Japanese.  Because it is taught online, you can register for some schools even now and still take an AP exam in May while remaining enrolled in Incline High.  See Clark County Virtual High School (http://ccsdde.net), Florida Virtual School (www.flvs.net) or other accredited online schools for enrollment information.  Many other online foreign language courses such as Spanish, German, French, Mandarin, Latin, and others are available also, taught by certified teachers.

  

The only other requirement for an APID?  Simply that the student must indicate on at least one AP exam answer sheet that the results should be sent to a university outside the US.  You don’t have to go to Oxford (or wherever), you just have to send your results there.  Of course, passing five AP exams is also worth a few thousand dollars of college credit, because the AP courses are generally recognized to be equivalent to college undergraduate courses.  For more details on APID, see http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/exgrd_intl.html.  For information on online AP courses, see http://apguide.edutools.info/static.jsp?pj=2&page=OAPC.

 

In sum, IB course offerings and ultimately an IB diploma are within reach for the select few Incline students who can dedicate themselves to the effort necessary to earn an IB diploma.  It can be done at a fraction of the cost that it would take for Incline High School to become an approved IB school, and without compromising any of the current AP offerings.  A full online IB diploma could possibly – or possibly not – happen in time for this year’s freshman students to receive one, but we may come closer to achieving that objective, and sooner, through supporting online initiatives than by trying to go it alone.

 

This is good news as we approach the December 31 deadline for reimbursing the Washoe County School District for initial $150,000 the District is requiring Incline to pay to become a formal IB school.  It seems like we can have our IB cake and eat the AP cake, too. 

 

Dr. Kathryn Kelly is an Incline parent whose children are enrolled in Nevada Connections Academy.

John Eppolito submitted this article to the Bonanza on 12/06/10

A year ago our community discovered our high school teachers and administrators were divided because of IB.  Over the last year our community has become more divided by this issue.  Ibiv has made a sincere attempt to raise the funds for the programme, but the community has spoken.  At this point if one person donated $75,000 or three people donated $25,000 each it would be wrong to impose their will on the rest of us.  If the community was in support of IB the funds would not be an issue.

If IB is implemented as planned, our community will remain divided and we will probably be the first schools in the country where IB is forced K-8.  We are fortunate to have a community that supports education, and because of all the attention over the last year we are in the unique position to improve our schools IF we start working together.

If the District is receptive we have a small team of people who are ready to sit down and discuss how to improve achievement for all students.  For example, there is a way for IHS students to get the Advanced Placement International Diploma (APID) or the IB Diploma where we do not jeopardize any of our current programs, and do not force any ideology on our youngest students; all at a fraction of the cost of the District’s current plan.

We are at a critical juncture for our schools.  We have an incredible opportunity where the District, ibiv, and those of us who realize IB is not a good fit for Incline could work together, “to have one of the top educational systems in the country.”

12/16/10

Even when not forced on all students IB creates controversy,  In the article the principal was quoted as saying, "The district has investigated the IB program for two to three years, she noted, but had not applied to the program due to financial constraints."  INVESTIGATION is exactly what our task force recommended, but the District ignored the task force. 
http://www.easyreadernews.com/2010/12/redondo-beach-news/international-baccalaureate-redondo#comment-35997

Unlike WCSD this IB school does not hide what IB really is.

"PROGRESSIVE EDUCATION WITH AN INTERNATIONAL VIEW"

"Superior teaching enables the school to offer a liberal, progressive IB education, based on solid research and best practice, often using content drawn from the Barbados National Curriculum."

http://www.codrington.edu.bb/tcs/public/default.asp

Even if YOU like the ideology you must acknowledge the fact that FORCING this programme on all Incline students is problematic.

Writen by John Eppolito

1) Invitation only meeting 12/08/10 - Deputy Superintendent Martinez, Steve Hull, and other district officials attended; Mr. Morrison did not.  Someone in attendance wrote,
"The first hour and a half or so was about IB, implementation and there were about 3 or 4 women who were very inquisitive and asked some tough questions." 

2) Mr. Morrison called me about two hours before my open meeting 12/09/10, and he briefly attended the meeting. 
In summary:
   a) He will facilitate the two sides coming together.
http://myinclinevillage.com/2010/12/06/we-must-come-together-for-our-children.aspx
   b) He spoke about the time line and why IB in Incline was not a priority for him initially, but made it clear we have his attention now.
http://myinclinevillage.com/2010/12/04/time-line.aspx
    c) He explained his most recent comments on the Bill Manders show.  And said something to the effect, plans can change when new information is presented.

The task force member present said the district did not follow their recommendation and investigate IB.  Most agreed the lack of transparency is frustrating.  I pointed out forcing IB K-8 is problematic.  We gave Mr. Morrison some of our questions in writing.
http://myinclinevillage.com/2010/12/08/ib-questions-still-unanswered-120810.aspx

After Mr. Morrison left there was a lot of talk about community forums where everyone could ask questions and be heard.

Once EVERYONE in the community feels they can speak freely about IB, our community can reunite.  Then we can then we can focus our efforts on improving education for all children.

This is a response to Ms. Cooper’s articles in the Bonanza: 11/11/10 titled “More than half IHS students enrolled in AP classes this year”, and 11/18/10 titled
“Implementation of IB will proceed step by step.”

Let me start out by saying personally I like Stacey Cooper. My main concern is the education of my four children.  The spin in these articles is unfortunate because it is now clear that Ms. Cooper is here to provide more of the same one sided IB information we have come to expect from WCSD.
 
“More than half IHS students are enrolled in AP,” – this is a FALSE statement.  Of the 202 enrollments in AP classes, many students are in more than one AP class.  As of 11/17/2010 Ms. Cooper did not know how many students are enrolled in at least one AP class.  In 2009-10 it was 80 students, about 23%.

Ms. Cooper went on to say, “To have 138 students enrolled in pre-IB and 202 in AP shows me that the two programs can successfully co-exist.”  1) We probably have closer to 80 students in AP.  2) “Pre-IB” are the same honors classes we have had for several years.  The only thing that has changed is the name of the class.  3) As of 11/17/10 Ms. Cooper did not know how many students were enrolled in at least one pre-IB (honors) class.  This statement shows we can expect more WCSD one sided IB “spin” from her.

