Welcome to the IB Program at Tigard High School

Tigard High is proud to be able to offer the world renowned IB Program to our students.   The International Baccalaureate is acknowledged around the world for providing challenging programs and rigorous assessment through high quality curriculum for over forty years.

IB is an integrated program of study which emphasizes concurrency of learning, internationalism,  academic integrity, breadth and depth of study, and education of the whole person.  Originally designed in 1967 as a course of study for international schools, the excellence of the IB has been proven and accepted by more than 113 countries.

We hope this IB website will continue to be a resource for parents and students to learn more about the IB program at Tigard High.  It is important to stay in contact with Mr. Teschner regarding your plans for an IB Diploma/Certificate to make sure that all requirements are being met in order to graduate with either an IB Diploma or IB Certificate.

 
Entering the IB Program:

Full Diploma candidates will enroll with the IB office during forecasting for sophomore year. IB Certificate candidates will enroll with the IB Office during forecasting for junior year. ALL students are allowed to enroll in the IB Program as long as they meet the prerequisites. With few exceptions, all IB coursework must be completed during the junior and senior years.

2 Pathways in the IB Program

• IB Diploma
• IB Certificate

 
The IB Diploma Students must successfully complete:

1.  At least one course (including the internal and external assessments) in each of the six subject groups
2.  3-4 Higher Level courses (in depth two year courses)
3.  2-3 Standard Level courses (less demanding one year courses)
4.  The Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course
5.  The Extended Essay, which is an in-depth study of a limited topic chosen by the student not to exceed 4000 words
6.  Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) of at least 150 hours over two years.

Students may receive up to one year of college credit and advanced standing based on their Diploma score.

The IB Diploma is awarded by The International Baccalaureate Organization, Geneva, Switzerland

The IB Certificate Students must successfully complete:

1. The internal and external assessments of up to seven courses in any of the six subject groups in standard or higher level.

Students may choose to apply for college credit or advanced standing based on their Certificate scores.

The IB Certificate is awarded by The International Baccalaureate Organization, Geneva, Switzerland 

Requirements for an IB Diploma

The IB Diploma Program requires the successful completion of four basic componants:

1.  Comprehensive Curriculum

IB Diploma students complete most state high school requirements during grades 9 & 10.  Juniors and Seniors study six subjects each of which require a comprehensive exam administered in May.

2.  Theory of Knowledge Class (TOK)
TOK is a required course for IB diploma candidates.

The goal of this course is to develop an awareness of how knowledge is constructed, critically examined, evaluated and renewed by communities and individuals. It is to encourage an interest in the diversity of ways of knowing and thinking and an awareness of personal and ideological assumptions.

This course is open to 12th grade students. 11th grade IB Diploma candidates may be enrolled if room allows.

3.  Creative Activity Service (CAS) Information

The intent behind this is to have each student stretch themselves outside of their academic lives and be well rounded individuals. You can find more information about CAS by clicking on the CAS Information link found under "Resources" on the right hand side of this page.

There is a form to fill out and send in to Mr. Teschner, which can be found by clicking on the IB CAS Activity Form link found under "Resources" on the right hand side of this page. 

4.  Extended Essay
An extended essay of 4,000 words on an IB subject that has resulted from independent study, research, and analysis is required for the Full IB diplomas.

Deadline for May 2012 IB Exam Registration:

October 28, 2011.

Registration forms are available from IB teachers and from Mr. Teschner, rm 216. Students must review exam plans with Mr. Teschner before registration. Fees are paid to the THS Bookkeeper prior to registration.

IB Mission Statement:

Through comprehensive and balanced curricula coupled with challenging assessments, the International Baccalaureate Organization aims to assist schools in their endeavors to develop the individual talents of young people and teach them to relate the experience of the classroom to the realities of the world outside.
Beyond intellectual rigor and high academic standards, strong emphasis is placed on the ideals of international understanding and responsible citizenship, to the end that IB students may become critical and compassionate thinkers, lifelong learners and informed participants in local and world affairs, conscious of the shared humanity that binds all people together while respecting the variety of cultures and attitudes that makes for the richness of life.

For more information on The International Baccalaureate Organization, click on: http://www.ibo.org

Quotes From Educators

Send us prepared students á la IB…It is the “best” high school prep curriculum an American school can offer.

Marilee Jones
Director of Undergraduate Admission
Massachusetts Institute of Technology

IB is well known to us for excellent preparations. Suc­cess in an IB programme correlates well with success at Harvard. We are always pleased to see the credentials of the IB Diploma Programme on the transcript.

Marilyn McGrath Lewis
Director of Undergraduate Admission
Harvard University

One of the advantages of an IB curriculum is its struc­ture and quality. It is a coordinated programme, well established, well known and well respected. We know the quality of IB courses, and we think the IB cur­riculum is terrific.

Christoph Guttentag
Director of Undergraduate Admission
Duke University