Dexter High School Officials Propose Curriculum for International Baccalaureate Program

In preparation for implementing its International Baccalaureate Diploma Program next year, officials presented several course offerings to the Dexter Community Schools Board of Education on Monday.

"Dexter High School staff, who will be teaching the courses, in collaboration with our IB coordinator, have developed these courses that blend the requirements of IB with our local expertise," DHS Principal Kit Moran told the school board Monday. "The courses will give us a minimal IB course offering so that students can take courses in all areas required in the program."

The IB diploma program is a rigorous two-year pre-university educational program, geared toward high school juniors and seniors, that helps students enrolled in classes develop critical-thinking, independent learning and research skills. Upon completion, students earn college credit.

Kim Lund, IB coordinator for Dexter, said 160 freshmen have indicated interest in IB classes.

Moran said that in order to achieve an International Baccalaureate diploma, students are required to complete six classes in six subject areas: language and literature, language acquisition, individuals and societies, experimental sciences, arts, and computer science. In addition, students must enroll in the IB program's Theory of Knowledge class, write an extended essay and complete several hours of community service.

Classes offered for the 2012-13 school year include English, French, Spanish, Psychology, World History, Biology, Chemistry, Math Studies, Film Studies and Theory of Knowledge, among others.

Film class prompts discussion

Trustee Julie Schumaker expressed concern with the Film Studies course, which is targeted to students who have an interest in "studying and critiquing the creation of film." Throughout the course, students will review films from the 1920s through 2011.

Schumaker said she would like to see the IB program adhere to the district's policy on age-appropriate films.

"I think if there are going to be rated-R films shown, parents should be allowed to decide whether or not that's acceptable for their children," she said. "If it's not, there should be an accommodation in place for that child who still wishes to take the class."

Lund said films such as Pulp Fiction, an R-rated movie, that are listed in the class' proposed curriculum could be substituted or removed before the class is approved by the Board of Education.

Superintendent Mary Marshall said the curriculum council will review and bring recommendations for the proposed classes to the board at its Dec. 19 meeting.

Board Vice President Michael Wendorf suggested that a list of the proposed classes should be posted on the district's website for parents to review.

For more information on the IB program, visit the Dexter Community Schools' website, dexterschools.org.