The revised master schedule referred to by Ms. Cooper is the 2011-12 schedule, but that one shouldn’t be much different than the schedule this year.  In 2012-13, IB classes must be added and by 2013-14 at least 10 new IB classes must be added to the already tight master schedule.  

We have been asking for the 2013-14 schedule since last year.
 
Ms. Cooper’s initial promise to our community was, “AP classes will not be affected by the implementation of IB.”  Now Ms. Cooper is saying, “Staff must evaluate which subject areas can foster simultaneous teaching of AP and IB subject matter.”  Fact - when the two are combined, the class becomes an IB class where the student can take the AP exam.

Some IB classes are two year classes.  According to one of the IHS teachers, he could teach the class in one year, but the IBO forces him to make the class last two years.   
 
To save We the People, the  Social Studies department will attempt to teach AP (college level) US History in 10th grade - then IB (college prep) 20th Century Topics in 11th grade.  Then AP WtP in 12th grade.  Because of IBO restrictions the easier IB class cannot be taught in 10th grade.  

IB diploma students can expect at least three hours of homework per night.  All this UN sponsored work for less credit at most colleges (including UNR) than AP.

Ms. Cooper stated it was “individuals in the community,” who said night classes would have to be offered for IB to work.  Fact - it was the vice Principal, Dr. Kevin Taylor, who said this.

SOLUTIONS –

IB just started offering the IB diploma online, www.pamojaeducation.com/courses.  WCSD’s optimistic estimate is only 15 students will get the IB diploma over the first two years.  The online IB diploma should be offered for the 7.5 students per year who want the IB diploma.  Then we would be able to keep our high school intact for the other 80 graduates per year: 16 AP classes, We the People, JROTC, AVID, sports, PLC’s, etc.  Students could get the AP International Diploma (APID) with no extra cost.  Then we could focus on K-8 because the current data shows our high school students are struggling in science, math and English.  

We could bring back a science teacher at the elementary level.  Add the Core Knowledge program K-7, and the SpringBoard program for 8th grade.  SpringBoard is developed to get more students into AP (college level) classes, not downgrade to IBDP (college prep).  Unlike IB both Core Knowledge and SpringBoard have research to show they can improve student performance. These programs cost a lot less than IB, and are not controversial.  This plan could work with little negative impact on current classes or programs.  

Name withheld upon request.

Dr. Morrison,

I am writing as a concerned parent in Incline Village.  I have been concerned for quite some time about the direction the district is taking with Incline but have not been overly vocal about my concerns, mainly because of the backlash that I would receive from your pro-IB cohorts in town. You have now gone too far. It is totally inappropriate for a superintendent to attend an "invitation only" meeting that concerns many more than those invited. This meeting is supposedly to discuss why Incline public schools are the right choice and how improving our schools, with programs like IB, will benefit the entire community. If this is true, then this meeting should be open to anyone in the community with a vested interest in the schools. You say you believe in being totally transparent. If so, why attend a meeting that is closed to most of this community? You are trying to cram a program down our throats that many in this community are unsure of or against and attending an exclusive meeting on the topic will only further alienate those of us not on your bandwagon. I have listened to you speak several times and have walked away unimpressed and with the feeling I just listened to a politician talk. Your decision to attend this meeting has only confirmed my feelings about you.

A concerned parent of two in Incline Village,

I received the email below from the Incline Jr. Boosters.  However, when I called to reserve a seat, I was told by Patrick Fleming that Nathan Hamilton did not feel this would be an appropriate meeting for me or my husband to attend.  So a mother with four children in Incline public schools, and a public school teacher, would not be an appropriate person to be at a meeting to discuss how improving our schools will benefit the entire community? 

 

Dr. Morrison claims to be transparent in his actions concerning WCSD, yet attends private parties to “discuss why Incline public schools are the right choice for our children and how improving our schools – with programs like IB – will benefit the entire community.”   If Dr. Morrison truly has the best interest of all Incline students, then this meeting would be a public meeting with a public agenda where all concerned taxpayers and residents could attend and share comments and/or ideas.

 

If this meeting has another agenda, then it should be made public as well.  Dr. Morrison “is taking the time to meet with the Incline community”, but Nathan Hamilton and Patrick Fleming get to choose who attends.  Why?  Who is in charge of our public schools?

 

If you are in support of improving the local public school system, then you must make your voice heard.  Let Dr. Morrison know that he must be held accountable to ALL residents of Incline, not just a select few.  Holding private meetings to discuss the future of our public schools is unacceptable.

Teresa Eppolito

Written response from ibiv. 12/08/10 8:10 AM

"John,

I am truly sorry for any inconvenience, but as I explained to your wife, Teresa, on the phone today,  the event at the Hamilton's home today is by invitation only. The e-mail which you received was an innocent mistake by the IMS Jr. Boosters as IBIV never was asked and never would have approved this invitation to be "massed e-mailed" through the Jr. Booster member list.  As you can understand our event space is very limited being held in a private home. Because we are over subscribed, we plan on video taping the event with the permission of WCSD. I would be happy to provide you a copy  of this tape if you would like.

 

I am aware that Nathan Hamilton also personally explained to you that you were not invited to his home for this evening's meeting and would appreciate your being respectful with regards to this matter.  

 

Regards,

Patrick Fleming"

------ Forwarded Message
From: Valerie the Vibe Goddess <valeriethevibegoddess@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 7 Dec 2010 09:35:11 -0800
To: Valerie the Vibe Goddess <valeriethevibegoddess@gmail.com>
Subject: Dr. Heath Morrison - Dec. 8th- Incline Schools Discussion Group

Aloha Friends-

Please join us for an informative evening with Dr. Heath Morrison.  An excellent public school system is vital to a  strong community.  So regardless of where we send our children to school, it is critical to support the local public school system in order for the entire community to thrive.  We hope to see you Wednesday. 

