Information on the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program
We envision Sanchez Elementary as a place where children work and learn in an academically rigorous international program.
The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (IB PYP) at Sanchez Elementary School will hold high expectations for all students. The Sanchez community agrees that all children can excel when given the chance to succeed.
The IB PYP will offer children a well-rounded education that includes exposure to all subject areas, physical education, technology, art and music.
Students who need extra help will receive direct assistance from adult tutors during the day and grant-supported after school program.
The Pre/K-5 International Focus Program at Sanchez Elementary
Q: Why is Sanchez Elementary exploring the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (IB PYP)?
A: The Lafayette community expressed a strong preference for an IB PYP program in a research survey conducted by Boulder Valley’s Assessment Office. The program was chosen because it has a proven track record for success with all students and would attract families to the school. The IB PYP program prepares students for success in college, increases CSAP scores and helps close the achievement gap.
Q: How will the IB PYP program be designed and implemented?
A: Sanchez Elementary School staff and parents conducted a six-month study in 2004-05 to become an IB PYP. This initial study is followed by a three-year authorization process conducted by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). The authorization process includes intensive staff development with visits to Sanchez by IBO personnel.
Q: What are the essential features of the program?
A: IB PYP will be a school-wide program that would be offered to every student in the Sanchez Elementary community – both current and potential students. In an IB PYP school, ALL students are expected to excel in reading, writing and math and to receive a rigorous curriculum in the arts, sciences and humanities.
Q: Will students be required to "test in" to be accepted into the IB PYP?
A: NO. Sanchez is a neighborhood focus school. Enrollment preferences will be given to neighborhood students first and then students residing in Lafayette and Erie. Sanchez Elementary will create an academically rigorous international school environment without limits for test scores, race, disability, gender, or socioeconomic status.
Q: Are any fees charged for pre-school and full-day Kindergarten programs?
A: NO. Preschool classes will be provided in partnership with Head Start. And the district will provide full-day kindergarten. The 4-day preschool program will be taught by an early childhood specialist using a Creative Curriculum that is play-based and developmentally appropriate. The program will provide the foundation for 4- and 5- year old children to build empathy and respect – the foundations for the IB Attitudes.
Q: Will a second language be offered?
A: YES. All students will have exposure to learning a second language from Preschool classes through 5th grade. The program will include Spanish as a second language. English language instruction will continue for students who enter school not yet proficient in English. All students will be recognized for their own cultural identity.
Q: How is student work assessed?
A: In addition to report cards, individual portfolios of student achievement will be kept as a record of each student’s academic progress. Fifth grade students will complete an exhibition that demonstrates their academic, social, emotional and cultural proficiencies. The portfolios and exhibitions offer students a wide variety of expressions and honor each student’s contribution.
Q: How will students keep up with the academic demands of the IB PYP?
A: As in any academically challenging environment, Sanchez students will be expected to do the work necessary to succeed. The school and the community will make decisions together about the content and amount of out-of –school homework. Supports will be made available so that all students can succeed.
Q: Where can I see an IB program in action?
A: Parents wishing to visit an IB PYP have no further to look that Whittier International Elementary School in Boulder. Whittier implemented the PYP program when they began experiencing declining enrollment. The school is now full. The school moved from an average to high on the State School Accountability Rating in is third year of implementation of IB PYP.
LEARN MORE ABOUT IB PYP AT: www.ibo.org