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Lisa Currie

Journey to Authorization, Becoming an IB School

Updated: Apr 1

Project Context:


Challenge: Public charter middle school seeks to differentiate its program by becoming an IB MYP accredited school, requiring a new pedagogical approach and curriculum overhaul.


Project Duration: 8 Months





Measurable Goals:

  • Implement a comprehensive MYP curriculum adapted to district standards with completion of curriculum documents.

  • Train teachers obtaining and providing training materials and workshops to effectively deliver the MYP curriculum.

  • Achieve authorization from the IBO: Complete a self-study report and successfully undergo the authorization visit.


Successful Outcomes:

  • Achieved authorization as an IB MYP World School on February 2017.

  • MYP curriculum implementation in designated grades/subjects.

  • Completed self-study report meeting IBO standards through collaborative effort.

  • Positive stakeholder feedback on the MYP program.

Challenges & Lessons Learned:

  • Adapting MYP to existing district curriculum and standards.

  • Equipping and encouraging new teachers with MYP skills.


Project Scope:

Deliverables:

  • MYP curriculum documents

  • Teacher training materials

  • Assessment plan and tools

  • Self-study report

  • IBO authorization

Milestones:

  • Needs assessment completion

  • MYP team established

  • Implementation plan finalized

  • Curriculum development

  • Teacher training completion

  • Self-study report submission

  • Successful IBO authorization visit

Exclusions:

  • Ongoing curriculum updates

  • Professional development beyond initial training

  • School infrastructure upgrades

  • MYP program marketing

Project Planning & Execution:

  • Methodology: Phased Approach with Agile principles for flexibility.

Team Structure:

  • IB MYP Implementation Project Manager

  • Steering Committee (strategic direction)

  • MYP Implementation Team (curriculum & training)

Risk Management:

  • Potential risks: curriculum development delays, teacher training challenges, or IBO requirement changes.

  • Mitigation plan: alternative curriculum strategies, additional training sessions, and clear communication with the IBO.

Schedule & Budget:

  • Defined milestones with budget allocation for each phase.

  • Costs include curriculum development, training materials, self-study report preparation, and potential IBO visit expenses.

  • Regular monitoring and adjustments as needed.

Communication Plan:

  • Stakeholders: School administration, teachers, parents, students, and the IBO.

  • Channels: Meetings, workshops, email, newsletters, project website (if applicable).

  • Frequency & Content: Tailored communication for each stakeholder group.

  • Emphasis: Clear updates, progress reports, challenges, and opportunities for feedback.

Metrics & KPIs:

  • Teacher participation in MYP training.

  • Student engagement and satisfaction surveys/focus groups.

  • Student performance in MYP assessments.

  • Enrollment numbers after authorization.

Impact & Benefits:

  • Enhanced curriculum and student learning experience.

  • Improved teacher professional development.

  • Enhanced school reputation and wider student appeal.

  • Fostered collaboration among teachers, parents, and students.

Conclusion & Recommendations:

  • Achieved authorization as an IB MYP World School on February 19, 2017.

  • Positive feedback highlights the program's initial success.

Recommendations:

  • Regular curriculum review cycle to ensure alignment with student needs and IBO requirements.

  • Ongoing professional development for teachers.

  • Foster a school culture embracing the MYP philosophy.

  • Explore expanding the program to other grades/subjects.


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