On Wednesday , December 8th at 5:00PM at 650 Lakeshore Blvd. (the Hamilton's home), Heath Morrison, superintendent of Washoe County schools will discuss why Incline public schools are the right choice for our children and how improving our schools – with programs like IB – will benefit the entire community.  Pedro Martinez, the WCSD Deputy Superintendent; Serena Robb, former principal at Wooster HS during their IB program implementation; and Stacey Cooper, Incline High School principal, will also be attending.  Dr. Morrison was recently named to Governor-elect Sandoval's Transition Advisory Team, so we are especially pleased that he is taking the time to meet with the Incline community.

Please let us know ASAP if we can reserve you a seat. Given that the meeting is during the dinner hour we will be serving healthy snacks and drinks.

Best regards,
Patrick Fleming
ph. 530-xxx-xxxx

 

IB Questions submitted to District

12/20/10

1) Will WCSD provide an option for parents who do not want their K-8 children in IB? 

2) IF no to #1, is there another district in the country where IB is FORCED on all students?

3) Why won’t IES provide IB lessons to parents before they are taught to our children?

4) The IB diploma is now offered online, http://www.pamojaeducation.com/courses.  Since the district estimates only 15 students will get the IB diploma over the first two years it is offered wouldn’t it make the most sense for IB students to do it online?

5) I have a ninth grader: 

            a) What EXACTLY is “pre-IB”? 

b) If I want my student to take the maximum number of AP classes why am I required to register them for “pre-IB”? 

6) Will the district continue to ignore the task force and skip the IB investigation stage?  OR, will Mr. Morrison allow Incline to explore ALL the implications of IB and allow an open IB discussion where teacher, parents, and administrators can speak freely BEFORE IB is implemented?

7) How much time do you estimate my child will spend on homework in 11th and 12th grade if she attempts to get the IB diploma?

8) Will the District provide tutoring/help with homework for IB students?

9) How much will the IB diploma cost me for my child?

10) Who will pay for the Spanish teachers when ibiv no longer raises funds?

11) Since the District is pushing IB in Incline, and PE is required for the PYP (elementary school IB) why do we need to raise money for a PE teacher?

12) Can we now raise money for a science teacher instead of a PE teacher? 

13) If no to #12 above can we use the money for the Spanish teachers to pay for a science teacher?

14) The rest of the developed world focus on math, science, and English, and research shows students who take more math and science classes make more money upon graduation; why does the District want Incline schools to focus on Spanish, French, and IB (liberal studies)?

15) Why did we reduce the amount of time the 5th graders spend on math this year?

16) My 6^th grade resource student is still having trouble with English; why is he required to take Spanish?

17) Why is my 8^th grader (who has never taken Spanish) in the same Spanish class as students who are bilingual and with students fluent in Spanish but deficient in English?

18) Can my gifted middle school student have the option to take more math and/or science instead of Spanish?

19) When will you provide us a high school master schedule showing how it will look with the IB Diploma, i.e. 2013-14 and beyond?  Will there be more than four “core” non-IB classes total for 11th and 12th graders?  Note for the IB diploma at least 10 IB “classes” including 3 IB HL (two year) classes must be added, for 11^th & 12^th graders, to our already tight master schedule.

20)  Which IBDP courses has the district selected to offer and where may we view the course guides?

21) Will any IB SL courses be spread over two years, such as Foreign Language?

22) Will TOK be taught over a two year period?

23) Will IHS have to offer ANY night classes to make the schedule work with IB?

24) Which IBDP courses will be SL and which will be HL?
25) How is Ms. Cooper going to keep her promise, "AP classes will not be affected by the implementation of IB?"

26) Exactly what straight AP classes will survive with IB?  If still not sure, when will we know?

27) Will the schedule allow for the JROTC candidates to get their IB diploma?

28) Will students be able to take We the People and obtain the IB diploma?  

29) Is drama the only course we lost at IHS this year? 

30) Will IHS only offer the three IB HL (2 yr. classes) required for the IB diploma?  Most colleges that accept IB only accept the HL classes, http://www.princeton.k12.oh.us/HighSchool.cfm?subpage=416

31) Since last school IHS offered all the classes students needed AP International Diploma (APID) will our graduates be able to get the APID now and in the future?

32) 182 (71%) of the D’s and F’s through the end of October at the high school are in math, the sciences, and English; will WCSD do anything to remedy this?  Because of disproportionate number of poor grades in these core subjects, shouldn’t we be focusing on math, the sciences, and English, not IB?  Many colleges focus only on grades earned in these core subjects.

33) With no K-12 principal how will we vertically integrate the curriculum, (i.e. address #32)?   

34) According to IB Unraveled (http://www.channelingreality.com/Niwa/IB_unraveled_040610.htm) the quintessential IB paper, IBO’s desire is to teach our students what to think, not how to think; what is the District official statement on forcing a UN ideology on all Incline students?

35) How can WCSD guarantee IBO the "long term" financial sustainability of IB in IV based on the Written Understanding between ibiv and the district as written? 

36) How many teachers, coordinators and principals have received IB training to date (Level 1) and how many more need to be trained in Levels 1, 2 & 3

37) On 11/23 on the Bill Manders show Mr. Morrison said Incline will only have “full IB implementation” if ibiv, “raises the funds,” what exactly does this mean, as ibiv is attempting to raise a total of $450,000 over the next three years, but the projected cost of IB is at least $4,300,000 for the first 10 years?  Who will ultimately pay for IB Incline or all of Washoe County?

38) According to the IBO website: “Before starting the application process to become an IB World School, the school conducts a feasibility study in which it analyses the IB philosophy, programme structure and requirements, compares its findings with the situation of the school and defines what needs to be done in order to implement the programme. The head of school or designee participates in an IB workshop to become familiar with the IB programme and the authorization process.”  Since per the IBO application states the feasibility study was skipped what will WCSD to fulfill this requirement?

39) Was IBO's "new" authorization process fee of $4,000 for the Consideration Phase skipped?  If not who paid it?  http://www.ibo.org/iba/become/newprocess/documents/DPAug-SeptEng_001.pdf

40) Has IHS filed Part B of the IB application yet, if yes when?  If not will they?

41) Has an IBO authorization visit been scheduled?  If yes, when will it take place?

42) Will IHS apply to be a dual MYP/DP school and file an entirely new application for Grades 9 & 10 since it is a separate campus from IMS?

43) IF no to 1 and 2, is WCSD concerned about a parent law suit?

Download | Duration: 00:04:10

Towards the end of the four minutes Mr. Morrison says, "BATTLE PLANS NEVER SURVIVE FIRST CONTACT WITH THE ENEMY."  Is Mr. Morrison saying, "those of us who realize IB is not a good fit for Incline, are enemy?"  You decide.  Without a doubt Mr. Morrison has created an environment where only the minority (the IB supporters) are heard by the District; therefore, he is not acting in the best interest of our children or our community.  

Mr. Morrison also said, "If we are going to fully implement this programme in IV, this independent group is going to raise the money."  EITHER THIS IS MISLEADING OR WE WILL NOT BE FULLY IMPLEMENTING IB; because ibiv is only attempting to raise a small fraction of the total IB cost.

Mr. Morrison also does not see what the problem is with the UN ideology.  THE PROBLEM IS - MOST OF US DO NOT WANT ANY IDEOLOGY FORCED ON OUR CHILDREN, ESPECIALLY THE UN's.

He went on to say he has tried to have conversations with us.  Fact - Mr. Morrison has done EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO SILENCE US, including killing the IB community forum.  This Superintendent DOES NOT
CARE ABOUT WHAT IS BEST FOR OUR COMMUNITY! 

Cost is over $4,000,000 for the first 10 years,
http://myinclinevillage.com/2010/08/18/incline-ib-costs-for-wcsd.aspx

IB Time line through 12/4/10

1)      May 2009 – the task force recommend we investigate IB.  Note - the community was falsely lead to believe the high school teachers wanted IB and the high school teachers were told there was “overwhelming support” in the community for IB.

2)      8/1/09 Mr. Morrison became Superintendent – IB investigation still has not started

3)      9/28/09 Mr. Morrison spoke to group in Incline and said something to the effect he could expedite the IB process because he knew IB people back east

4)      9/29/09 IBDP application submitted – stating a) IB will be paid for by WCSD, b) WCSD approved IB

5)      12/2/09 it became clear high school teachers were not in support of IB

6)      12/13/09 Mr. Eppolito emailed Mr. Morrison and high school teachers in an attempt to determine why the teachers did not support IB.

7)      1/11/10 It became public knowledge teachers not in support of IB had been threatened with transfers, http://www.tahoebonanza.com/article/20100111/NEWS/100109945/1061&parentprofile=1050

8)     January 2010 we started first petition to slow IB down, and start the investigation stage

9)     February 2010 Mr. Morrison told Mr. Eppolito IB would not be FORCED on any Incline students.  He was wrong IB is being FORCED on all students K-8 - as of 12/4/10 we don’t know if will be FORCED on all students 9-12.

10)   February 2010 District killed the community forum at the 11^th hour by: changing the rules, silencing our first three choices for panel members, and completely banning one of our panel members from participating

11)   3/29/10 IB PYP application submitted – stating 1) IB will be paid for by WCSD 2) WCSD approved IB

12)   3/30/10 IB MYP application submitted – stating 1) there was no feasibility study done, 2) WCSD would pay for IB 3) WCSD approved IB

13)   3/31/10 – Mr. Harry Haaser local retired principal and task force member reminds community, IB investigation stage has been skipped, http://www.tahoebonanza.com/article/20100331/NEWS/100339982

14)   4/7/10 The District answered about half of our questions

15)   5/1/10 We started second petition saying, “IB is not a good fit for Incline” started with a goal of 200

16)   5/14/10 cease and desist request delivered to me forbidding Mr. Eppolito from emailing any District employee including school board members.

17)   May 2010 Mr. Jay Mathews email to Incline parent, “I would not recommend a school dump AP if that program is thriving.  The latest numbers from your AP program show great participation rate and a passing rate of 64 percent, which is just about perfect…”

18)   5/27/10 Mrs. Lisa McLoughlin informs the school board, “I am compelled to inform you that the situation in Incline Village is the ugliest, most egregious and controversial attempt to force IB into a public school system that I have witnessed to date.”

19)   6/25/10 Mr. Morrison “backs out” of IB meeting scheduled for a few of us against IB, a couple board members, and a couple from the Superintendent’s office.  Then Mr. Eppolito backs out too.
20)   7/1/10 Mr. John Clark local high school principal, and task force member tells the community, the week he retires - “I have my reservations regarding IB.  I think it's being rushed here.  “The majority of teachers do not like IB. They do not want it.”
 http://www.tahoebonanza.com/article/20100701/NEWS/100639992&parentprofile=search

20)   7/8/10 meeting takes place without Mr. Morrison or Mr. Eppolito.  Mr. Martinez’s repetitive line was, “we are not here to discuss IB.”  Mr. Carne’s (board member) line was, “IB is coming to Incline.”   

21)   8/24/10 second petition saying, IB is not a good fit for Incline with over 300 signatures delivered to school board by 14 of us holding signs saying, "IB is NOT a good fit for Incline" video available,
mms://207.197.113.247/08-24-2010_RB_DSL

http://www.washoe.k12.nv.us/community/events-calendar/08-24-2010/regular-board-meeting

22)   9/23/10 Mr. Jerry Chris submits letter saying, “an official feasibility study is not part of the application required by the IBO.”

23)   9/28/10 WCSD approves IB – see 4, 11, and 12 above.

24)   11/6/10 From another Incline parent, “It was great to talk with last week and Teresa regarding a possible cocktail event at my home to discuss IB.  As I stated to you it is my hope to find some common ground between the "anti IB" group and with Washoe County School District officials, i.e. Heath.”

25)   11/22/10 Mr. Eppolito's responds to cocktail event request, “If the goal is to do what is best for our kids, everything needs to be put on the table and everyone needs to be heard.  If Mr. Morrison would allow an open and honest public IB debate where I could be involved I would be happy to participate.  Thanks again but I must decline such a meeting.”

26)   11/23/10 In the four minute audio clip (link below) Mr. Eppolito questioned Mr. Morrison on Bill Mander’s show and Mr. Morrison says: 1) “BATTLE PLANS NEVER SURVIVE FIRST CONTACT WITH THE ENEMY.”  2) "If we are going to fully implement this programme in Incline Village, this independent group is going to raise the money." 3) “I don’t know when the UN became something that is automatically a negative.”  http://myinclinevillage.com/2010/11/27/mr-morrison--mr-glick-on-bill-manders-112310part-2.aspx

27)   12/4/10 second petition up to 324 (mostly locals) - 162% of our goal.  The IB supporter’s petition was up to 65 signatures.  Investigation stage still hasn’t happened.

Download | Duration: 00:03:00

Mr. Glick said IB will not decrease need for remedial classes at UNR.  Mr. Morrison left out the fact that he also ingored the task force and skipped the investigation stage.  Note - Most colleges including UNR only give credit for IB HL (two year) classes.
http://www.tahoebonanza.com/article/20100331/NEWS/100339982&parentprofile=search

IB just started offering the IB diploma online, http://www.pamojaeducation.com/courses.  Since WCSD’s optimistic estimate is only 15 students will get the IB diploma over the first two years.  The online IB diploma should be offered for the 7.5 students per year who want the IB diploma.  Then we would be able to keep our high school intact for the other 80 graduates per year: 16 AP classes, We the People, JROTC, AVID, sports, PLC’s, etc.  Students could get the AP International Diploma (APID) with no extra cost.  Then we could focus on K-8 because the current research shows our high school students are struggling in, science, math and English. 

We could drop IB, (and keep the UN ideology away from our youngest children) and bring back a science teacher at the elementary and middle school level.  Add the Core Knowledge program K-7, and the SpringBoard program for 8^th grade.  SpringBoard is developed to get more kids into AP (college level) classes, not downgrade to IBDP (college prep.)  Unlike IB both Core Knowledge and SpringBoard have research to show they can improve student performance.  They cost a lot less than IB, and are not controversial.  This plan could work with little negative impact on current classes or programs. 

United nations meeting Global Government, webcast 1 minute
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9q50K1j4XIA 

Allen Quist - Global Education/Global Government at the Door
http://www.edwatch.org/updates10/051610-globalgovw.htm

UNESCO Chair Admits Organization Was Founded To Push Global Governance
http://www.infowars.com/unesco-chair-admits-organization-was-founded-to-push-global-governance/

Edwatch, - International Baccalaureate: A Major Movement to Change Students' Values
http://www.crossroad.to/articles2/08/ed-watch/2-18-ibo.htm

Crossroad –  Quotes and Excerpts The IB Programme

http://www.crossroad.to/Quotes/Education/global-citizenship/ib.htm

 

Pamela has written a lot on Judge Napolitano's blog.  Here is a link to all her comments, she posts as Children 1st,
http://freedomwatch.uservoice.com/forums/16625-freedom-watch-show-ideas/suggestions/178041-the-international-baccalaureate-program-in-schools

Here are some direct quote's from Pamela in some of these quotes she is responding to someone else.  Warning - after seeing IB for several years her comments are very one sided - only read her quotes if you still have an open mind about IB.

"When it comes to the IB it pays for parents to listen to another parent who has been INSIDE that system and already knows what it is really about."

"This is a standard method of operation with the IB. The IBO starts with making false statements about unfounded excellence in "education." Those false promises eventually pit parents into different camps against each other. The dire hope is that all those parents looking into the IB will continue to focus on those "non-related" issues they threw out so parents would get the focus OFF of what the IB IS really about."

"Just like all these other citizens speaking out against the IB.....I have NOTHING to GAIN from speaking out against the IB."

"This is also why they have to accomplish indoctrinating a 'majority' of the 'parents' FIRST."

"Those indoctrinated parents become the IB attack dogs FOR the UN to carry off the dirty work the IBO needs help with to silence anyone who dares to utter the truth about IB."

"Sadly Incline Village is the personification of all those community destroying battles against IB that never make the front page."

"This is where you educate YOURSELF...you look into the UN agendas and you learned them, so that YES you will see they are infiltrated into EVERY class discussion and EVERY IB assignment. The truth will be undeniable when you truly know UN agendas."

"Indeed...what do ANY of those targets of those IB agendas have to do with real academics? The mere labels of these IB 'profiles' say it all.. these are 'BEHAVIOR' profiles. Parents need to think HARD about what this really means. When a program is based upon nothing but targeting children's 'behavior and beliefs' using hardcore manipulative psychological tools...we will indeed see what you just described...that is every area they target has to do with 'areas of targeting behavior and mental manipulations' and nothing to do with teaching these kids the core materials of a real education."

"Especially when that 'profile' is being created to do nothing more then to target your kids beliefs for areas the IB wants to change to the beliefs of the UN. The sad reality is that the better these kids do on these 'profiles' means the more that kid has accepted the UN agendas."
 
"If I had to do it again...I would have never allowed them NEAR my precious child. I did see the threat early on and this is what I did with my kid to keep them out of her mind set as much as I could."
 
"Dr. Vardy, a keynote speaker for an IBO Conference held in Hanoi ( 2006) had what he found to be key points to share when speaking on the topic of IB enforced 'values' education. Dr. Vardy, made the points that 'Any viewpoint that would teach good verses evil, right verses wrong, and specifically the "American Way" was deemed as dangerous.'
Dr. Vardy also equated Christianity as a type of fundamentalism equal to radical Islamic Fundamentalism. For the Pro-IB parents who would think this must be some Anti-IB propaganda... this comes from the IBO themselves. The full text of Dr. Vardy's presentation can be found at: http://www.ibo.org/ibap/conference/2006regionalconf.cfm...
What are the targets of this so-called "values" based agenda of the IB?
1. Ethics and values
2. Issues of truth
3. Religious beliefs...
Further, please tell me if ANY of those targets of these IB 'value' agendas have ANYTHING to do with teaching our children the core basics of an 'academic' education?"
 
"The purpose of education is NOT for the government, OR the IB, to delve into our children's morality, values, sex life, religion, or beliefs of any kind. It is to teach basic core academic 'skills'. Not preach their versions of morality, their side of truth, their preferences for a nonexistent religion, or any of those non-academic areas."
 
"There is a very good reason why IB students say, 'I..BS...therefore IB.'"

"It doesn't matter how a kid FEELS about math or science...it only matters that they learn the proper tools and skills needed for those subjects."

"Indeed, I became a stiff thorn in the side of this insane program because they were trying their best to NOT give my child a REAL education in academics. Many times my kid was the only one who did an alternative project that taught her a real skills instead of spoon feeding a UN agenda into her head. In higher levels it got even worse. They threw all the kids into mindless herd thinking 'groups' for major projects that constituted a majority of the grade for that class. In those 'groups' my kid was out voted for her own end results regardless of her proof.. and she was forced to give answers that went against her own researched findings for that project. THAT is the IB...you can expect the 'opposite' from everything they alleged this program offers. There is NO free thinking allowed in IB, no TRUE individuality or creativity...the IB will pick the subject for your kid...while they give them a list (that IB created) to make them "think" they had free will. Then for that same IB controlled subject they will also let your kid know the answer they EXPECT. That answer is always promoting the socialist UN agendas."

"I want it noted that I take full responsibility for falling for the lies of 'excellence' that the IB stated this program offered. It is a decision I will regret for the rest of my life and a decision I have had to work double time on in re-educating my child because of her being in this program that messed with her mind set and beliefs nonstop. I made a horrible decision on her behalf when I let IB into our lives...Since I pulled my child from her IB school and she has been taking AP she has been working with real teachers who remember what a real academic curriculum consists of. I have seen what she can do when given the right tools and it is far higher then the limitations of what the IB did to her real abilities. She loves school again...most importantly she is enjoying just being a kid WHILE she is a kid."

"This program is not only ineffective in giving our kids a REAL education..but IF this program is followed 'exactly as it is designed' then it is indeed a real threat to the very mind set of our children, our bonds with our children, the beliefs we want our children to have..."

"In Kindergarten when they 'tried' to 'require' that my kid make a poster worshipping the earth instead of God."

"They brought in the UN environmental agendas for every class....regardless of how unrelated those core subjects were to those environmental agendas. To make those agendas fit the teachers continued to appear more and more inept.  It was a constant battle..I had to make the schools give alternative choices to my child for many homework assignments that had NOTHING to do with real academics."

"As I just shared.... this program is not just for 'school hours'... it is intended to be ALL inclusive into our personal lives at HOME. IF we let it...the IB will take over our child's entire life."

"This is the defining reason WHY the IB is an indoctrination program and NOT a true education. The whole intent of this program is to CONSUME the child's ENTIRE life...including how ever much TIME they can encroach into that child's life OUTSIDE of school hours. They do this by using all the methods that John just promoted..by using useless TIME consuming projects like CAS, BS bloated projects that only further the UN agendas into that child's life (outside of the school) and well into OUR time with our kids at home... Thus instead of having time for "family" the IB is all consuming of our kid by design."
 
"For the last year our IB high school would ADMIT IB graduating results...the final tally went like this. 84% of IB students FAILED to get the IB diploma. Again, we are talking about hand PICKED students who were noted to be high achieving students."

"In terms of cost...you want to use FORCE there too...via forcing ALL tax payers to pay for a program that is inferior to a program we can use for FREE."

"A few years ago there was a growing movement to get rid of the IB in my district."

"Nonetheless, the IB is VERY good at scamming schools and parents. I'll give them that."

"Then it took getting out of IB and into AP to see how much they LIED. I can only say that was the BEST decision I have made yet for her education."

"Indeed, the IB cannot back up these bigger-then-life statements they continue to tell parents because they are LIES. A slick marketing scheme..that's all IB is...The real END RESULTS of this program are indeed MISSING everywhere we look."

"Whatever it takes do NOT let IB get IN.  It is much harder to remove it once they get a strong hold on that district then it is to stop it from getting in."

"The IB cannot get in unless they use deceit, manipulations, and a lot of behind CLOSED doors meetings. Therefore the public is ambushed after a lot of the work has already been done behind their backs to leave them with no choice. Once they brainwash the school the rest is left up to that school to then convince the parents of what a "great" program this is. Why wouldn't the school take such a stance after being a part of such deceit? To admit they met behind closed doors and fell for unsubstantiated falsehoods about the 'superiority' of a program would then put the wrath of the public on THEM. Rightfully so too. If the shoe fits..let them wear IT. The IBO doesn't do anything on the 'up and up, because the whole program is a scam designed to hide a carefully crafted indoctrination program that is indeed treasonous to the very sovereignty of not just 'this country' but for every country they get these schools into."
 
"The IB is showing it's TRUE colors. Signing on Terror High, aligning themselves with the Aga Khan Development Network...and putting the ISLAMIC face on the IB curriculum."

"They do NOT want to cough up the actual figures of all these kids they have FAILED in which they cannot get them to pass their own program to gain the IB diploma. Our old IB schools is still missing 12 years of IB graduating stats. What's even more pathetic is the stats they DO reveal are HORRIBLE. So I shudder to think of what those 12 missing years of stats will reveal when I finally get my hands on them. Yet they "still" deem the IB as a success????"

"For many of these gifted kids this program boils down to nothing but an insult to their intelligence."

"As I said the largest cheerleading Mom for IB in our area still has NO clue her own kid is now agnostic. Her Mother is so rabid for IB there is no way she would allow any connection to be made if she did know. How do I know...that kid is still one of my kids best friends. She even laughs at her mothers ignorance...while not getting what IB has already done to her own family."

"What happened to Incline Village is a travesty! As a parent who has seen the devastation of this insane program in existing schools my heart goes out to all parents there. We truly do need to form a coalition of parents who are willing to travel and assist parents who are in these fights to even the score. IB is collecting millions each year, they have the UN on their side, and even our own school officials when they are bamboozled by the lies of IB. Thus the informed parent who decides to go after IB needs their own coalition of informed citizens right by their side. I am wanting to mount my own fight here and I know it will be an uphill battle because the IB does a whammy on indoctrinating the parents too. So I will not just be facing the embedded IB zealot officials who will fly in their talking heads..I will be facing parents I used to know as friends. This is what IB does to our communities...it tears them apart...turning them into sides then usually end up in bitter disputes. The best thing an informed parent has on their side today is the horrible economy we are facing. Indeed, with horrific budget shortfalls they will be looking to bring the ax down wherever they can in education to stay afloat. The absolute best place to start is with all IB schools."

"As the years progressed the damages I witnessed in IB students were more pronounced in many of these kids they were allowed to have unlimited access to."

"The IB is a threat to our kids because it's an indoctrination program intended to change the beliefs of our students via incessant repetition in EVERY class, for EVERY subject for years and years. The intent is to force these kids to memorize the UN agendas with the end goal of wanting those kids to then take ON the UN agendas as their OWN agendas in our future."

"IB even takes all ownership of the child's work to use in whatever future marketing scheme they can dream up next. Even the test are NOT graded in the US by Americans. Therefore parents and students are left with NO recourse should they try to find out why an IB test was graded a certain way...IB is ALL about targeting our kids BELIEFS and CORE VALUES."

"The average cost PER school each year is $200,000. There really is nothing more insulting then to find out our taxes are being used to brainwash our own kids into turning them against their own families, their faith, their core values and their OWN country in the future."

"Ever wonder what they really mean by those 'rigors' of IB John? Let me give you an example of IB 'teaching methods.' The IB takes the LONGEST route to teach basic core materials because they cannot just teach the core components...oh no... all the BS indoctrination of IB is mandated by the IBO to be incorporated and infiltrated into EVERY subject."

"The AP does not have the incessant UN agenda shoved into the AP materials. Here's the difference..For an IB project..IB students are told to go paint a large room with a TOOTHBRUSH. Worse, the IB students are made to contemplate what it FEELS like to be the toothbrush, and they are also to contemplate that the toothbrush doesn't even exist... Meanwhile, the AP student is given a PAINT brush and a PAINT roller. They are shown proper painting 'techniques'. The AP teacher doesn't care what the student thinks about how an inanimate object feels or if it exits. They just want the kid to learn a tangible skill of painting and they give that kid the best tools needed to do the job well. Meaning those kids are given the RIGHT tools to do the job correctly and efficiently. Not shocking... The AP kid is already done painting their entire room with the large roller brush..while the IB kid is still sitting there contemplating how the toothbrush feels or if it even exist. Meanwhile the IB student is not learning any real skills, thus far they are not getting any real work done either. Why? They were given the wrong tools to do the job with from the start. Then instead of getting real directions they were sent off on a wild goose chase filled with psychological BS. By thew time they get to the tedious work of trying to paint a large room with a toothbrush they are sleep deprived....mentally wiped out. yes, some finally get the room painted..but what skill did they really learn?
These are the types of 'teaching methods' they are masquerading behind those 'rigors' of IB. This is why the IB takes the longest route in every subject they teach...using the seemingly worse tools. What's pathetic is when we find out it is ALL by DESIGN. They purposefully use the wrong tools and they purposefully take these kids off on a wild tangent. Why? Indoctrination and brain washing does take a heck of a lot longer then just teaching materials that are not intended to threaten the core values of the student."

"Same parent had two kids...one in IB and one in AP... the one in IB was NOT allowed to transfer more then 8 credits earned in IB while the one in AP was granted almost two FULL years of college credits to put under their belt."
 
"It is one thing to tell parents the truth... if they opt for IB the kid will belong to that program. Quite another to tell them the BS lines of this being the so-called 'best' EDUCATIONAL program. IT is the best INDOCTRINATION program out there."

"It starts with our kids. If the UN is allowed to infest the minds of our kids in US schools to the extent of making them future 'global' citizens who will be loyal to the 'UN'...then our country does not stand a chance of remaining sovereign in the future. My kid was in an IB school. I know first hand how anti-American and threatening this program really is. This program is a threat to a child's very mindset because it specifically targets the beliefs, morals, and values of our families.  It needs to be abolished..."

Some people have their theories.  Below is an email chain between John Eppolito and Jim Clark.  On 11/22/10 Jim told John one of his (John's) facts were wrong but he would not reply to John's most recent email (top).

Jim,

I have offered to sit down with you on more than one occasion and share with you my research on why IB is not a good fit for Incline; to date you have declined such a meeting.  There are many problems with your response below; I will attempt to clarify some of your misconceptions.

1)      Since WCSD is FORCING all four of my children to participate in this UN sponsored programme, I refuse to “wait and see what develops.”

2)      I am not “attempting to smear the program with the UN,” as you state.  Fact - IB is a UN sponsored programme.  The question is why would a “conservative” like you insist on forcing all Incline students into a UN sponsored programme?  IB and UNESCO share a building in Switzerland.  Here are a few articles to prove the connection from IBO’s and UNESCO’s own websites, and the quintessential IB document – IB Unraveled

• http://www.ibo.org/partnerships/governments/ 
• http://www3.unesco.org/iycp/Report/IBO.pdf
• http://www.truthaboutib.com/images/IB_Unraveled_3.28.10_Niwa.pdf

3)      Other task force members including but probably not limited to: John Clark, Harry Haaser, Bill Horn, Mary Blount, and Lionel Prober, do not agree with you.  They either say the vote was to “investigate” IB not implement it, and/or WCSD wanted IB from the beginning but would not answer any of the difficult IB questions, and/or District employees were pressured into voting yes.  Reading the task force minutes it is clear the District suggested IB three times before task force members knew what IB was.  Here is what three well respected members of our community and the task force, two of whom are educators have to say:  

Harry Haaser sent me via email and what he told the Bonanza:

• http://myinclinevillage.com/2010/07/14/harry-hasser-email-to-john-eppolito-31212.aspx
• http://www.tahoebonanza.com/article/20100331/NEWS/100339982&parentprofile=search

Bill Horn had me present the following to the school board on his behalf:

• http://myinclinevillage.com/2010/07/14/bill-horn-email-to-john-eppolito-2910-to-present-to-wcsd-school-board.aspx

            John Clark told the Bonanza the week he retired, “A majority of teachers do not like IB.  They do not
            want it."

• http://www.tahoebonanza.com/article/20100701/NEWS/100639992&parentprofile=search

Over the last six months we have asked the District several times for the total cost of IB in Incline.  Since they never answered we asked the biggest IB proponent in the country and she estimated the cost for Incline IB to be between $4,300,000 and $6,000,000 for the first 10 years,

• http://myinclinevillage.com/2010/08/18/incline-ib-costs-for-wcsd.aspx

Your plan to, “wait and see how this develops,” is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard a supposed “conservative” say.  How long do you suggest we wait?  It has taken years to get our AP program where it is, and for the schedule to work with JROTC, We the People, sports, AVID, and 16 AP classes - all with only 350 students.  For IB we will have to add the 10 new IB classes by the 2013-14 school year.  If your grandkids were FORCED into this programme would you still want to “wait?”  Mr. Morrison told me in February, 2010 not all IES students would be required to take IB, he was wrong.  In Incline all K-8 students will be required to take IB.  WCSD will not answered our question, “are there ANY other students in country FORCED into IB or will Incline’s students be the first?”  Jim, there have already been several lawsuits related to IB, even when it is not forced on all students.   

Once IB is implemented any dispute with IBO is, “settled by one arbitrator in accordance with the Swiss Rules of International Arbitration of the Swiss Chambers of Commerce. The seat of the arbitration shall be Geneva, Switzerland.”  With IB we are giving up local control of our main educational programme to the IBO in Switzerland.

There are many other problems with IB in Incline, it would be best if you educated yourself on these issues, BEFORE you tarnish your reputation as a conservative.  Again, I’ll be glad to help educate you.  Fact - in Incline IB will be FORCED on all students K-8.  Since you say, “The GOP stands for educational choice,” as a local GOP leader / representative you must denounce IB, because IB in Incline eliminates choice.  My wife is a Democrat but she realizes this programme is not a good fit for Incline, and she feels the District should not FORCE any ideology on our children.

As long as Mr. Morrison and Ms. Cooper only present one side I will continue to present just the other side. 

As long as Mr. Morrison will not follow the task force recommendation and “investigate” IB I will continue with my own investigation and continue to publish my findings at www.MyInclineVillage.com.

 

John

Mr. Eppolito:

 

I received your email and I simply do not understand why you are attempting to derail International Baccalaureate (IB) in Incline by trying to tie it to the UN.  The curriculum at Incline Schools is prescribed by the State of Nevada as implemented by the Washoe County School District.  You are attempting to equate an initial UN sponsorship of the program with everything bad about the UN and that fails the logic test.  You are also attempting to politicize it by suggesting that all Republicans should despise the UN.

 

While many aspects of the UN are repugnant there was no attempt to withdraw from the UN during the Reagan Administration, the George H. W. Bush Administration and most importantly during the first six years of the George W. Bush Administration when Republicans held the White House and control of both the House and Senate.  Things like the World Court and commissions on human rights pose tremendous disadvantages to the US but, fractured as it may be the Security Council at least posed some threat to Iran's nuclear ambitions;  in general most Republicans are unwilling to throw the baby out with the bath water when it comes to the UN, particularly as long as the US can decline to join in its more ridiculous endeavors.

 

The initial proposal for IB was by a unanimous vote of the 23 member Incline Schools Task Force which consisted of Incline principals. teachers, students and community members (including myself).  Then Superintendent Paul Dugan accepted the recommendation and contributed $5000 to the endeavor.  Granted school district administrators' squabble with former Principal John Clark caused a lot of confusion and ill will but that was before Superintendent Morrison was hired.  Morrison endorsed IB for Incline having had a great deal of experience with the program in Maryland.  Subsequently a Washoe County school board consisting of three Republicans, two Democrats and two independents unanimously ratified the decision.  So the people we elect and the people they hire to make these decisions have done so.  For me that's the end of it at least until a trial period is over.

 

This is not a partisan political issue and your attempting to smear the program with the UN is misleading.

 

Last Thursday the Bonanza reported that more than half the Incline High School student body, 202 students, are enrolled in advanced placement classes and 40%, 138 students, are enrolled in pre-I.B. classes.  Principal Stacey Cooper is quoted as saying that "the two programs can successfully co-exist" and that "students can take IB classes in preparation for AP tests."  Looks like she's doing a great job.

 

The GOP stands for educational choice for parents and students. I.B. is, at present, one aspect of educational choice since no one is forced to participate.  We are fortunate to have able and enthusiastic administrators at all three schools, a supportive superintendent and a forward-looking school board.

 

Why don't you wait and see how this develops?

 

Jim Clark

Jim,

It is too bad you were not at the Republican Women’s luncheon yesterday. 

How do you feel about the 31 Republican senators who oppose the United Nations Children’s Rights Convention?  If you agree with these 31 Republican leaders it is a conflict for you to support a UN sponsored programme IB for Incline schools. 

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20014613-503544.html

You are giving this IB programme the "cover it needs" to FORCE it's UN ideology onto all of our students in Incline.  The supporters quote you when they say IB is not sponsored by the UN even though it is,

http://myinclinevillage.com/2010/07/16/even-jay-matthews-admits-colleges-give-more-credit-for-ap.aspx

If you are going to support IB know what you are supporting; better yet figure out what it is then announce once you looked deeper into it you decided it goes against your conservative beliefs.  Would you like to meet?

John

Students can now get their IB diploma online, even Ms. Cooper (high school principal) said we should look into this.
 
Since WCSD only estimates 15 IHS students over the first two years will obtain an IB diploma, wouldn't it make the most sense to have the 7.5 students per year get the IB diploma online?  Then we can keep everything that is good about our high school intact for the other 80 graduates per year!

http://www.pamojaeducation.com/